The shot heard round the world...

So, ok I know I've taken a bit of a T.O. from the whole blogging thing, but that's because I felt as though I have had no hilarious antics to entertain you with, and truth is, I still REALLY don't; however, I do have a hilarious video from this summer that I have just not been able to get to cooperate on Facebook so I am left with no other option but to put it on here. It really is a magnificent sight...I think anyway.

This summer, Dom had the 1st anniversary of her 25th birthday (you might call it her, 26th birthday, but we believe otherwise) so in standard fashion, the night of Eva's wedding, we were left with no other option than to go to get birthday margs. And also, in standard fashion, since one Lucy T. Burrett was there, Dom was guilted into taking a birthday shot. Now, like all of us, Dom is no shot coneseur. We just don't take them. Plain and simple. And as a result, these videos ensued. You all are welcome.




Notice the intense force with which she pounds LudaChristopher King's arm. Bless him.



We need some encouragement and help from a neighbor, so a random named Jim came up to give Dom some pointers. And also, we each had to take a little sip of the shot to help Domma out. Anything we can do for the birthday girl.

"Dance til you can't dance til you can't dance no mooooooore."

Summer is coming to an end. I have not made a post in over a month. This just goes to show my blogging life is a lot more interesting when school is in session. There are far more stories to tell, hi-jinks to share, laughs to be laughed, and so on and so forth. My summer of '09 has been one of laid-back nothingness; which I must say has been awesome. I have been a part of two of my best friends weddings and spent time with wonderful friends (woop woop little Eves and Jill), gotten myself a man (and the heavenly hosts rejoice), spent 5 fantastic days with my precious little Georgie (get my flat in NZ ready G!), been thoroughly trainined in all aspects of 2nd grade math and science (just call me Bill Nye), gone white water rafting (everyone should go rafting with Lucy Burrett at some point in there life, it's well worth it), and just plain enjoyed some time off to process my crazy 1st school year.

As I have stated in previous posts, with summer comes the departure of many great television shows; but alas, I have found a great substitute for those summer time TV watchin' blues. During my college years, I was never home in the summer to enjoy any summertime programming, but this past summer, I was able to enjoy a most spectacular of programs: So You Think You Can Dance. I've always caught the occasional marathon on VH1 or MTV, but I have never gotten to be in it during the actual time. I have to admit I am still not a totally 100% die-hard in there fan, but I do record it and watch it and enjoy it and have favorites...OK, I like the show a lot. I was very upset recently when Janette had to go home and I really want her former partner Brandon to win...because they are my favs. Anyway...I was making this post to share two of my very favorite dances (and one that I just discovered I liked) that the two of them did together. There have been other dances that are great and awesome, but to ME these are my two (now three) favorites by my two favorites because they are completely different dances and just shows how fantastical they are. And also makes me think I can dance, when we all know, that, my friend, is a lie from the pit...and it smells like smoke.

Here is Janette and Brandon's Argentinian Tango. Mmm. Yeah.

Here is a little hip-hop dance they did together...it's a new fav of mine as I just stumbled upon it. She's a rocker, he's a hopper who wants to be a rocker...get it? Good.

And here is my favorite. Not because it's insanely awesome (though I think it is), but it's just fun. And Wade Robson is awesome. They're little thieves and they are just SO GOOD together. So sad she is gone. :(

Cockroach, oh cockroach, I hate you, you stink...

Living in the South, you become familiar with a very frightening, winged creature, whose very existence I still question. The 6-legged terror is known as the elusive, disgusting cockroach. From the Latin word Barata, this insect, belonging to the phylum Arthropoda, has been giving me (and countless others) fits for as long as I can remember. **Props to Wikipedia for the scientific information because we all know I didn't know that crap.** This picture alone is reason enough to start uncontrollable itching on my part along with a little vomit rising in my throat; you're welcome.

However, I do not post to tell you of my hatred for the cockroach, but to tell you a tale. Seriously, I'm becoming more and more nautious the more this picture is on my screen, so I am having to type to take its picture away; they are that sick to me. GEEEEEW! Anyway, back to the point. Everyone who has been a native to the South for more than a year knows that summer is, unfortunately, pique cockroach time. I'm unsure if the warm weather brings them out of their oak tree santuaries or if it's the smell of BBQ and the sounds of unbothered fun from unsuspecting humans or what, but for whatever reason, they come out in droves during these hot, hot Alabama months. Even if you live in a relatively clean and tidy place, you still find them, lurking in the bathroom, or, in the case of my story, buzzing through your friends apartment. *insert shudders from readers and looks of disgust*

Last week, Lucy, Dominique, Joy Tiley, and myself were enjoying a nice little Tuesday evening together sitting around Dom's living room; a little laughter, a little seriousness, a little red wine, a few "that's what she said" comments, the evening was going great. The events that proceeded the arrival of the roach are still unclear, but I believe that Dom was talking, making a fairly serious point about something, when all of a sudden, as if apparating from some unknown place, a giant FLYING cockroach soars through the living room and lands in Dom's dining room. There are 3 insects that I have a very hard time keeping my composure around; wasps, bees, and cockroaches (spiders don't count since they are arachnids, but I do also have a hard time keeping my composure around them as well, what up) and apparently I am not the only member of this Fantastic Foursome that has this problem because when we saw the roach, every one of us screamed at the top of our lungs. You would've thought an armed robber had just burst through the door with the sounds that came out of that place, but no, it was merely my arch-nemisis, la cucaracha.

Shouts and screams of "Get a shoe! Get a shoe! Kill it, kill it!" resounded throughout the room as poor Dom (the only one NOT standing on a piece of furniture) ran to find some sort of footwear to bring this miserable creature to its death. She hit it over and over and over again on her dining room carpet and even backed it into a corner, where it appeared motionless and lifeless, meeting the death it very much deserved. I decided to "man up" and spray it with some scented Lysol (there was no bug spray, ok) just to ensure its death. As I walked over and sprayed it, to all our surprise, the little s.o.b. began to quickly skirt about the place as we all began to scream and yell once more. According to Dr. Joseph Ayers, "The cockroach’s speed is due to the design of its legs and body. It has a stable posture with a low center of gravity. The legs are essentially blind thrusters, pistons angled just the right way, so it will inevitably scramble over objects in its path, whether it sees them or not." Whatever, Dr. Ayers, they still suck.

