What I'm Wearing ~ 03.06.15 {Countdown to Spring Break}

This week was officially countdown week to Spring Break! 4 classroom days, a State trip w/ the club I sponsor and a week away from School!! Amen.

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have signed up for Pinterest, so if there's something you like, you can "pin it" to save. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

The weather is still chilly and the uniform is still in place.  These pants are actually gray, though they look black in my high quality iPhone photos.  Tank is one I've worn in summer with maxi skirt, but added a scarf + cardigan for cooler temps! I'll be so glad to see tank top weather return!! 

RodeoHouston is starting tonight and I knew I'd be coming home and changing for the Rodeo. So, the school day outfit was simple and comfy!  Maxi skirt, t-shirt and my military jacket with a floral scarf mixed in. I've seen floral showing up repeatedly in magazines and such for Spring and Summer. If you're not a big floral person, a scarf is an easy way to add in the trend! 

Again, the cold weather...chocolate brown pants, scarf and cardigan. I guess this week I'm feel pretty neutral with a few pops of color.  Turquoise heels peeked out from these pants. 

Thursday, last classroom day for a while!  Trouser jeans pants, gingham and fur vest.  Plus shoes with a little design for added color.  I'm sure you would be really surprised to know I ended up in that scarf all day long.  Cold weather outside and cold classroom. The extra picture is from my March calendar page..."She was a dreamer, a girl who saws the deeper side of life and longed to live in those pages" which is quote from Karen Kingsbury book. Really I'm just longing for a day to sit with coffee and a good book!  I feel like it's been a while!

This was 5:10 Friday morning, getting ready to load up and head out to San Antonio with students.  These pants I've worn before, they look like nice black pants, but feel like 1 step above yoga pants. They are by Karlie and are a fit then flare cut. It was in the 30's Friday morning, so a perfect day for the blanket scarf.  I only wish I was laying down on my couch covered up with a blanket vs leaving! :)

And, bonus...Saturday at the Conference/return home. Same pants as Friday.  Same boots. Just a different t-shirt, cardigan and scarf! "Professional" for the events and comfy for the trip home.  We hit some crazy traffic coming home, but thankfully stopped on the freeway right at an exit, which I took. I do love the back roads and after a 10 minute detour down a dirt road with 6 cattle-guards we came out ahead of the traffic and got home for SPRING BREAK to begin!! 

I hope you enjoy the weekend and week ahead! I will be back with some Rodeo outfits next!  Long live cowboys and cowgirls! :)

 

Blessings,

What I'm Wearing ~ 02.27.15 {featuring the uniform}

This week the cold returned to Texas, DFW started and ended the week with ice and snow, but thankfully Houston area didn't. Which most importantly means we didn't miss any school days we have to make up.  Last year we lost 2 holidays, one of which was Memorial Day and by end of May, I need a school holiday!!

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have signed up for Pinterest, so if there's something you like, you can "pin it" to save. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

 

Monday was buffalo check, and Barney also had to wear his sweater.  :)  I picked this fur vest up  randomly at Ross one day and have really liked it. One of my besties found the buff check shirt for me at Ross early this fall!  My jewelry is very fancy...the Kate Spade look-a-like studs are from Walmart for $2.88 and the pearls are also from Walmart.  I mentioned about these multi-layer necklaces before, they are easy accessory and Walmart is now carrying them in several colors for $7. Pants are Banana Republic outlet, they often feature pants 50% off and carry longs in the Outlet store which are perfect length for me. #bargainshopper

 

Since it's not really cold very often here I have to wear the blanket scarf when I can.  Picked this one up in Zara while in NYC this year, however these are in online Boutiques and easily available. If you didn't get one this year for fall/winter, now is the time for next year because they are on sale most places.  Pants navy with a tiny pinstripe.  I love layering up wooden bangles too. 

