2 + 1 = 3

2012-02-01T22:05:00.003-06:00

As Alia's hair got longer, I really wanted to know how to French braid so I could do more than just put it in ponytails. Over Christmas, my plan was to ask my mom and have her teach me. Well...I forgot. So, I did what anyone should do in these days...I went to the internet. I found some directions with pictures and then just did it. I'm having a blast being able to do this for Alia.

12 Things to Cook in the New Year

2012-01-28T17:55:00.003-06:00

As January is coming to an end, I realized I hadn't yet made anything off of my resolution list. I thought I was going to make a pie, but then changed my mind. I would make brownies, from scratch. We have small group tomorrow, so I would just make them for dessert. Now, some would say, Rachel, you can't eat brownies! Don't they have dairy in them? Well, I made dairy-free and gluten-free brownies. (Thanks to Mary Beth for the flour and xantham gum.) Alia poured all the dry ingredients into the bowl and then stirred them up.

Dry vs Wet Ingredients - oh yeah, the brownies are also vegan (applesauce instead of eggs)

Looks like brownie mix! - Those are dairy-free chocolate chips!

Finished product and close-up of finished product. I haven't tried them yet, except for the part that stuck to the knife when I cut them. However, I have no qualms that they will be yummy!

2012-01-15T18:48:00.002-06:00

Ok...I'm all in...here goes the gusto. Whatever that means.
I have been blessed with the opportunity to take part in 2 weight loss competitions. One with some former church friends starts tomorrow. The other starts this coming Friday. They both end in April, I think.
My ultimate goal is just to lose pounds. If I could lose 30 more pounds, that would be awesome, but I might be able to lose more. There are two weeks of basketball left, so there will be two weeks where I have to get up early to get on the treadmill. I can't wait for it to be nice and not dark outside in the afternoon. Then I can get outside and walk after work. There's also a local 5K in May. I think I should be able to run/jog one by then. I've been walking 5K's for months. Do I want to be a runner? No. Do I want to have at least ran one race? Yes.
I've already lost about 20 pounds. Let's put Rachel to the test. Let's let a new Rachel emerge.

2011-12-31T06:33:00.002-06:00

In 2012, I'm going to make a cooking resolution. I resolve to once a month, make something I've never made before. Here's my list:
1)Pie w/a homemade pie crust, 2)pizza w/a homemade pizza crust, 3)meatloaf, 4)biscuits/bread, 5)cake/brownies, 6)chicken pot pie, 7)cornbread stuffing, 8)salsa, 9)cocktails, 10)pulled chicken/pork, 11)French toast, and 12)chili.
A lot of this stuff, I've just been too lazy to make, but I don't think it would take much time at all. I've made ice cream and soup before, although I will continue to try new recipes. I'm going to try to make a salsa today, but I'm using a seasoning packet so I'm not counting that. :) I can always add to my list and make more than 1 thing a month. Any ideas?
Have a wonderful and safe New Years everyone!

2011-12-28T10:38:00.002-06:00

For Christmas, my mom gave all us kids a shadowbox with memories of our dad.

Mine contains two pictures: one when I was a baby and one from my wedding rehearsal.
There's also one of his knives and one of his belt buckles.
The ribbon is his ribbon tie that he wore at my wedding.
There's also a letter in there that I wrote Dad at some point. I don't remember when I wrote it or what all it says though. I'll have to get it out and read it sometime. I do remember it basically says that I love him and appreciate him.

2011-12-26T18:46:00.003-06:00

Christmas Eve
I woke up early of course...I don't remember if Alia was up or not. The sun wasn't up yet and Luna likes to sit on top of the computer.

We went to Hardy's Reindeer Ranch in the morning. Alia fell asleep on the way there and then was shy and tired and a little grumpy while we were there. It was also pretty cold.