So, after that, Dom quickly puts the tennis shoe back on top of it, but she can't get to an angle to put enough weight on it without lifting the shoe and releasing the sick little beast, so I stepped up, literally, and ran to stand on top of the shoe, squishing the pest with all my might. We waited a good minute or more, just to make sure he was dead, and when Dom took the shoe off the winged beast, I SPRINTED and SHRIEKED to the nearest couch because I just knew it wasn't going to be dead. FALSE: it was. And I looked like a jack-a. After that we were left with the dilema of who is going to pick up the vile, shredded pieces of the roach. Lucy stepped up to do it (notice, Tiley, completely absent from the killing of the roach. No shame, Tiley, I wish I would've been. I do believe your shoe was the one that killed it, so there's your contribution). Lucy went and got about 1 million paper towels and when she went to pick up the remains, she began to gag, but tried to pick it up anyway. She had a hit and miss, though, and got nothing, gagged some more, threw down the paper towels and said, "I can't do it, I can't do it!" I believe, yet again, Dom came to the rescue, picked up the thing, disposed of it, releasing us from our cockroach hell.

This was one of those moments in my life that I wish I had a video camera set up because we could've definitely sent that thing into AFV and made the big bucks. Be that as it may, you will have to settle for my written, slightly dramatic, retelling of the event. Regardless, it's still pretty hilarious.

I can't promise that if I saw someone dressed like this at any sort of costumed gathering I would be able to resist hitting them with a shoe over and over again, just out of habit.

Back by popular demand...

So seems as if many people are in desperate need of some Shrop love--AKA Joy and Lauren said to post one of my favorite pictures of myself. Ok, now I know that sounds a bit vain, and it probably is, BUT you will notice, it is not a Glamour Shots '05 type photo. I think I like it because I look like a small child (which, let's be honest, I am half the time due to spending half of my time with small children). It is from my first Beach Project in PCB swimming in the pee-infested pool at the Aqua View Dive Inn. A hole in the wall among castles and kings, if I do say so myself, the Aqua View will forever live in emphamy for it's lack of water pressure, creepy/angry Russian landlord and crying wife, and wild antics that carried on at all hours of the night. So...without further interruption...I give you...me. :)

Now isn't that just the happiest face you've ever seen in your life? Come on now.

I've also decided to include some random photos from random points from random summers. Could I use the word random anymore?

This is the cow that ruined my life on my Mexican camping trip and ate all my Animalitos. That B.

This is my precious, sweet, wonderful Mexican amiga Gloria (or Glo) that I miss more and more everyday. Plus we're awesome because we put Gummy Bears on our heads...Mexican colors, of course. Te quiero mi amiga!

Never ever let a group of hungry Americans ravage a Carl's Jr. in Guadalajara, MX because there will be a shortage of hamburgers for at least the next 2 weeks...and some definite plumming problems. WHAT UUUUP.


A fairly accurate depiction of my wardrobe for most of the summer of '06. Sponge Bob Fiesta Pants, whaaat?!

What Super Hero roller skating social would be complete with a visit from this lovely gentleman? Oh, my Johnny, how I love thee.


This isn't actually from the summer, but I just wanted to post it in honor of seeing my Georgie this summer.


So, this picture is a kick-off to this summer...Dom and a Mexican moo-moo is maybe the best thing ever. True story.

"I like it when girls stop by for the summer..." Thank YOU LFO

Ah, L.F.O., or Light Funky Ones as you were formerly known...you're one hit wonder about Cherry Coke, Fun Dip, and Abercrombie & Fitch always takes me back to the glorious days of summer...plus it's a lyrical masterpiece. So in honor of Joy K. Allen...

This summer will you....

1..Dye your hair? Negatory. I have the dubious honor and gift from the Lord above of blonde hair that I don't have to dye/highlight. It's the one thing I got that I can "brag" about. Just call me Samson.

2. Get a tan, or burn? If you know me, do you really need to know the answer to this question? (Tan, duh, I'm an addict...Intervention, please?)

3. Go on vacation/trip? Well, I will be traveling to HOTlanta to see one of my PRECIOUS WONDERFUL FABULOUS AMAZING HILARIOUS BEAUTIFUL bestest friends GEOOOORGIE STENT and then going to the MOB some, but no big concrete hardcore plans.

4. Go camping? Don't have any plans...me and camping have never really meshed well...something about the bugs...and the cramped tent...and the rocks that generally dig into my spinal chord as I sleep.

5. Plant flowers? Not unless I plan on planting them outside by my Club MTV pool in my fantastic apartments.

6. Play in the sprinkler? Negative...the art seems to of lost it's magic and luster for me. I freakin owned that thing though when I was a youngin.

7. Have a job? Technically yes because I am still employed by the state even though I do get the summer off, but don't go saying I don't have a "real" job because, I do, it just has awesome vacation time...that all falls at the same time.

8.Go on any road trips? A mini one to ATL...Jorgita get the Alanis ready...yeaaaaaah.

9. Do anything with your family? Of course...the sister is up here and I'll be home in the MOB playing with my precious mother and sister and rest of my fam because I won't have crap else to do after AMSTI gets done taking over my life.

10. Do anything with your friends? But of coooooourse! You gotta love a good Wine Down Thursday as well as some classic Club MTV pool time, PLUS there are weddings weddings and more weddings PLUUUUUUUUUUUS I get to hang out with my Georgie PLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUS my other two favs Jillian and Eva are having their bachlorette fiesta this weekend which will be AMAZING plus Guster plus so much more this sentence doesn't even make sense anymore.

11. Spend your money or save it? Considering most of my days will be free...I'm gonna plead the 5th. :)

12. Do anything you’ve never done before? Be in someone's wedding who is not related to me annnnnnnnd go to the ATL aquarium with G-Money...I'm livin large, I know, I know.

13. Who will you spend the most time with?My fantastic and hysterical friends, my hilarious family, and my glorious DVR...I told you...re-la-tion-ship. We had the DTR...it was everything I ever hoped for and more.

15. Favorite food on the bbq: Burgers and hot dogs...but mostly burgers...mmmm, delightful.

16. Favorite summer drink: Margs (but they're really great anytime of year, let's be real) and, um, Diet Coke? I'm not much of a "seasonal" drinker...but Icees are amazing, Dom.

17. What do you look forward to when summer comes? SLEEPING! And the sun staying out to play later, and dusk, OOOH, and playing in the water. And eating outside. And laying out. And wearing dresses. And I'm done.

18. Would you rather it be winter? Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeellllllllll to the naw. You can't eat dinner outside in the winter, which is one of my favorite things to do (yeaaah Dom)

19. How many times will you hit the beach? I mean I hope at least once (to see my sweet Lesley), but who knows...times like these when I miss the Gulf Coast. Birmingham=mountainous hills=not the flat white sandy beaches of the coastal region.