Wednesday was Crimson for Heart Awareness and our HOSA club.  I do love a jeans day and recently missed one, so this was marked on my planner!! That scarf is an American flag and includes navy with white stars but depending how you wear it, navy doesn't have to show.  This week my scarf + cardigan uniform was in full force! Jeans are Gap Always Skinny and if you're more of an "athletic leg" these skinny jeans might work for you! I wear the long in these and they are long enough for a good sized cuff as well. 

Wednesday night the World Famous Championship BBQ Cookoff at Rodeo Houston began and I couldn't take the leftover BBQ smell in my hair. I washed it that morning and so it's actually CLEAN in a ponytail.  If you've been here a while, a ponytail is usually a lazy day choice when really I should have washed my hair.  The iPhone doesn't capture colors very well, but promise this neon orange tank matched the stripe in the scarf.  The bracelet is actually a wrapped necklace.  The stud earrings, another pair of Walmart $2.88 studs and friend asked me if they were Kate Spade.  :) Certainly not knocking the KS earrings, I have the prettiest green pair one of my besties gave me that I LOVE!!

TGIF. I needed the weekend in the worst way.  I really hate when the weeks are not the greatest and I'm just longing for the weekend.  Song lyrics that kept going through my mind this week were "you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything". I'm thankful for the things I stand for and that I was taught to stand up for them. When you lay down at night, you just need to know you've done your best and you live with your decisions. Everyone else lives with theirs. National FFA week was this week and we wore our shirts Friday.  FFA is one of those organizations that shaped my youth and contributed to values and taking responsibility that I still have today.  These are Anderson Bean boots and they are wear-all-day-comfortable from the first day I ever wore them!

Thankfully the weekend includes down time and fun with friends. People I'm so thankful for! 

 

Blessings,

#likeagirl

This year's Super Bowl ads were such a different focus....focus on families, the importance of a Dad,  the puppy of course and this one that began to sweep the social media nation....

Like a Girl

I am a girl.
There's things I am proud to know I do "like a girl". 
I will never compete with what a man was created to do.
Men are created for unique purpose with God given skills and abilities.

But, that doesn't mean I can't excel in anything I put my mind to! 

As I watched all of the commercials this year, I was thankful that my Dad was one who loved our family well, participated with us, pushed us, taught us and most of all believed in us.  He never misses an opportunity to teach us, and it never mattered if it was a "girl" lesson or a "boy" lesson, we could each learn something. 

My first car was '79 GMC Heavy Half that was originally my Papa's. We drove it as a family when we first moved to Texas and all 4 of us fit in the single cab to haul our horses for 4H, my Mom drove it regularly, my brother drove it - including rebuilding the engine and adding glass packs, then I drove it. I think I got new a seat cover when I took it over.

By the time I drove it, that truck couldn't be seen anywhere in our small town that it wasn't noticed.  It took a while before people realized it was me driving and not my brother. Between the two of us, the Heavy Half made many a lap through the Sonic on weekend nights.

I learned lots about cars driving that truck. The gas needed to be pumped twice before cranking the truck and a couple of other little nuisances to keep it running.  There were even a few times I had to pop the hood and add a little oil into it.  I can specifically remember doing this in the Walmart parking lot a time or two.  Nothing says glamour like hot rolled hair, large bangs and adding oil to your truck in public places.

I can certainly tell you, mechanic was no where in my sights, but lessons like this taught me enough about cars that when I walk into a dealership or auto-repair, I know what someone is talking about.  Somewhere along the way I feel like car dealings have become stereotypical that girls don't know anything and therefore are taken advantage of.

Just couple of months ago I had a dead battery and thankfully husband of family I babysit for jumped me off and I headed to get a new battery.  The desk worker gives me my price, which included an install fee that was 3 or 4 times their posted install fee.  I questioned this, he told me a "special tool was required to take out my battery.".  Interesting.  Let's go pop the hood and see that tool because I'm curious! 