That afternoon, all my family was together for lunch, presents, and vegging. The men are watching a movie in the living room.
B, Tom (brother-in-law), George (my mom's fiance), and Matt (my bro)

All of us women were wearing purple. It was a little weird, then we got a little weird.
Kyme (my sis), me, Adrienne (sis-in-law)

2011-11-27T21:54:00.002-06:00

Top 10 Guilty Pleasure Movies (again, in no particular order)

Man of the House - Tommy Lee Jones and a house full of cheerleaders (not the one with JTT and Chevy Chase)

*Jawbreaker - a Heathers wannabe from 1999

Bring it On 3 - again with the cheerleaders

*John Tucker Must Die - there are so many funny parts of this movie

*Center Stage - dancing and teenage hijinks

*Dude, Where's My Car? - love, love, love this movie

*Bring it On - again, what can I say, cheerleaders

*Scream(s) - horror movies that make fun of horror movies - awesome!

Twilight Saga - just saw Breaking Dawn: Part 1 - just rewatched the 2nd and 3rd - love them

Sweet Home Alabama - an actual rom-com

*- Movies I own (I have the 1st 3 Screams on VHS)

2011-11-19T15:49:00.003-06:00

Top 10 Recipes my Family uses:
(If you comment, I can send you any of these recipes, except for the chocolate gravy, my mom would get mad at me)

1. Chocolate Gravy - (family recipe)
I have to have this every Christmas,with biscuits.

2. "Tortilla" Soup - I wanted soup one night and came up with this
chicken, corn, onions, peppers, garlic, tomatoes, cheese, spices

3. "Tortilla" Salad - this is inspired from a salad at Chili's
lettuce, chicken, corn, cheese, beans, tortilla chips, balsamic vinaigrette

4. Terry's Mexican Casserole - This comes from a friend of B's mom.
chips, beef, cream of chicken soup, beans, rotel

5. Fruited Chicken Salad - This comes from a friend I used to go to church with.
This is one of the only chicken salads I'll eat. It has apples and celery (and you can also add walnuts and dried cranberries).

6. Ravioli Lasagna - I wanted lasagna one night, so this is what I made.
Instead of using lasagna noodles, I use ravioli. I also use ricotta and Italian sausage.

7. Chocolate Covered Sugar Bombs - Recipe from my mom - we called them chocolate balls.
I make these every Christmas. Balls of coconut, powdered sugar, and margarine, covered in chocolate

8. Chex Mix - I use the recipe straight off the box.
I make this every Christmas too. I only use Chex and pretzel sticks.

9. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes - This recipe is an Alton Brown recipe.
People love them. Cream and garlic sauce combined with potatoes and Parmesan cheese.

10. Italian Chopped Salad - This is inspired by a salad that used to be on Old Chicago's Menu.
lettuce, pepperoni, salami, mozzarella, Club crackers, balsamic vinaigrette

2011-11-12T08:30:00.002-06:00

Top 10 blogs that I read (in no particular order)

Girl About Town - Amy is a friend who used to live in Columbia and moved away - :(
Amy lives in Chicago now and has many wonderful experiences.

Butterscotch Sundae - Nichole is a friend who used to live in Columbia and moved away - :(
Nichole does things like NaBloPoMo and she makes lists of things to do and I love hearing about the fam.

Mabel's House - Liz is a friend from college
Liz wrote a book, recently had a baby, loves decorating, and is very honest about her struggles (she's been really sick).

Erica - Erica lives down the block from me
Erica does Project 365 - she tries to have a picture for each day, but even if that doesn't happen, she tries to have a post for each day - to remember the big and little things.

Pirates and Princesses - Heather is a friend from back home
This is her party/cupcake/inspiration blog. She also recently became a talk-show host for a local show in Champaign. Unfortunately, that hasn't left her much time to blog.

Raindrop Dreamer - Adrienne is my sister-in-law
She makes bags (like purses and stuff) and cards and window decorations, and pretty much a bunch of other stuff. There's a link to her site on the page. This is also a way to keep up with what's going on in my nephews lives.