20. Do you go camping? Been there, done that, didn't buy the t-shirt because it wasn't that awesome....but it was in Mexico...and I did sleep on top of a giant rock...and I did have to listen to Johnny and Matt playing stick ball with dirt rocks and Jill cheer them on the homerun victory. That part was hilarious, the being sick to my stomach/sleep deprived/having all my animalitos (animal crackers) taken out of my back pack by a wild cow and eaten...not so awesome.

21. Flip flops or shoes? Flippy floppies...Havaianas if you pleeeeeeease.

22. River or pool? Um, don't really do open bodies of water, but I'm all about LOOKING at them and SITTING by them, but I love a pool.

23. Shorts or dresses? No me gusta shorts, but te quiero a cutsie dress!

24. Favorite summer treats? Hawaiian shave ice and Pop-Ices and BEING ABLE TO SLEEP! What uuup.

25. Favorite summer memories? Oh me, oh my... when I was little playing flashlight tag way late at night or any other late night rendevous we may of had as children, spending all day at the swim club and getting the "white trash ballpark sunburn" under my eyes, sitting on my grandmothers patio eating pickles and pop-ices and shelling peas, living in the room with a tiolet that didn't flush...ever...or have water pressure higher than that of an eyedropper in PCB at Project my first summer, working at the Holiday Inn and dressing up like Sponge Bob my 2nd summer, taking every sort of mode of transportation (walking, hitching, bus, taxi) to get to a mall in Guadalajara, Guadalajara as a whole, pretty much anything involving summer is my favorite...I can't deny it.

Where, oh where, have my TV shows gone?

May is always a good month. Summer comes, the weather is changing into prime pool time weather, the sun sets later giving us ample daytime playtime, and the best thing of all, I get some time off work. Some have told me teachers don't live in the real world since we get a "2 month break," but let me assure ALL of you that teachers need summer otherwise the amount of teacher/student battery cases as well as the numbers in the psych ward would rise dramatically. However, with May also comes a sad, sad time: season finale time.

Yes, I watch TV. Yes, I watch a lot of TV. Some might even say I have a "relationship" with my television. So what if I have a show (sometimes 2) each night that are scheduled to record on my DVR? Don't hate, appreciate. This past year did not disappoint in the television department. From 24 to American Idol to The Office to How I Met Your Mother, I have been entertained all spring long. So many questions are left unanswered. How is Jack Bauer going to come out of this biohazard sickness alive? When are Jim and Pam going to tie the knot? Before or after they have their little Jam baby (Jim + Pam, what up)? Who IS Ted Mosby's (*wink* architect) wife and WHEN will we meet her? And most importantly, how many pieces of hate mail are the producers from American Idol going to get from queens, hags, and middle aged women across the country due to Adam Lambert's "shocking" loss?

I could probably talk forever about my opinion on AI this season. One thing is for sure, I wanted sweet little Allison to win or that precious Danny Gokey. They were both amazing. COME ON! Maybe I'm biast because they both have raspy voices and give hope to vocal nodgal suffers everywhere, but I just love them. Don't get me wrong, Adam Lambert has talent, but he belongs on Broadway, and I believe I would know. I mean, after all, I did do choir tour. Em-bar-ass-ing.

SPEAKING of choir tour, I could not be more excited about Fox's new show coming on in the Fall, Glee. There was a special sneak preview after Idol on Tuesday, and it was hilarious, and also complete with numbers from several of my favorite musicals. Seriously, who is going to pay for my all access pass to Broadway? I'm going to need that to happen, A-SAP. You can make donations and checks payable to Katie Shropshire. All donations will be tax deductible. Maybe.

Anastas-yeaaaaah

I know, I know, I have not posted on this thing in forever. That is because school was ending, life was chaotic, and I got lazy; but school is now over, it is summer, and I felt it was high time to make a post.

My last day with my kids was on Thursday of this week. I felt it was a little bitter sweet as this has been such a crazy, hectic year of teaching; I say that as if I have anything to actually compare it to, but you get the point. The kids did lots of fun activities all week to keep themselves entertained while Miss Shrop got her clean on, if you will. They colored, they talked (a lot), and most importantly watched many fantastic and awesome children's movies, one of which would be one of my all time favorites: 20th century Fox's Anastasia.

Ever since the Explorium in Mobile had an exhibit on the Romanov family, I have been fascinated by the story of Anastasia. I know you're all surprised; me, be infatuated by a sad, traumatic event in world history? Get out! (Enter my other weird fascination with WWII/Holocaust) Anyway, so I love the movie Anastasia. My family used to jam out to the soundtrack in the minivan all the time as well as watch the movie loads and loads of times. Now mind you, I was in about 7th or 8th grade when this movie came out, so honestly, I really have no actual excuse to of ever liked it, but it is what it is.

Besides the exciting, overexaggerated storyline, the phenomenal musical scores, the flirty banter between the cinematic epic's headliners, there is one part I love maybe the most, and that would be Dimitri. Dimitri is the very much animated, very much not real leading man of the film. Now I can't tell you if it's the looks, that fact that he's a little mischevous but turns from his "sinful" ways, or that John Cusack is his voice, but for whatever reason, he is, to quote the great Randy Jackson "for me, for you" the hottest animated male ever. Now, I know I might have some argument from some saying other more "popular" animated characters are more attractive, say Eric from The Little Mermaid or Moses from The Prince of Egypt (maybe that's just Joy Tiley and Lucy) and so on, but I stick to my guns on this one. Then again, I might have others who would argue, "Uh, hey, it's a cartoon, how can someone be hott? You're weird."

You might be judging me right now, and that's ok, I fear no judgement on this matter; but deep down inside, you know there is some animated male that you find more attractive than others and, if given the chance, you'd definitely break out into random song with them any day.

I mean, look at that face. What's not to love?

Little Barber Shop of Horrors

Since the arrival of Spring, the kids in my class have gone bananas. B-A-N-A-N-A-S. I'm not entirely sure if it's the weather, or the fact that we have T minus 24 days of school and counting, or what, but they have been nuts. They've all got the crazy eye. Spring fever. Whatever you want to call it. And apparently, lucky for me, everyone tells me this is how it is until the end. of. the. YEAR. Eva and I were discussing it and we decided we don't think we'll be able to make it that long. I mean, I may very well end up in a home, or an institution, but whatever.

