Blah Blah Blah

Well it has once again been a while since I updated the ol' blog. I just knew that after we got married I would have lots to write about, but I was mistaken.  Every time I sit down to write a blog or think I need to write a blog, I never can figure out what to write about! But I can definitely tell you that I have many confessions that need to be let out...

1. I am so ready for summer. The kiddos here at school are antsy for it as well. I think a mixture of the nice weather outside and the fact that they have now been in school for 7th months is really getting to them and ME!  I think this time of year seventh and eighth grade students forget to filter what they are saying to adults.  The attitude these kids have right now is just down right crazy! Only 39 more days though...Not that I am counting or anything!!

2. Kyle's sister and brother-in-law have decided to move.  Instead of being a mile down the road they are now going to be 2.5 hours down the interstate.  This is very hard for Kyle and I to swallow.  We are used to keeping our sweet adorable nephew one weekend a month and we both know that when they move it will be hard to see him that often.  They are also moving this Friday and we haven't had a chance to get together to say goodbye. Kyle and mine's heart are aching about this situation. We love that boy (and our neice) as if they are our own.  The way the whole moving situation has taken place hasn't been really smoothe for Kyle and I, so if you don't mind to say a little prayer for us as this change in our life occurs we would both appreciate it!

3. Married life is great. Being able to come home from work and relax/vent to each other about our days is amazing. He is my best friend and married life is everything we had dreamed of and more.  Kyle built me a cute little garden this week and we are attempting to grow some veggies! I am not very good at keeping ANYTHING alive...so we will see how the veggies turn out!

4. Cheerleading tryouts have come and gone. I have a brand new group of girls and I have to say that I am BEYOND excited about it. Amy and I are taking our squads to competition this year and we both think that we have a HIGH chance of winning junior high division.  I mean our girls are that talented! Our first practice is next Friday and then it is all down hill from there. Practice, practice, practice. But you know what they say...."Practice makes perfect." And perfect is just what Amy and I are striving for.

5. Kyle and I have been spending a lot of time with our parents.  We are both blessed to have such supportive parents in our lives. Between spending time with my mom and his dad we are always busy, busy, busy!

6. Zack, Kyle's younger brother, and I went to see the Hunger Games yesterday afterschool.  Zack read the books a long time ago and I read the first book over spring break and I have to say the book and movie were both great! I can't wait to get my hands on the second one!

7. Graduate school applications....I need to fill it out and get started on my masters ASAP. I just dont think that teaching is what I should be doing for the rest of my career. By getting my masters degree I will be able to work in the training departments of corporations and I think adults might just be what I was meant to teach.

Well that is enough confessions for today...

Have a wonderful and beautiful weekend.

Until next time....

Lots To Do...No Time

Well the countdown began so many weeks ago; however, I am just now finding time to blog.

Kyle and I are officially 4 days away from our wedding.  We have so many little things still to do that I feel like my head is going to explode.  Here are the random thoughts that are in my head:
1. Packing...I still need to make a 'to pack' list. I have to pack us for the rehearsal dinner, wedding, night of the wedding, and then our 6 day honeymoon in Jamaica. I plan on start packing tonight and finish it tomorrow day.
2. Work...this is my last day of work. I am trying to prepare for being gone for 3 days! My kiddos are reviewing and taking semester tests while I am gone. I am nervous to leave them, but I now they will be in good hands!
3. Program...still have to go get the programs printed. The color isn't exactly right so Kyle and I have to meet the printers to get those finished up.
4. Hobby Lobby...Kyle and I are doing something extra special for his mom at the wedding since she passed away about 6 years ago. I think we are honoring her in a very special way and I can't wait to share pictures of everything!
5. Graduation...Kyle is graduating tomorrow night. I am so proud that he finished and I am more than thankful for him to be done. We can officially start planning meals at night together and other fun and exciting events at night and not have to worry about his classes!
6. Nails...I am getting my nails/toes done tomorrow morning so that I wont have to worry about them as the wedding gets even closer.