{I do have socket set amongst a few other tools in my possession, see previous lessons learned.}

So, the mechanic looks at the desk worker with question, and finally produces a socket wrench. I question him, at this point really just entertained, how he's going to justify this "extra effort" to loosen the very easy to reach bracket that releases the battery.  Knowing full well that mechanic isn't using an ounce of "elbow grease" and the compressor will do all the work. 

Back and forth we go, talk to the Manager, and he agrees there really isn't any extra effort and charges me regular install.  By this time I've paid (still over  priced) and walked out to see what mechanic is doing from outside the garage. According to the labor charges, this typically takes 45 minutes, again I'm real curious about that. It's also almost 8pm, cold and I'm ready to go home. 

Where's the mechanic?  TAKING A SMOKE BREAK. 

Oh no. 

Right back in that Manager's office...is this how you justify 45 minutes?!  Taking a smoke break?! Not on my watch.  Long story cut off, he ends up giving me a full refund and  telling me that guy is a #$&*%@ mechanic. Can't imagine what the mechanic says about the boss.  I'm sure it's not "Best boss ever"?!  The whole thing is becoming comical to me at this point. 

Called my parents when I left and let them know of my free battery.  Have to say, I'm pretty sure this is when my Dad is the proudest of me.

Handling my car repairs LIKE A GIRL!

If there's anything I like less in the world it's dealing with car repairs, waiting for car repairs and buying cars. All of which I've had to do in the last year.  I would gladly hand all of this off to my husband (have you seen him?) and  never look back.  Until then while I'm single, I'm thankful that my Dad invested in me to teach me lessons that I can confidently handle on my own. 

There's nothing a girl can't do!  Let's rally around the girls who are coming up in the generation behind us and teach them nothing is out of their reach. They can do anything.  They can be anything.

So what if we do it LIKE A GIRL!

What I'm Wearing ~ 02.20.15 {The same thing twice...what?!}

All I can say at the end of this week is thank goodness it was only 3.5 days.  Thank you Presidents Day for a restful and productive at home Monday and the end of the six-weeks for a half day Friday!

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have signed up for Pinterest, so if there's something you like, you can "pin it" to save. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

Monday night our Girls Basketball team were first in school history to make Varsity Playoffs, and they WON in double overtime. Tuesday I wore my shirt to support them, apparently in secret because it was so cold I never took off my favorite military jacket all day. So really this outfit was military jacket, white jeans and wedge booties as shown on the right. 

Wednesday was the perfect sunny day started off chilly and warmed up a bit by end of day.  Texas weather can be so tricky in January and February. This was a Sunday Style a  few weeks ago and a re-wear for school. Both the jacket and skirt are from Target!  :)

Thursday was still a little chilly.  Love Life sweater, shockingly this is the first day I wore a scarf.  The iPhone doesn't take super quality pics, but these pants are a mustard/putrid (?)/limey green color. I know, delightful.  But, I love them.  Paired with bright blue heels because that sweater has a little blue dot and wore blue and white scarf. 

Oh what?  Same shirt from Tuesday...yep! Never seen, and even if so, so what?!  Round 2 of Playoffs for our Girls Basketball Friday night and it was fun to see students and staff both cheering them on at school!  They played the 2014 State Champs, and unfortunately lost a hard game.

Apparently I take the very same pic when wearing jeans! Ha! 

This past week I was treated on multiple occasions the direct opposite of integrity and respect.  I saw this quote over the weekend, and reminded myself, just because they do that, doesn't mean I do that.  Thankfully a new week is ahead.

 

Blessings,

Happy Birthday Barney!

Happy 9th Birthday to Barney!

Who knew, getting a dog 9 years ago would be so fun!  He's got lots of personality and I'm more and more sentimental toward him each year that goes by and seem to be especially this year because several older animals of the 4G that have been around for a long time are gone....