So, the other day at school, we had Career Day. For 2 hours, my kids, along with all the other kids in school, went to visit various stations to check out different careers. First, we went to see a Karate instructor demonstration, which they loved. Then, we went to listen to, and I mean this when I say it, SERIOUSLY, the most depressing clown ever. First of all, I hate clowns. Second of all, she was so sad and boring. She told the kids that, "Being a clown is only 5% fun and 95% hard work." Does she not know 1st graders do not understand percentages? I'm an adult and I barely get them. And what a depressing thing to tell 6 and 7 yeard olds anyway! All they cared about was the little dog she had doing tricks, and they barely saw that lovely performance. Then we went to see the firemen and fire truck and lastly we went to see a police officer. During his speech, SEVERAL students wanted to share about how their mother/father/uncle/aunt/neighbor/step-cousin/god sister/whoever was currently or has previously been in jail. Delightful.

The rest of the afternoon was spent making The Gallon Man. We've been learning measurement so I decided we'd make a Gallon Man. I'd explain it to you, but you don't care, and plus I don't want to do it, but just know that it involves colors, glue, and scissors. So we are working, quite nicely I might say, and I'm walking them step-by-step through every little thing because that's just what you have to do, when one of the girls in my room comes up and says she "found big pieces of hair in the trash." She then escorts me to the trash can where I do, in fact, see with my own eyes said pieces of hair. I ask the room who cut their hair and immediately an array of choruses of "Not me!" "I don't know, but I didn't do it!" and "I ain't even got hair, Miss Shrop!" broke out throughout the room. I kind of write it off, figuring I'll just get to the bottom of this hairy situation later, when not 5 minutes passes and the same student actually brings me another chunk of hair. I detest hair that is not attached to the head/body/wherever it is supposed to be; it grosses me out. Two more times this very same thing happened when finally, I'd had it. I examined the hair color closely, and at one point was pretty convinced that one of them had actually cut the under part of my hair because it was somewhat the same color, but I soon lay that theory to rest. I then proceeded to walk around the room with a small piece of the hair and held it up to any child's head that even remotely had the same color hair. I finally looked at the child who kept bringing me the hair to tell her I don't who this could belong to, when I stop. I look. I stare. I gasp. On either side of this poor child's long light brown locks are two, rather large, chunks of missing hair. The conversation went something like this:

Me: "Oh my goodness, honey, what is this?" (as I rake my hands through either side of her hair, pulling out even more pieces of hair)
Child: "What?" (genuinely very VERY confused)
Me: "Sweetie, this is YOUR hair. Did you cut your hair?"
Child: "My hair? No! I promise!"
Me: "Well, baby, it's yours. I don't know how it happened, but it's your hair."
Child: "Aww, man! Now I'm gonna have two big chunks of hair missing on my head!"

The mystery of how or why this happened is still unsolved. There are several theories, but no concrete evidence for them. One includes the girl next to said girl apparently pushed her hair out of her face for her while she had scissors in her hand and this possibly caused the locks to seperate, or the child did the same thing herself and accidently cut it. Regardless, I did have to apologize profusely to the child's mother and assured her all students will be closley watched while using scissors. At least hers, anyway.



P.S. I had a FANTASTIC cherry on top of my mediocre week this Friday. Seems as if yours truly has won tickets to the Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil the first weekend in May. At this grand event I will get to see the lovely Jason Mraz and perhaps Snoop Dogg. I've even been entered into a drawing now to possibly MEET Jason Mraz. That would make my 2009, I tell ya. The great thing is, I never win anything! I found out the creeperton DJ on the radio station, who kept referring to me as a hottie even though he's never seen me and it was 7 in the morning, lives in my apartment complex and he told me to "look for him around." Sure thing, boss. I'll be watching close for your voice since I know what you look like and all. Creeeeep-yyyyyy.

Spring Break or Bust

You might be asking yourself, "What? Katie Shropshire exists? I thought she was just some phantom blogger who only occasionally will grace us with some classroom tale," but I am here today to tell not of a classroom tale, but to tell of my Spring Break.

Spring Break should be a magical time. A time of rest, relaxation, doing the things you love that are fun. Should be. I will say that I did have a most enjoyable Spring Break. I did not do much, which was awesome, and I got to see some friends I haven't seen in forever, ate at Butches and Mellow, and even venture to Mobile's very own Crescent Theater. If you don't know what it is, go out and support it, at least once. It's this little theater on LoDa (that's Lower Dauphin Street for those who did not sport the bumper sticker on their car in high school or weren't privy to taking a Mobile History Class where every Thursday we took a "field trip" to LoDa and got to get Krispy Kreme doughnuts on the way home. Ah, that life) that plays small independent films. The guy who owns it really loves movies. And I mean really loves movies. He tried to let us borrow his Swedish vampire movie DVD and said "Come back in a couple of days and I'll let you guys borrow it! It's great!" Maybe next time, Movie Guy; but I digress.

For the past couple of months I have been dying to do 3 things: 1-Go to the Audobon Aquarium of the Americas. 2-Go to the Audobon Zoo. 3-Eat some delish beignets. Where's the one place that houses all 3 of these exciting events? Why none other than the soup bowl city itself, our neighbor to the west, the place that stole Mardi Gras and "did it right," a little place I like to call New Orleans, or NOLA. My family has always loved to do these three things, so it came as no surprise to me that my sister Amber immediately was on board with hitting up these three lovely hot spots with me. We decided that the last Saturday of my Spring Break we would make the journey over to NOLA. We were so excited. Giant Sharks, Jelly Fish, Arangatuns, fabulous French doughnuts, what more could two you girls ask for? Let me tell you friends, nothing, that's what. And we didn't get any of those things. Allow me to explain.

To say we didn't get any of those is a bit dramatic. As I explain the story, let's see if you can figure out which of those things we did get. Did I just go 1st grade on you guys? My bad. We arose at 7:45 am that Saturday morning to begin our treck to New Orleans. Just a couple of modern day explorers; a regular Lewis and Clarke tale, if you will (and you will). We got ready, said bye to my mother and were off on our adventure by 8:45. We even stopped to get some Chick-Fil-A for breakfast which everyone knows is my fav. The day was off to a great start...until we hit traffic. One of the biggest questions I have had recently is the existence of highway construction. What purpose does it serve but to make all impatient drivers angry, irrate, and irritated. It never ever seems to get done. Point in case--just HOW LONG has Montgomery been trying to improve their I-65/85 junction? TOO LONG, I tell you. But anyway, yes, we hit traffic. On I-10. 30 minutes away from our destination. We sat. We waited. We watched as people continued to be ignorant of the concept of merging. We watched a woman almost get rammed in the arse of her car because she refused to move. She was just SITTING THERE. Why, we are still not sure, but this left us with a good 15 minutes of banter back and forth on why that woman sucks so much. But we didn't let this get us down. We cranked up the tunes even louder and just sang our little hearts out. I mean, don't tell us not to live...lifes candy and the suns a ball of butter, DON'T bring around the clouds to rain on OUR parade...woooah. But anyway, this little traffic jam, got more cars than a beach got sand, but us an hour pack in our regularly scheduled plan, but again, we were determined to persevre.