I have been having the worst dreams. Just about random horror wedding occurrences. I dreamed that the band showed up an hour late to the reception and all the guests just started leaving. I also had a dream no one but family showed up to the reception and we had everything planned for no reason. I dreamed that our limo broke down on the way home from the wedding to the reception. Oh and then I have been having the terrified flying nightmares...plane crashes, luggage being lost, hotel book for the next week instead of the week we are supposed to be there. I mean really...I am having some crazy dreams.

Kyle and I are blessed with all the love and support we have around us throughout the stressful process, but man I am ready for the day to be here and for us to just enjoy our special time.

I will update more after the wedding. I hope that when our world calms down around us, I will be able to update more. I really want to try and update as much as possible so that I can print a book next year of all the blog posts I make.

Until next time...Merry Christmas!

Sara
The Bride-to-Be

Thankful For #1 and #2

During the month of November I am going to post each day for what I am thankful for! Since I have missed Day 1 and Day 2 here is my recap!

Day 1: Immediate Family

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful family support system.  My family has been there for me through so much, especially in the past year that I do not know where I would be without them.  In just a few short months (less than 2 to be exact) I will be starting my own family with Kyle.  Kyle has been such a blessing in my life. He has truly shown me what love is and how to love another person.  Kyle and I both know that God has put us in each others lives for a reason and we can't wait to start our life together in December.

My mom has been my best friend forever. Being there for me during the tough teenage years, high school, and college when so much is changing in a young girls life.  She and I can laugh and cry together and in the end I know who will always be there for me until the end.  My step father has a special place in my heart. Since I have lived with him since I was 10 he has been much a like a second father figure.  I love him just as I love my own father.

My dad has always had a special place in my life. Since my mother and him split up when I was young, for many years it was just my dad and I every other weekend. We would do girl stuff, like gymnastics meets, but then of course he was the one that taught me the boy stuff too, such as camping, hunting, and the woods! He bought me my first puppy a yellow lab named Bailey.  Bailey is now 9 years old and the best dog a girl could ask for.  She is also the best bird dog my dad could ask for! She loves her some duck season.  My dad married Jennifer around my senior year of high school.  Now I wasn't the biggest fan when it first took place, I mean she was intruding on my dad and I's special bond; however, now that I am older....I couldn't ask for a better step mother. She supports me 110% and is always there for me and especially my father when he needs her the most.

I love my family to the moon and back and I am so thankful for what they have taught me in life.

Day 2: Girl Friends Friends

I am thankful for my friends! God has put some pretty amazing people in my life for me to lean on when I need support.  Demi has been there for me since 2nd grade! We were inseparable in junior high and high school and have since lived together multiple times. She is truly the sister I never had. God knew that I needed a girl to lean on and she is the perfect match.  We have been through SO much together from family drama to boy drama and I wouldn't nor could I ask for a better friend. She will be standing by me on December 17 as my Maid of Honor and I couldn't think of anyone better to be by my side on the biggest day of my life.  Although we don't see each other as much now as we would like to,  when we get together it is like we never missed a day!

Amy is one of my "newest" friends; however, I feel like we have known each other for a VERY long time.  Our passion of cheerleading brought us together my first year of teaching and it has continued to hold us together through today.  Only difference between then and now, our conversations aren't just about cheer! I can talk to her about ANYTHING. I love going to Amy for advice and she is such an inspiration to me as a person. Always has a smile on her face and a bubbly personality. I can't wait for her to stand up at the alter with me when I get married.

Avery and I met during orientation for our jobs 3 years ago.  She and I were both young and fairly new to teaching. We had a lot of great ideas we couldn't wait to implement in the classroom.  Since we were both young, we immediately "clicked" and have been joined at the hip ever since.  Many of the kids think we are sisters and ask if we are EVER apart! I helped Avery meet her sole mate and although she thought I was crazy at first, she is now the happiest I have ever seen her! She is truly an inspiration to me because of her love of the Lord! I couldn't think of any other way to honor our friendship better than being with me while I marry the love of my life.