Cornell House - Brei is a friend from church
Brei's blog is fun and whimsical and comical. She shares life and some design.

Brickhut - Matt is a friend from college (married to Liz from above)
Matt makes really cool posters and people started buying them and commissioning him to make posters. Pretty cool.

Stress Baker - Jessica is a friend from church
She bakes/cooks and decorates and goes to law school.

She Came From Beyond - I'm plugging "Alia's" Blog here.

2011-11-08T06:13:00.002-06:00

Here's the first of many Top 10's.

Top 10 Favorite TV shows:
All time Top 2: Buffy and Firefly - Joss Whedon is a TV genius. Angel didn't quite make the list though. Although there are many awesome episodes.

3 shows I am sad are gone: Friends, Gilmore Girls, and Scrubs - We won't count that weird last season of Scrubs, although I have seen it.

2 shows that ended too early (besides Firefly): Freaks and Geeks and American Gothic (I own both)

3 shows still on the air: Bones, How I Met Your Mother, and Law and Order: SVU

2011-10-25T23:26:00.002-05:00

What does a watch, a popcorn popper, and an Old Navy gift card have in common? Those are my wonderful birthday presents from my husband/family. Thanks hon! You're the greatest!

2011-10-16T22:02:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is the 4-year anniversary. Wish you could know Alia. I'm doing my best that she knows you.

Dad and me - 1980

Dad and me - 2000

2011-10-15T17:30:00.001-05:00

So...I want to be a blogger, but I'm stuck on ideas and motivation right now. I think I'm ready to start blogging again (I think I blogged myself out this summer). However, I don't know what to blog. :) Any ideas?

2011-10-10T06:49:00.002-05:00

Work, work, work. Walk. Family time. Hang out with friends. Walk. Work. :)
Basketball starts on Halloween. Blah, blah, blah. Yada, yada, yada.

2011-09-04T20:04:00.002-05:00

Alia's birthday is Tuesday. My little girl is only turning 3. She seems so much older sometimes. Although, other times, she's right on. Today we had a small celebration with B's parents and brother and Becca and the Jones-es. On Tuesday, we're going out with Andy, Erica, Laura, and John. Alia wants to go to Bonkers.

2011-08-02T20:29:00.002-05:00

We met my mom and my mom's fiance at the St Louis Zoo today. Now Alia and I are at my mom's. Before we met up, the Lowery fam went to one of the African sections of the zoo.

Alia was too scared to get close to the hippos, especially after one of them started making noises.

We went to the sting rays again this year. Alia still wouldn't touch them. However, there were sharks there this year. Alia was excited to see them.

2011-07-15T19:52:00.003-05:00

My mom is visiting right now. We all went to The Mud Room last night to paint some pottery. It was my mom's first time and Alia's first time too.

Alia painting her kitty and my mom painting her leaf.

Alia with her finished kitty.

Alia wanted me to paint this little alien guy. B painted a box.

2011-07-09T06:48:00.002-05:00

I've been walking (probably for about the last month) with my friends Becca and Tara. We usually walk at Stephens Lake Park. This past week Tara was out of town and Becca and I walked in the mornings. Yesterday, we encountered a lot of nature.

A turtle was crossing the sidewalk in front of us.

After we saw the turtle, we looked up and there was this fawn.

After my walk, I let Alia play in the spraypark. There were a lot of birds just hopping around.

2011-06-29T21:53:00.004-05:00

Noteworthy News! I had to break my busy busy silence to say that Michelle and Eric's baby girl was born today.

Meet Ella Madelyn Jones.

Alia saying hello.

Isn't she cute?

Crazy Becca and the baby :)

2011-06-10T09:45:00.002-05:00

This is Harley.

Harley is my oldest niece. She was born when I was 13. Harley (and Kortnie, her sister) lived with us my senior year of high school.
Harley graduated from high school in December. She turned 18 about two weeks ago.