We finally made it to New Orleans. Amber and I were admiring all the rubble and mess that still exists from the hurricane, giving our less than 2 cents opinion on what the government should do to clean it up and rid that area of infection, disease, rats, and roaches, when we realized we might have missed our exit. This was after our father's warning on how not to get lost, pay attention, and we miss our exit. After several exits and enterances and explaining to Amber AGAIN that "Exit Only" does not mean you can't get back on the exit, we finally made it to the Aquarium. This little detour added an extra 30 minutes on to our all ready late arrival. No matter. We were there. We got to the Aquarium, purchased our "Audobon Experience" passes (you get into the zoo, aquarium, IMAX, and the insecturarium for the low price of $32.95) and hit the trail on our wildlife adventure. We made our way through the aquarium, only to remember that it is not actually as good as we remembered. There were too many people everywhere, especially small children, and we kept feeling like we had to get out of the way for them to see, but then were torn because we also paid good money to see the penguins and the otters too. There was also this giant lady in a wheel chair who kept blocking all the sea horse tanks. It's like she was reading our minds and thought "This is the tank you want to go see? Well, I'm going to park my giant motorized Rascal infront of it for 5-10 minutes until you become frustrated and walk off at which time I will follow, and beat you, to your next location." So the aquarium was not so awesome. No matter. On to bigger and better things. Beignets.

We went to the Cafe Du Monde in the Riverwalk because we didn't want to get caught up in the Jackson Square hullabuloo. As responsible and well raised children, we know it's important to eat a well balanced meal before eating deserts, so we went to grab a bite in the food court. Let it be said, the food in the food court sucks. Gross chicken, gross french fries, gross everything, but we ate it anyway. I even saved plenty of room for the light and fluffy scrumtrilescent treat. We make our way to the cafe, stand in line, discuss how excited we are to eat beignets, how we need to get an order to bring home to Mom, when our dreams come crashing and burning before our very eyes. A sign that read "Cash Only. No checks or cards." was posted right at the ordering end of the counter. I thought this must be a mistake; it must be outdated, but as I looked around I realized the signs were EVERYWHERE. Ok, not everywhere, but there was one more posted at the cash register. Well, we didn't have any cash and didn't see a nearby ATM, so we sadly stepped out of line. We quickly came to the conclusion that we would just walk down to Jackson Square, that certainly that location would accept debit cards. After all, this is 2009, not 1909. Well, we were wrong. They didn't. Not to mention the line at the original Cafe Du Monde was OUT OF CONTROL. Sadly and slowly, we tredged back to our car. It was now 4:00. Amber had an epiphone. Or actually a realization. The zoo closes at 5. We thought it couldn't be true. She also remembered, after telling me she DID KNOW, that she actually did NOT know how to get to the zoo from the aquarium. We called the Mom who had to navigate us as we wandered up and down Canal, finally making the several turnoffs we need to find and made it to the zoo...at 4:45. There were tons of people around so we though, maybe we were wrong, maybe the zoo DOESN'T close at 5. WRONG. It does.

We got in the car and made the trip back home. Amber remarked that she wanted to take her zoo ticket and "pee all on it then throw it out the window because that's what I did with my money." I decided since I did not get a beignet that I would, in fact, need ice cream. We stopped at Dairy Queen in some po-dunk town. We also noticed a giant white castle that SOMEONE had built to live in along the coastline. This provided us with a good 20 minutes of back and forth jokes in regards to the matter, that included "Just take a left at the Castle and you'll be there. If you pass the Castle, you've gone too far." We were able to laugh off the situation because that's what Amber and I do. Had it been anyone else, they might have cried or yelled for hours, but we just laughed, ate a Blizzard, tried not to the laugh at the drive-thru worker with the severe r-control problem, and throw our Blizzards at the large group of antique car owners who decided to have a car show in the parking lot. All in all, it was a crappy trip, but at least it provided me with a good story, and now took away 20 minutes of your life.

Picasso? Not so much.

Let's go ahead and write it down that the month of February, as far as school has been concerned, has been the exact OPPOSITE of awesome. This week, especially Friday definitely added to the non-awesome of it all. Allow me to elaborate.

Friday afternoon my kids go to art. They are a pretty well behaved group of kids, outside of the fact that they can't ever, and I mean EVER close their mouths for 5 seconds and think before they act. I really think there is something in about 8-10 of their genetic make up that makes them unable to hear practical and informational bits of advice from those older. It is literally as if they get inside the head of the person giving directions (mostly me) and hear me think "I sure HOPE no one does THIS," and they do the very thing I do not want done. It's really quite amazing.

Anyway, I go to pick up my kids from art, and I hear a child being fussed at. I definitely hear the phrases, "Dry it up," and "I don't want to hear it," so I automatically know said kid is crying. This said kid (we will call him Boy) weeps uncontrollably ev-er-y-time he gets in trouble. He is one of the tallest kids in the class, yet is the most sensitive. He tattles and disobeys and is yet so SHOCKED when he has to move his clothespin (the consequence for not making "smart choices." Earlier that day, Boy had to move his clothespin for blatantly farting on the carpet and rolling around laughing about it during center time. He thought it was hilarious, but soon starting crying when he got in trouble. Unbelievable. But back to art--so I hear Boy getting in trouble, so I know I'm in for tons of fun when I pick him up. When the door the art room opens, Boy's face is the first face I see...and do you want to know what I saw?

PAINT. ALL. ON. HIS. FACE. Paint! Boy had apparently taken his thumb and painted it while the teacher wasn't looking then proceeded to wipe the paint all on his cheeks. AND THEN, when he was repremanded, in standard fashion, begin to cry. I saw him and immediately pointed to hallway for him to go out there and said one word to him: "RED." This means he moves his pin to red which is pretty much the worst. This word sent him into a frenzy of tears and wailing and knashing of teeth. Ok, maybe there was no knashing, but there were tears and wailing. I mean, he carried on all the way back to our classroom. You would've thought I was pinching him. I wasn't going to let him in my room until he calmed down, and he never did. I tried to talk calmly with him but he just kept on and kept on, so I told him we were all going to have snack; he could join us whenever. He finally went to the bathroom and washed his face and came in to sit down. I have absolutely no sympathy for Boy. He drives me nuts. He told me he was now not going to get any birthday presents or a party because he had a red day. Most of you might feel bad and then just move his pin back; well not me. The truth is, he'll get whatever he wants and there is no way I am being manipulated into thinking otherwise. Call me mean, call me insensitive. I just refused to have one pulled over on me by a young William Wallace (you know, the paint, on the face...not a good reference).