Natalie is my fourth and final bridesmaid.  Being friends since before we were even born! Although we don't see each other as much now, we used to be together A LOT! We have so many memories together that I don't know what my childhood would have been like without her.  I stood beside her at her wedding and I can't wait for her to be apart of mine!

Every girl needs a support system and I would have to say with these 4 girls in my life I have the best!

***Day 3 post to come soon!!

Fall Blog Challenge

Today's topic: Fall TV

So I am going to try this Fabulous Fall blog challenge until October 1. Then I will be participating in The Ultimate Blog Challenge (hopefully I will make it through).

So for today...Fall TV. Well, I am addicted to reality TV shows and network series! So...what shows do I never miss. Here's my list!

1. Desperate Housewives

I haven't missed this show since season one when I was still in high school.  Yes I know it's a trashy show, but for some reason...I can't quit watching! (Sunday nights - ABC - 8 PM) This is the last season and I'm not really sure what I am going to be doing when its OVER!


2. Grey's Anatomy

Demi got hooked on this show our first year of college.  We spent many nights together watching every episode from Season 1, when it was on Lifetime and hadn't even made it to ABC. Once the show was aired on ABC Demi and I used to have watch parties and watch Grey's every Thursday nights!  Now we are on the 8th season and I never miss it. I often talk about the characters like I know them in real life. (Tell me Im not the only one that does this). (Thursdays - ABC - 8 PM)

3. Secret Life of the American Teenager

I became a fan of this show in season 1while I was interning at the high school.  All the high school girls would come in and talk about the show and I wouldn't have a clue.  They told me I MUST watch and now I do. I haven't missed one since.  Kyle even likes this show....so it's one we can watch together! (Mondays - 8PM - ABC Family) -- Not currently a new season.

4. Storage Wars

Kyle and I watch many boyish shows together and this one is no exception! Luckily, I don't mind watching this with him and they do find some pretty interesting stuff in the storage places. (Wednesdays - 9PM - A&E)

5. Minute to Win It

Another show Kyle and I record and watch together. This intense game show ALWAYS has us yelling at the TV. We often determine which one of us would play the games better. It's a good laugh and entertaining show. (Sundays - 7PM - NBC)

I'm sure there are lots more, but this is all I have time for now.  Ill try and update more as I think of them. Have a wonderful day/evening!

Until Next Time...

Random Thoughts for Thursday

• I have started my get in shape before I look like a fat cow in my wedding dress workout! I have been doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred video! It is intense. Avery and I have been doing the workout after school and have successfully made it through 3 days. The workout is fast paced and very hardcore. I'm hoping after these 30 days I will be able to start training for that marathon I have always wanted to run. Here's to hoping...and in my case praying...I make it through.

•  My mom's birthday is today and of course I have cheerleading practice and  Parent's Night tonight at school.  I really do not know where I would be with out her. She has been super supportive over the past year and a half.  Now that we are planning the wedding of my dreams she has done nothing but be organized and keep me on my toes with what we need to do next.  She is truly the best mom a girl could ask for! Happy Birthday Mommy!!

• The wedding plans are coming right along. My head is always going through checklists of what else I have to do! December will be here before you know it.

1. Kyle and I have booked the rehearsal dinner location and hotels for Friday night. 
2. We have the reception table linens, flowers, and most of the decor finalized.
3. All bridesmaids/flower girls dresses are ordered.
4.  The limousine for Saturday has been reserved.
5.  Engagement pictures taken. (Wonderful photographer..FYI) I'll have pictures up soon!
6.  Cakes ordered
7.  Honeymoon is booked and paid for.  Six nights in Jamaica...YES PLEASE! 

• Kyle and I are in full football mode right now.  Tuesday nights are 7th and 8th grade games, Thursday, I have cheerleading practice after school and Friday nights are senior high games.  Between Zach, Jake, and my cheerleaders we have both seen our fair share of football games and it is only the middle of September. Here's to 2 and half more months of games! At least I enjoy the game and understand it...right?