She is getting married tomorrow. When did she grow up? Congrats Harley and Jeremy! I wish you all the best.

2011-06-01T17:49:00.002-05:00

I blogged myself out.

I'm taking a break.
I hope to resume next week.

2011-05-28T18:05:00.003-05:00

So...this last week was a little crazy. I can't believe I even posted on Tuesday. I've haven't been that busy since I can't even remember when. Or that tired. The end of this school year has kicked my butt. Me so sleepy. I'm teaching summer school this year. It runs from June 6th to July 1st. That's not too bad. And I don't have to work every afternoon.

On to the next question: Has your greatest fear ever come true?
One fear I've always had has just been a general loss of family. In my last post, I showed pictures of 3 of my grandparents that have all passed. Although I was saddened by those losses, they are somewhat the natural order. About 3 1/2 years ago, I lost my dad.

This is the wreath we put on the spot where we buried his ashes.

He was 54 and died of a heart attack. I wasn't supposed to lose my dad then. That would be the type of fear that I have. Losing people at what you could say is the "wrong" time.

2011-05-24T17:32:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I helped with cheerleading tryouts until 6:00. When we got home, B fried up some chicken for dinner. Then we finished Season 7 of "Friends."
Would you rather lose all your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?
This was an easy question for me. I would rather never be able to make new memories as opposed to losing all my old memories. If I lost my old memories, here's some things I would forget.

On the top is a picture of my Grandpa and Grandma Barrett.
On the bottom is a picture of my dad (most important) and my Grandpa Chumbley.
All have passed and I cherish their memories. I have very few memories of my Grandma Barrett and hang on to them dearly.

On the left are B and I right after we were married.
On the right is Alia one day after she was born.
My wedding and Alia's birth (and life so far) are two things I would be very sad if I lost memory of.

With all the technology these days (digital cameras, camera phones, and video recorders), it would annoying to not have new memories, but I would have pictures and videos to look at and keep track of everything that happens.

2011-05-22T13:39:00.003-05:00

Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?

Now, I've had both of these things happen to me. I occasionally lose touch with friends who live in the same town. I mostly accept this as the normal cycle of life, and wait for the tides to turn.
I think the much worse occurrence is when good friends move away. People you love and are used to spending all your time with. People you grow comfortable with and share a lot of the same interests as. People you wish could be around to share your daughter's life. On the plus side, there's this wonderful thing called the internet which allows you to stay in touch so much easier with friends who move away.

2011-05-21T20:13:00.003-05:00

Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?

I think I have been. I try to be a good friend. I'm not the most social person in the world and am often content to just hang out at my house. I can't think of a whole lot to say here. I don't judge (at least try my best not to), keep an open mind, and just go with whatever. I know some people like that. :)
There are always people that I wish I could hang out with more, and wonder if they feel the same, but then I also realize that friendship is a 2-way street. If neither of us is giving effort, then we will again. It's ok.

2011-05-20T20:04:00.002-05:00

Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyous simpleton?

My mom gets anxiety attacks. I never understood until just recently. I've started getting anxiety attacks. I mainly get them while traveling/driving in bad weather. My heart speeds up, my chest

clinches. I physically hurt and freak out. It's the craziest thing. Having started experiencing anxiety (or what I would consider worry), I think I would much rather be a joyous simpleton. If I was a worried genius, I couldn't enjoy my intellect. I wouldn't be happy. Even if I was a simpleton, at least I would be content and happy.