I am hoping the month will get better. This Friday kicks of the Spring 2009 concert tour. We'll be heading to ATL to see Ben Folds at the Tabernacle. The rest of the tour consists of these other fantastic acts.

April 11-Flight of the Conchords
April 20-Dave Matthews Band
April 27-Ray LaMontagne

With possibly the Avvett Brothers, Ben Kweller, and various other artists sprinkled here and there. It's gonna be amaaaaaaaazing. Expect pictures and full reports. Until then...

Dreads, Phantoms, Drums, what's not to love?

Season 8 of American Idol has finally after weeks of auditions, gotten underway. I am excited, yet also, a little skeptical of this years contestants. As always in the beginning of a season, I am wary that any of the contestants will be as good as ones I've like prior. I gotta tell you though, for me, season 7 had to be one of my favorites. I'm not entirely sure if it's because I watched it every single week 2 times a week while helping Shane and LaJuan take care of the girls or what, but I just loved it. With all the stopping and starting of songs (thank you Brook (or is it Brooke?) White), forgetting lyrics not just once but TWICE--in the same night (Jason Castro, my love), technical "foreigners" being in the top running for THE American Idol (Carlie...Michael Johns...always a pleasure, but I mean, where's the accent, come on?), putting hard rock twists on 80's and early 90's classics (Oh David Cook), the excessive amount of guy-liner (again, David Cook), or bringing middle-aged women to tears with soft-pleasing tones (The other David), it was just an all around great season. I did like others in the past, buuuut not like last year.

So, in standard fashion, I have selected a few video clips to commemorate favorite Idol performances. Relax...and enjoy. Shropshire, out.

I don't care WHAT Simon says...this stuff is gold. But Lord Andrew is a freak of the week.



I love this song anyway and it always makes me cry, but I just love this little dread head freak.



Also, another all time favorite of mine. PLUS, he's just so awkward. And high. It's hilarious.


I do love a piano...and it IS Brooke...with an e.


Alright, this one is really just for the sheer fact that Jason Castro sang like all my favorite songs...GRANTED he didn't ACTUALLY know he was singing about, but come on, Grisabella the Glamour Cat...that hits right to the heart.


I mean, kid wasn't my fav, but there's no doubt he can saaaaaaang. I mean, saaaaaaaaaaaang.


This is personally my favorite re-make of Mr. Cook, so, here goes...if though technically somone else did the re-make first, so it's really a re-make OF a re-make.


Annnnnnnnnd to top it off with one of my all time favs just because Blake Lewis is so freakin random...I don't think he's givin love a bad name. And they say David Cook was the pioneer of "original" versions. Ok, maybe not.

Unpack your Magic Number 3 in the Great American Melting Pot

Does this title confuse you? If you were a fan of School House Rock, then you might actually not be confused. That sentence alone leaves room for confusion, but I digress. ANYWHO, I have always owed the bulk of my knowledge of anything to School House Rock. Those who know me more than likely can attest to the fact that I am auditory learner...frighteningly auditory. You put anything to a song, and I can learn it. I'm not bragging, do not be fooled, because I might not actually know what or be able to "explain" the information I "retained", but so help me I can sing it to you. My sister Amber and brother Sheldon (sorry Leigh, odd one out) are the same. I distinctly remember listening to this tape on the times tables every morning on the way to school in elementary school so that Amber could learn them, and I was probably the only 1st grader who could tell you their 7 times tables, but not have a clue what I was talking about. To the same effect, I was the only kid in kindergarten who knew their 50 states (well in my class anyway) because my brother and sisters learned a "50 Nifty United States" song for chorus and they would practice it at home, so I just picked it up. That little ditty has helped me out a number of times, I tell ya.

So anyway, we've been talking about adjectives at school, so I decided to go raid the movie drawer at school and I stumbled upon The Best of School House Rock! and I was so excited because not only did it have the song "Unpack Your Adjectives" (which is aplicable to what we are learning right now) but pretty much every other SHR song that I love. And to make it better, my kids loved it. I told them that I learned most everything I know from School House Rock, so they said they concluded they don't actually have to listen to me anymore, and are now convinced the only reason I was able to become a teacher is because I listened to School House Rock. I tried to explain it to them, but it just got too hard, so I quit and just pressed play.

So now I decided to take you back to the old school (literally) and share with you some of my favorite SHR songs.

In the area of Grammar...

What's NOT to love about this song? I mean, ok the graphics are poor, but come on, this is an amazing song.


Any person you can know, any place that you can go, and anything that you can show...oh those crazy nouns.


Lolly, Lolly, Lolly...


Oh, those and but and or, they really DO get you pretty far


All I know about the government and how our country came to be, I owe to these next few songs.

Preamble...helped me out tremendously in 5th grade when I had to memorize it


NOW I know how a Bill becomes a law...and whenever I'm in doubt, I always refer back to this song


I really just did this one for Dominique...because she loves it.


The true bane of my existence...mathematics.

According to my kids, this was a "sweet one." So weird.


I mean, dang, I'm adult and this one helped me out...interest...what??


Could've gone on forever, but I felt like I've shared enough. What are your favs? OR maybe you're secretly judging me for being a 24 year old adult posting School House Rock...that's cool...keep that to yourself.

I guess Bill Cosby WAS right

Kids really do say the darnedest things. My 1st graders are proof of that. Since returning from Christmas, I have overheard/been a part of some interesting conversations. I've waited so long to post them now that I don't remember half of them, but I'll try to remember them.