These last couple of years we've traveled across the country, lived out of suitcases, hotels, RVs and Meme and Papa's and quickly settled into our own routine again. Barney's days are busy...he loves a window on the world and in the last year has potentially permanently re-shaped the cushion on this chair. It's one of his favorite spots to be....

When tiring of looking out the window, a good nap is hard to beat...

Making the bed and putting all the pillows on it is pretty much an invitation for his "decorator skills" to come in and rearrange to his satisfaction...

 

Sometimes after rearranging the pillows pajamas make a good pillow for another nap...

He doesn't like to miss out on much....reading magazines or books and he needs to be in the middle....

He has a basket full of toys. Some he is very particular about and will dig until he finds just the right one...he's only torn up about 2 toys in his life.  He loves to get new toys for Christmas and his birthday and open presents with enthusiasm!

 

Christmas always brings a new bed for his crate.  It has to be hidden until it's time to open presents, because he wants into it! 

Running, streaking and playing is another part of his day, and every now and then he gets an itchy spot that just needs to be itched...

Barney loves road trips to Meme and Papa's house.  He can always find a good place to nap while still keeping an eye out to make sure he's not getting left.  He squeezes in the chair no matter how many people are already in the chair or how tight the space.  He appreciates the littles who share their Cheerios freely. But,he make sure he doesn't get left and sits on the bags when I'm packing up...

He lovingly recalls one time when he got into a tin of brownies at Meme's and another when he got some slider buns on the DL...secretly hoping one day there will be another treat for him on the table that no one will notice him getting...

Speaking of Cheerios, they are a special treat at night when I'm making my lunch and he's eaten all of his supper. He can't wait to get them...

He's always proud of a new haircut and especially likes his collar, and appreciates a new one of those from time to time.  He still has his very first tag I ever got...

But, sometimes he doesn't like a bath and would like to complain about having to have one...he likes to be a big dog in the country and roam the pasture picking up lots of "scents" along the way...

Above all he's happy and really loves the sunshine!

He's brought me out of some hard seasons forcing me to walks outside when I just wanted to stay inside behind closed doors on my couch...

Pets have a special place, and I couldn't ask for a better one! If only he'd learn that Saturdays and Sundays there is no alarm clock...

Happy Birthday B! 

 



Next time won't you sing with me...

I don't remember learning letters and numbers.  I'm sure my Mom sang along with me, practicing over and over again until I could recognize and say my numbers and letters. I feel like I just grew up knowing them. I do remember having to "erase well" on my homework and making sure my letters and numbers displayed neatly.

In recent years I've sang the ABCs and practiced letters with the Littles. It is so sweet to watch them go from babbles to now reading books and writing in full sentences. I have their artwork displayed in my classroom and each time I see them they have learned a little more. 

But, I can't imagine learning to recognize, read and write numbers and letters as a grown up. 

I have been volunteering for several months with an organization who teaches English to Afghan and Iraqi immigrant women during the day.  In the evenings we meet with them to practice conversational English.

Tonight we did a craft, making washi tape bookmarks.  As we were talking, we learned their current lessons are about alphabet letters and numbers. We talked about first learning the alphabet and teaching with the alphabet song. I sang it, we all laughed, but next time won't you sing with me? Her son was singing it as we were working. As we were working I asked the Mother there tonight to spell her name, I was going to letter her name on a bookmark.  She looked at me, then to her daughter for help. 

 

She didn't know how to spell her name.     

I was reminded of yesterday in church, sermon on loving people where they are.  Having no agenda for any relationship with them.  Tonight that sermon resonated for me. I volunteer through my church, but we are simply there to help practice English, and show them Jesus. Our initiative is to build relationships with the women and children, not to preach to them, or try to change their beliefs, but to show up, consistently, and build relationships. Our actions will show Jesus, eventually our words will.

Photo

We practiced saying and recognizing numbers, both written and with me holding up fingers.  She would look to her children and me for help. 

We practiced saying and recognizing letters. Again, she looked to her children and me for help. I drew dotted lines for her to follow to write her name in English.  We practiced recognizing the letters of her name, and her daughter's name.