2011-05-19T20:25:00.003-05:00

So, I missed last night. Yesterday was our retirement reception at work. Alia was pretty demanding before bedtime and then it was "Friends" Wednesday with my hubby. Hence, no blogging.
Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

One hump I can't seem to get over right now is a poor body image and a little bit of low self-esteem. I go through phases of feeling good about myself and feeling comfortable in my skin and then being dissatisfied. Last year, I had lost about 10 - 15 pounds. I then gained it back. B bought me a book last year that was really good (I asked for it) that was all about women's body image and how we let it destroy us and shouldn't. Maybe I should just read it everytime I feel bad. Maybe I should just start getting on the treadmill again. Maybe I should make smarter food decisions. I know everything I should be doing...I just can't always find the motivation to do it. So, I need to let go of my bad feelings about myself. I need to learn to accept me again. I need to make sure I love me, no matter what stage of life I'm in. :)
PS...I really don't think I'm a pig.

2011-05-17T17:02:00.004-05:00

What one thing have you not done that you really want to do? What's holding you back?

One thing I've always wanted to do but haven't is travel. There are 2 places I'd really like to go before I die:
Hawaii

and Australia.

I don't know if I'll ever make it though. The thing that's holding me back is stubbornness. My normal response would be to say that the lack of money is holding me back. I try to be very practical and realistic. We never set aside or save up money for a trip, because I try to use all our extra money to stay caught up on bills. I keep telling myself that once we're on top of things, and then stay on top of things for a certain period of time, that then I would consider a vacation or something. But who knows if that will ever happen.
Some less lofty places I'd like to visit:
New York City

Disney World (with Alia)

Chicago (again, haven't been since our honeymoon)

2011-05-16T18:38:00.002-05:00

Would you break the law to save a loved one?
I would probably say that if it was a life or death situation, that yes I would. I'm pretty big on not breaking the law, but if it meant someone that I love was going to die, then I would hope that I would be forgiven.

2011-05-15T07:16:00.003-05:00

Sorry about the blog break. Thursday night blogger wasn't working. On Friday, I didn't get home until 10:30. Yesterday, I threw a baby shower for a friend and just didn't get to it.
If you could offer a newborn child one piece of advice, what would it be?
Well, right now I might say that the potty is your best friend. Don't be afraid to use it and use it well!

We are so tired of diapers. Can't wait for Alia to be trained.

Thinking of a real piece of advice, I couldn't just think of one thing. But I could think of two.
Basic. Simple.
Live and Love.
Most children do this anyways, but be full of life and energy and don't be afraid to go, go, go. Also, love those around you. We've been gifted with a very friendly child. She acts shy sometimes, but really gets along well with many other people. Alia also often expresses her love for her daddy and I. It's the sweetest thing to get her big hugs and kisses and to hear her say "I love you."

2011-05-11T18:52:00.000-05:00

Are you more worried about doing things right or doing the right things?
To be honest, I'm pretty good at doing the right things. I have that down; have for most of my life. My beliefs are pretty strong and I don't go against them. So, I'd have to say that I'm more concerned about doing things right.

2011-05-10T18:25:00.002-05:00

To what degree have I actually controlled the course my life has taken?
I would say that under God's influence, I have had a lot of control over the course of my life. I've also been very lucky to have married a reasonable and understanding man. Through prayer, I/we have been able to make many decisions: what college to go to, when to get married, where to move, when and what house to buy, when to have children.

Sometimes, life can feel like this obstacle course. At those times, I must remember that God is ultimately in control and that however many obstacles there are, He has my best interest at heart.

2011-05-09T20:14:00.004-05:00

If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?
The main difference is that I probably would have had children earlier.

I graduated high school and went to college. (wouldn't change)
I was married when I was 21 and graduated college the next semester. (wouldn't change)
We had Alia when I was 27. If people only lived until they were 40, I guess B and I might have married even earlier, but I probably would have wanted children sooner.
I probably wouldn't live my life any different, because I have no big plans for my life. Just living and loving with my family.

2011-05-08T07:30:00.002-05:00

Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

Well, despite all the times I look like that. And despite all the headaches and annoying and apathetic kids, I am doing what I believe in. I know a few people who "settle" for teaching, but most of us teach because we want to. We definitely don't teach because of the pay or the awesome hours. "What?", you say. "But you get summers and holidays off." Very true, dear reader, but for 9 months out of the year most of us take our work home with us and can't get it all done between the hours of 7:30 and 3:15. And, many of us work in the summer, whether it is teaching summer school or preparing for the coming year. Watching all the lightbulbs go off makes it worth it. My good classes also make it worth it.