• Teaching 1st grade has caused me to almost literally hate the sound of my own name. All day long all I ever hear is "Miss Shrop can I..." "Miss Shrop she just..." "Miss Shrop when are we..." "Miss Shrop where is..." "Miss Shrop. Miss SHROP. MISS SHROP!" One day I finally just snapped. It was the end of the day and we were all on the carpet after just packing up and waiting for the bell to ring and, as always, 3-4 people were calling my name at one time. Finally I just said, "Oh guys, I am REALLY beginning to HATE the sound of my own name. Can you please just stop saying it for 1 second?!" About 5 seconds pass by before one smart A kid goes..."So...what do you want us to call you then...you know...if you don't like the sound of YOUR name." Un-be-lievable.
• This past week at the end of the day when all my kids were packed up and sitting on the carpet hanging out, I was back at my table working with one of them, I overheard something truly hilarious. All my car riders and some of my bus kids had left so I have about 9-10 kids left in my room. One of them just went to change for her dance class at school and comes back to join the rest of her friends. All of the kids are commenting on the bright orange slightly over sized t-shirt she is wearing and intently inquiring where she got it from. For those who don't know, 1st graders are prone to a sad, yet sickening disease. It's called over exaggerationitis. The treatment for this disease is unknown, though some of believed a little bit of truth serum might do them a world of good. Anywho, I overhear her tell her friends something a long the lines of she got the t-shirt from her grandfather/uncle and he was wearing it when he died. The truth of that story is she may or may not have received it from one them and they may have happened to die, but nothing about that shirt would ever fit a grown adult. Well, this lovely bright spot in conversation kind of brought all the kids to a quiet awkwardness, when all of a sudden I hear one of my kids kinda laugh and go "Wah waaaaaah," as if to indicate the other student had clearly brought the mood down. This had me laughing for about 5 minutes.
• My kids frequently ask me at lunch if I get very tired of eating the same thing every day because they know that they sure would. They've even offered to share their school lunch with me. I, however, have to pass.
• I still get asked, quite often, by my kids when am I gonna get married and a few of them are in the works of devising a plan on "how to get Miss Shrop a man." Awesome.

I'm sure there is more I could add to this list, but I just wanted to make a post/share these things with you because it's been a while. Hope you all have a fantastic start to the month of February.

Broadway + Doogie = Golden

It has to be said that SNL's skits can be up and down like the tides in terms of humor. I know others might not agree with that statement, but that's how I feel. Well, this past week Neil Patrick Harris, AKA Barney from How I Met Your Mother, hosted the show. I have to say it was pretty funny. Two skits in particular struck my fancy.

First of all, everyone who knows me knows I pretty much love musicals. It's a surprising thing to find out about me, but I love them. I mean Cats was my favorite CD when I was 5 (and I never saw the show until I was 16, that's what is even sadder), I loved Rent way before I saw it live or it was made into a movie, Dominique and I experienced a Christmas miracle by getting seat upgrades when we saw Avenue Q which was great, I mean I could go on. Pretty much any chance to see a musical, that is good, I am pretty much going to take. MOST people want to go to New York to shop, see the sights; I just want to go to see a show ON Broadway. (Side note, Wicked is coming to the BJCC in April and I could NOT be more excited...another great soundtrack. Seriously, I'll stop.) Anywho, with the recent economic crisis, shows are closing down all over Broadway. As a result, this skit was made. I feel there is no need to explain. Hilarious.




This second skit marks the uprise of SNL. Digital Shorts were probably the best thing SNL ever thought to do. They're genius. And the fact that NPH isn't afraid to make fun of the fact that he played a teen doctor named Doogie is completely awesome to me. Hope you enjoy.

Back packs. Busses. BANNED.

All right, so this was too good (to me anyway) NOT to share. So today was a pretty good day in my class. I exercised patience and self-control and my kids tried their best not to grate on my nerves. Well, during snack today, I was reading Junie B., First Grader: Cheater Pants. Great books, BTDubb, however, disclaimer, if Junie B. were in my class, that girl might have a black eye, but kids LOVE it.

ANYWHO, you all remember "Dylan," the little girl who spelled we W-i-i? (Which, by the way, she got one for Christmas and every thing she's written about since then has been about the Wii...which I can kind of appreciate) Well, she got called to the office, and, because it was her, I knew chances were she was probably in trouble. Most of the time my kids go to the office for misbehaving on the bus and they usually get suspended from the bus for 1 day WHICH usually means they don't show up that day...I won't lie and say I don't love it. Well, she left and then when she came back I asked her what they wanted and this is what she said.

Me: So, what'd they want in the office?
"Dylan": Oh, I was in trouble.
Me: Oh, well, what'd you do?
"Dylan": Oh, we can't sit together anymore.
Me: Who? What?
"Dylan": My sister and me.
Me: OH! On the bus? Did y'all fight?
"Dylan": Oh, yeah. Yesterday she threw my back pack off the bus. They got pretty mad.
Me: What?! While it was moving.
"Dylan": Yeah. They had to stop and get it. But it's ok, but if she does it again, we're in more trouble.
Me: Uhm, yeah. Finish your snack.

So yeah, I mean I thought that was hilarious. Then again, I think everything they say is funny. Hoped you enjoyed.

I'm sorry, did someone order a crap sandwich? Wait, that's me.

Now I'm not going to be so negative as to say that 2009 is the equivalent to that of a "crap sandwich." (A phrase I can thank Dominique for and one I'm sure my mother is clucking her tongue and shaking her head at, but oh well. Sorry moms. :) ) No, 2009 hasn't been long enough to reach that status. However, the past week 1/2 back at school CAN reach that status. Allow me, if I possibly can, to elaborate.

• I was called to testify in court for reasons legally I can't get into, but know that I did not partake in some sort of B&E with any local hooligans, (that's breaking and entering for the "un-hip") but it had to do with one of my kids in my class. No big deal, I just had to plan to possibly be out of my room between this Monday and Wednesday (today); they said they'd let me know an hour before. I know most of you are probably thinking, "What? Why is that bad? Just suck it up and go," but you can't just "go" when you have 20 1st graders. You have to plan something for them to do, something for them to do when they've finished the other thing you planned for them, a detailed list of rules and procedures, another detailed list regarding who can't stand/sit with who in line/on the carpet, etc. (And that's just for being gone 1, maybe 1 1/2 hours. Just imagine a whole day). So yeah, I was not stoked. Plus there are other things to the situation that just made me feel like a craptastic teacher and like I was getting put right in the middle of something I did NOT want to be put in, but anywho. Well, they did give me a little notice, a whole 2 days notice, so I planned to be gone at 11 am today and return soon after I gave my little testimonial. WELL, I am about 15 minutes down the road (11:15. I testify at 11:30) when the school calls to tell me that the lawyer just called and said they don't need me afterall. Are. You. Kidding. Me. I mean, it is a blessing, don't get me wrong, but 15 minutes before?! Nobody has any respect for my time, I tell ya. So yeah, I planned and worried and lost sleep (truly I did) over NOTHING. Nothing.
  