She has such a strong desire to learn. 

I have to build trust in her that I want to help her, to equip her for life here in the US. 

I thought of papers that she might have to sign for her children. She can't read them or write to fill them out. I thought of grocery stores and restaurants and all the places we dart in and out of never thinking twice about how much we read and write on a daily basis.  She doesn't understand them.

She understands love.  She understands a smile and a pat on the back as encouragement.

These means to learning translate universally no matter what the language barrier is and no matter what the "lesson" is.  Far beyond numbers and letters, love and encouragement teach, remove fear and build confidence. 

Our time came to a close.  She told her daughter to ask me if I wanted to come home with them. The home, our most sacred of places, she would have me in her home.

Tonight made me pause.  Stop and remember.  Don't we all want someone to sing with us? Not to us, not for us, but with us. Until we can sing on our own. 

Blessings,

What I'm Wearing ~ 02.13.15 {Valentine's Week}

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope your day is surrounded by all the people and things you love.  Whether that means a special someone, your besties, doing something just for yourself, spending time with your family or any combination, have a great day!

Disclaimer: What I'm Wearing is in hopes inspiration for your closet, that I can give you some ideas from what I'm wearing. What fits you doesn't always fit me. What fits me, doesn't always fit you. So, we all know the style of jeans that work best for us, the brands of shoes we love, etc. I'm not a "linker" to buy all of these outfits here. Truth be told, a lot of my clothes are many many years old and I pick up things all around the place. I'm don't update my wardrobe every season with the latest and greatest. I don't have signed up for Pinterest, so if there's something you like, you can "pin it" to save. Hopefully you're just inspired, maybe by something you have and didn't think about putting it together or maybe you are just looking for a simple accessory to add in and these posts can give you some ideas.

Before I took on a friend's challenge to wear pink or red every day in February until Valentine's Day I wore this on Monday!  Gap cropped black pants with suede heels and a cross print top.  I was recently at Walmart and saw they have these layer necklaces for $7 and they come in lots of fun colors.  I got mine from Sam Moon I think for close to the same price, but if you're looking for fun accessory, these are great necklaces! If you see a bright almost neon green one show up on here, you'll know I caved and got it at Walmart....

Pink/Red challenge accepted for the rest of the week! Tuesday I added a little variety to my leopard collection with this magenta/navy/taupe scarf. Wore it with navy pants and taupe booties.  This top is the same one from a couple of weeks ago layered under my camo shirt.  I ordered 2 of these scarfs and gave one as a hostess gift at Craft Night! :)

I realized on Tuesday when I got to school I missed a jeans day. I hate to miss jeans day.  I really wanted a make-up day, but alas, I didn't get that. However palazzo pants are just about like pajamas, so it was ok.  Pink palazzos also meet the wear pink and red challenge, so it was a win win!  These pants will also show up from time to time with cowboy boots during rodeo! You know that's a Hanes T peeking out too! :) If you're not a believe in the Hanes T by now, you should be!

Since Friday is a jeans day and requires school spirit shirt Thursday I wore my heart on my sleeve Thursday.  With of course a little leopard peeking out...

TGIF and it's a 3 DAY WEEKEND!! Amen!!  This week has seen 3 days at school until 5pm and 2 days until 4pm. Thank goodness for the holiday.  Friday was PINK OUT for #PositiveMoJo!  Our Soccer Coach's daughter was diagnosed and treated for cancer last Fall. She had scans last week and there is a new tumor, so they are determining what do do and how to proceed with a second round of treatment. It is amazing to see students across all grades, sports and organizations support MoJo with big bows and pink!  Would you pray for her? 

Here's the week in review!

 

Wherever this Valentine's Day finds you, I pray that you remember the only One who will love and pursue you through all of life's ups and downs is Jesus. He loves you today and every day!

 

Blessings,