I also get lots of time to spend with my family. That makes my job worth it too.

Finally, Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there!

(Picture of my mom and the wonderful blessing that made me a mom)

2011-05-07T06:24:00.003-05:00

So...instead of staying up and posting last night and playing on the computer, I went to bed right after Alia did. Apparently, I was tired.

When it's all said and done, will you have said more than you've done?
I know I definitely won't have done more than I've said, but I also don't talk a big talk. I lead a simple life.

These "ladies" never experienced the simple life even if they did live/work on a farm.
I've only been on one vacation with my parents and that was to Branson. B and I have never gone anywhere. We visit family.

I've never flown anywhere. I'm not afraid to fly, just can't pay for it. I've been to various states, but that has mostly been for school trips or weddings. If anyone wants to buy me a winning lottery ticket, I can do a lot more stuff. However, I don't feel like I'm missing out right now. I'm having a pretty good time being a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, wife, and mother.

2011-05-05T18:35:00.002-05:00

Which is worse, failing or never trying?
As I think most people would answer, I think it is worse to never try. If you try and fail, you may beat yourself up that you failed, but hopefully one day you get over it. Then you have a life experience that you can pull from or you can actually offer advice and help other people.
If you never try, you can't feel bad that you failed, but you may have regret that you can never get rid of.

2011-05-04T17:52:00.004-05:00

How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?
I think I would be 27. You're still in your twenties, but you aren't too young. I don't mind being 30, but society makes a big deal whenever you hit each decade.
At 27, I had just bought a house and I found out I was pregnant. I was becoming a real adult. :)

This is a picture of me (at 27 and pregnant) and my niece Harley. It's one of my faves!

2011-05-03T20:59:00.002-05:00

Alia took this picture for me today.

This is my last day of the 30 day blog challenge. I've really enjoyed posting something every day. I decided to look up more 30 day challenges to do.
5 Good Things That Have Happened Since I Started This Challenge:
1. I started a Friday night tradition with Alia (watching a movie with a treat!)
2. I started going to the Farmer's market (it just opened in late March).
3. B has made some things happen in his life for the better.
4. I had my job for summer school confirmed.
5. I got to visit my family.

2011-05-02T17:33:00.001-05:00

3 wishes

#1 - That B would get a new job that he has applied for.

(Our minds and hearts would be at rest like this picture)

#2 - That I will have a nice Mother's Day (last year's wasn't very good)

#3 - I would like free Sparky's every day!

2011-05-01T07:12:00.003-05:00

Things that stress me out.

Money or the lack thereof.

My house does not look like this. I typically have a messy kitchen and messy bedroom.

Zeus. He squawks way too much, and sometimes way too early in the morning.

2011-04-30T08:07:00.002-05:00

Pictures of the City You Live in

These pictures where taken by my friends Michelle and Eric just about 3 years ago. They went on a hot air balloon ride over Columbia for their anniversary. I thought it was a nice perspective.

This is the church B and I attend - Fairview Road Church of Christ

This is where Michelle and I work - West Junior High School

Broadway

MU Campus

Old 63

2011-04-29T18:02:00.002-05:00

"Dream Wedding"
As I get older and see more ideas for weddings, the more things I wish I could have had at mine. However, we did get married young, and I wanted everything really simple. It's strange thinking back that the people we know and love these days and hang out with here in Columbia, we didn't even know when we were married. Here are some things I found that I think would have been fun to have.

A Photo Booth

This would have been awesome to get pictures of everyone that was there, and just to get some goofy photos.

A different kind of guest book.

Our guest book is tucked away in a box somewhere. Something like a photo guest book would have been neat.

Candy Bar!