• I suppose I should wrap this up and head on out to duty! 

Have a wonderful Thursday night! Be back tomorrow...Hopefully!

Lots of Love --
 Sara

NYC: The Engagement

Kyle and I had been talking about our future a lot lately. We talked about where we would live, what we would do,and  how our life style would be lived. Kyle kept reminding me that it would be a while before he could afford a ring and before all of our future plans would fall into place.

Kyle surprised me with a vacation the weekend after school got out.  I knew that we were going some where but the location was still a mystery to me.  He had been wanting to surprise me (because he knows I hate surprises) for a while and he knew that a mini vacation was just what I needed after a long, hard school year.  He wasn't going to tell me where we were going until we got to the airport. He was going to tell me what I should pack. The whole trip rested on his shoulders.  I am a little worrier so of course I was stressing to the max.  On Wednesday morning, the day before school got out, Kyle agreed to tell me the temperature of the location that we would be going.  He told me that it would be in the mid to upper 70s. So since I am a little researcher, I started googling temperatures in citites I thought we might be visiting. 

Finally after a day of searching, I figured out we were going to NYC.  Kyle was relieved that I finally figured it out, but little did I know what was going to happen on our mini vacation.

We flew out of Tulsa early Sunday morning and arrived in New York around noon.  We headed to the hotel and checked in and quickly left to see the sights. I had made sure Kyle had an agenda of what we were going to do because other wise I would be stressing the whole time.  We did a lot of firsts on that Sunday.  We took a trip on the subway.

Our first subway ride

Saw the Statue of Liberty and strolled around in Bowling Green Park.

Bowling Green Park

Statue of Liberty

It was very fast paced and I was pretty sure I wasn't going to be able to live there!  We made our way to Times Square where there was  Puertican Parade so there were tons of people and 10 times as many police man as there were people.  I was a little nervous! After walking around Times Square we made our way back to the hotel. We got into the hotel and decided to hit up the hot tub.

Monday we headed to Central Park.  We walked around for quite a while and then went to the zoo.  I am a huge fan of zoos.  The animals amaze me for some odd reason...Im still a 5 year old kid at heart.  After the zoo we decided to go on a paddle boat on the lake in Central Park.  Kyle and I asked several couples to take our picture while in the boat.  After a while, and about the fourth couple we asked to take our picture, Kyle told me he would give me my prize he had brought with him.  He got out my prize and it was an engagement ring!!! I was so shocked and the couple who were taking our picture continued to snap shots while he proposed.  So there we were in New York City, in the middle of Central Park, on a paddle boat as the newly engaged couple!

Central Park

Central Park Zoo

The Proposal

The rest of the day was quite a blur. We ate at an amazing italian restaurant and retired to our hotel room! The final day we made our way back to Times Square and Ground Zero.  Ground Zero was an amazing sight.  Something I just couldn't imagine until I saw it myself.

We left the following morning to come home and show our family and friends. I was so excited and surprised by Kyle's surprise!

Being silly in the hotel room!

We have set a date and I can't wait to get more details nailed down. I love you Kyle Martin and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you!



Couch Potato to 5K

Yup, that's right. I am officially starting my life long goal of running a marathon.

I have no idea when I am going to do run my short little marathon, but the time has come when I officially have enough time to do something called exercise! Kyle and I have started our weight loss competition and as you may or may not know...I am one competitive girl!

So the rules are simple...
Who ever loses the greatest percentage of weight wins a prize when we go to Branson for Spring Break in March. That means I have 4 weeks to lose as much weight (safely) as I can. Running and eating healthy here I come.

I am also starting Dave Ramsey's financial program.  Luckily I don't have much debt because I was lucky enough for my parents to pay off my car and school; however, I still have a house payment and lots of other little things. My goal is to get my house paid off faster rather than slower.

Not much else has been going on. I am busy with school planning. Kyle and I have officially started getting ready for the lake this summer. I can't wait for summer and to be spending my days on the lake!!

That's all for now...