• I have had to plan double time for my class because I found out I have not 1 but 5 kids who are below where they need to be in 1st grade. Awesome. 5 out of 20. 1/4 of my students. I am the best and most awesome teacher ev-er. So I had to fill out 5 sets of paperwork to take them through testing, plan extra lessons plans to do extra work with them, schedule 2-3 more hours into my school day to fit all that schiesse in, and then turn average yarn into gold to be spun before the nights end.
  
• I have a paper due for my 1st year evaluation coming up. SERIOUSLY, who has to write a paper after they graduate?? TEACHERS, that's who, because we always have homework, we are never not supposed to be doing something (though I quite frequently choose to ignore whatever it is).
• I had to start making payments on my student loans. Thank you, Sallie Mae, for truly being a life ruiner. I am seriously forever endebted to you and all I get is a job where I am underpaid and underappreciated, but I love it. Catch damn 22.
• Pro-freakin-ration. Apparently I picked the wrong year to become a teacher because apparently the government is out of money. I tell you, they say, be a teacher, they need you, there's a shortage, and there is, but we have the hardest time finding/keeping jobs. Lord, please don't let me loose my job. I'm too unmotivated to start that process all over again.
• I spilled my Diet Coke all on the floor in front of my classroom yesterday. I went to turn my hand to unlock my door and as I turned that wrist, I idiocally turned the other and poured my DC all on my floor AND on my new lunch box (but don't worry, I got that crap out). Really put a damper to the start of my day.

However, 2009 has not been filled completely with crap sandwiches and all it's tasty fillings. There have been some very fantastic things happen.

• The Wii. Which is video game-ese for awesome. My sister Leigh and her husband got a Wii from my mom, Amber, and me for Christmas and I tell you, I don't know what I did before it! It is seriously the most addicting thing ever. EVER. It. Is. Awesome.
• 24 and American Idol have returned. Two of my loves (one I have been without for almost 2 years) have returned from the dead and are now filling up 3 of my otherwise lackluster nights of television. Fantastic
• Two of my best friends are engaged, which I could have put on the crap sandwich list because I am not, but let's be honest, right now, I would be an unfit wife. I would probably be get charged with verbal domestic abuse, if that's possible, I have no idea. So yay Eva. Yay Jillian.
  
• I have Monday off school. No elaboration needed.
• Cadburry Mini Eggs are being sold in the individual packages at CVS which only tells me the family size bags are soon to follow. Things are looking up! (One of those will soon be my weight)
• I got some a new digital camera, new jeans, new school pants, a new cardigan, new lip gloss, new Mineral Viel (make up, and this one has SHIMMER, it's amazing), AND a birthday present from Sephora. And 4 of those purchases were made using gift cards, including the camera, which makes them even better. Ah, the simple things.
• Leigh got a new shipment of Omaha steaks from her mother in law, which means I got the box of gourmet franks that go with it. Gourmet franks...also known as fancy hot dogs...also known as the best hot dog Lucy Burrett and myself have ever eaten. Leigh and Matt are sick of them, so they give them to me. Bless their souls.

So, as you can see the good outweighs the bad. As yes, I still know the Lord is good and He loves me and wants me to prosper, but that doesn't prohibit me from telling everyone about my crap sandwhich of a week and a 1/2. Let's hope the month of January doesn't turn into a crap salad, then I'd really be disappointed.


**Credit to Dominique Grant for all crap food references made.**

Hardcandy Christmas in Dixie

I just thought I would combine 2 delightful Christmas songs to create one awesome title. So, yes, Christmas break is coming to a close. I had a good first grown up Christmas break. Christmas is different when you're an adult. I mean, don't get me wrong, it is still wonderful and great and will always be my favorite holiday, but it's just different. You get excited about getting plates and robes and pajama pants (all of which I looooove, especially the robe).

Anyway, we did have some childlike moments on Christmas. My sister Leigh and her husband got a Wii (which is awesome and my arms are officially sore from playing it for 4 days in a row). My mom also got a bike (found by my sweet and kind brother in law). A beautiful baby blue old school bike. And she loves it. However, we forbid her to ride it until she went up the road to the Super Secret Wal Mart and bought a helmet. She says it's one of her favorite gifts ever.

We didn't get to stay and play with all our toys long because My mom, my two sisters Amber and Leigh, and myself had to drive to Harlingen, TX the next day at 5:30 in the AM. We were going to see my brother Sheldon, his very pregnant wife Kristin and my two nieces Karissa and Kamryn. In case you didn't know that is a 12.5 hour drive. A very long drive across 3 very ugly states. Sorry for the residents of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, but there is not much scenery to see along it's lovely coasts.

Throughout our journey we learned some interesting things. For example, Amber thought that when an exit off the interstate said EXIT ONLY, that meant you can only exit there and you cannot get back on the interstate from that location. True story. We also realized you cannot steal others wireless internet while going 75 mph through the city of Houston. We also realized it's important to not sing inappropriate songs while your mother is trying to navigate through the hustle and bustle of Houston. It may result in you being "cussed." In fact, this conversation followed after making it safely through Houston.

Mom: See, Leigh, we made it. You were a fine navigator And I did NOT cuss you.
Leigh: Um, you said you were going to bitch slap me.
Mom: Oh...well...hmm.

We did safely make it to Texas and had lots of fun. I taught my niece Kamryn some lines from Pearl the Landlord (non of the bad words...I'm not that bad of an aunt. However, I did teach her how to say, "I need to get my drink on" which I know is bad, but come on, it was funny). I had a great birthday and my brother grilled out steaks and we had cake and I got presents and it was awesome. We had so much fun together and I hated to leave...mainly because I didn't want to spend another 13+ hours in the car (yes, the ride home was longer than the ride there). There are some stories I could tell from it, but for the sake of my family and their reputation, I will keep them to myself.

And now I must get back to the real world of 1st grade, but before I go, I leave you with some pictures from our trip. Enjooooy.


How we spent most of our trip...well...how I spent most of mine. Watching friends and various movies.



Kamryn and Karissa helping me open my presents...they're so thoughtful. I think they thought the presents were theirs.



Brother and sisters. Amber, Sheldon, Leigh, and me.



Sisters. Karissa and Kamryn. They're the cutest.



We went to the park on my birthday. Kamryn loooves the slide.



Apparently Karissa gets in trouble frequently in her Pre-K class for this act. Well, since she was with us, we didn't care. However, when her dad got there and saw her doing this, he was not pleased. Whoops.



Karissa being silly at the dinner table. I just think this picture is so cute and funny.



Kamryn had no idea I was taking a picture. This is just her natural eating face. I have never seen a child love sweets more than me, but she does. I have met my match.