We just had deli meats and cheeses and fruits and veggies (and cake of course). We so should have had a candy bar. That would have been awesome.

Tennis shoes

I should have worn tennis shoes for the reception. I had heels, but wasn't good at walking in them back then. Tennis shoes would have been smart.

2011-04-28T22:08:00.002-05:00

Today's topic had to do with songs on your ipod. I do not have any kind of mp3 player, so I made up my own topic. :)
Here is Alia through the years.

April 2011

Wearing an old camp t-shirt of mine.

April 2010

Already driving.

April 2009

Chilling in the bouncer.

April 2008

Couldn't imagine how wonderful she would turn out to be.

2011-04-27T17:52:00.003-05:00

Something I have learned.

I love my daughter. Despite the whining, fussing, crying, impatience, and total lack of attention, I love my daughter.

Friends are priceless. Whether they are people I hang out with at night or on the weekends or whether they are people that make my work so much more enjoyable, they are awesome, and I appreciate them so much. (Or they could even be the people that entertain me on the computer that have moved out of my life physically)

2011-04-26T19:46:00.000-05:00

2011-04-25T19:02:00.004-05:00

What do I carry in my purse? Well, I don't really have a purse. I occasionally carry a bag when I don't have functioning pockets in my pants. The 4 things I always have with me are: phone, driver's license, and 2 debit cards (one for each account). Now I do have a few bags that I use.

This is my "purse" when I don't have pockets. (Made by my sister-in-law)

This is the bag I use mostly for school.

(Those are little skulls and crossbones).

This is the bag I used to use for school, but is also a grocery bag, and when I remember, I use it at the market. (Also made by my sister-in-law)

2011-04-24T15:47:00.002-05:00

Favorite picture of me of all time.
Well, I thought about this picture of Harley, Kortnie, and myself from the summer before I went to college. I was about to go out, so I looked nice. I was kneeling down with Harley standing behind me and Kortnie ducked down in front of me so all of our heads were in a row. I've always liked that picture. However, I do not have an electronic copy of it. :(
So, I looked through all the pictures on my computer and then was looking through the pics of me on Facebook. I found this picture that my sister-in-law Erin took. Does it really get any better than this?

2011-04-23T08:38:00.003-05:00

Nicknames:

When I was little, people (siblings, cousins, sister's friends) used to call me Roach.

I had two nicknames in junior high. My basketball coach called me Skippy, because at times I would skip, not run, down the court.

My eighth grade year I was dubbed Lucky because I wore an all green outfit one day.

In college, my friend Karise started calling me Rachum, off of Friends.

Nowadays, Michelle and Becca have dubbed me Rae or Rae-Rae.

2011-04-22T20:26:00.003-05:00

Something I miss:

Sleeping in.

I understand having to get up during the week. However, I would love to sleep in on the weekends. I'm just asking for like maybe sleeping til 8:00.

Nothing huge. But alas, I get up and take care of Alia. I don't know when I'll get to sleep in again. :(

2011-04-21T17:58:00.003-05:00

Favorite Place to Eat

This is my hometown favorite place to eat.

Thin crust pizza. Breadsticks w/nacho cheese. Yummmmm.....

This used to be B and I's favorite chain place in Columbia, but then it closed. :(

The pizza. The appetizers (cheese sticks and pepperoni rolls). B would say the beer. We miss it so much.

This is probably my favorite place to eat in Columbia now.

Surprise, surprise...my favorite dish is a pizza (Garlic 5 cheese). :) The green chile chicken fingers. The spinach dip (yummy with the pretzels). The fries. The red cream soda.

2011-04-20T17:36:00.002-05:00

Something I am Looking Forward to: Summer!!!

I can't wait to take Alia swimming again.

I also want to go back to the zoo. We went last year, but because of heat and a tired kiddo, only saw about half of it.

2011-04-19T20:07:00.002-05:00

Today's Assignment: Dream Home
I found pictures from HGTV's Dream Home

This is a picture of the front of the house. I just want to say...look at those windows. I would love to have big windows in my living room.

I'm not a huge fan of the bathtub, but look how huge that shower is! How awesome would that be!

I've never been a huge fan of mudrooms, but it would be nice to have a place to put coats and shoes. And look at all that storage!

What I like about this kitchen is the informal table attached to the island. So convenient. And there is a formal dining room just behind this.

Um...grill anyone? Oh yeah, and when we're done let's just hop in the hot tub (that is complete with a fire feature). Although the hot tub looks out onto the road. I probably would want a little bit more privacy.

2011-04-18T16:54:00.002-05:00

As of today, I am halfway through my 30 day blog challenge. I'm wondering what to do when I finish? Find another blog challenge to do? Although its been nice to post every day and I hope that some readers have learned a little bit more about me, this challenge doesn't allow me to keep anyone updated with my current life. I could blog about what happens, but I'm lazy. One post a day seems enough for me. Anyone have any ideas?
Bible verse:
Jer 29:11: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
This isn't my favorite Bible verse, but I think it's one I need to constantly here. When I don't know what's going to happen, at least God does.
Now, let me find a random pretty picture.

2011-04-17T07:42:00.002-05:00

A picture of me last year

This is me with Alia and my two nieces, Harley and Kortnie.

What has changed about me?
My hair is shorter. I no longer am in my 20's. Friendships are developing differently. I try to let people know more how much I appreciate them. I'm trying to be more of a leader in my job. I volunteer at church (last summer I helped with a home makeover and I work at our food bank).

2011-04-16T17:29:00.003-05:00

Goals I need to set for myself:
Exercise at least 3 times a week.

Eat better.

Get/find a bible study to do.

2011-04-15T19:18:00.001-05:00

Something I don't leave the house without:

my phone

2011-04-14T18:48:00.005-05:00

All time favorite TV show:

If not 2nd on the list, way up there:

Some of my favorite weekly shows:

2 of my favorite reality TV shows:

2011-04-13T18:48:00.001-05:00

Things I am not afraid of...

(Things I don't like, yes, but not afraid of).

Things I am afraid of...losing B. or Alia. or Mom. or you get the picture?

2011-04-12T21:20:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite pics of my best friend.

2011-04-11T19:02:00.002-05:00

These are the states I have been to or through. As far as I can remember, I actually haven't been anywhere in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Georgia, or Pennsylvania. I've just driven through those states on the way to other places.
I've lived in Illinois, Arkansas (went to college there), and Missouri. I've been to weddings in New York, Iowa, and Texas (I also have visited family in TX). In high school, our band went to Florida and Ohio. B is from Alabama and some of his family is from Kansas. B and I used to meet up in Kentucky to go to each other's houses. I've been hiking many times in Indiana. In college I went home with a friend that lived in Tennessee.

2011-04-10T06:55:00.003-05:00

Favorite Movies: the first 3, I could probably go on and on about for hours and hours and quote so many lines, but I won't.

Favorite of All Time

Classic. Witty. Action. Romance. A rhyming giant. Awesome.

Favorite Teen Comedy

I never saw this movie until my junior year of college. One of my suitemates was obsessed with it. Then I became obsessed with it. It's so completely over the top. Love it!

Favorite Comedy

Um...if you don't love this (and I think I know a few people that don't), I don't know what to say to you. Best Broken Lizard movie...ever.

2 New Favorites (b/c I've watched them a lot!)

I love the TV series Firefly. I usually watch Serenity after I re-watch that; as they go hand in hand. I just think that Stardust is a really fun movie. Witches, sword fights, romance, and fruity pirates. Who could want more?

2011-04-09T06:42:00.002-05:00

A picture of something that makes me happy. Now this was an easy one. Alia.

Even though she is going through a phase right now. Even though she is trying our patience every night at dinner time. Even though she is enamored with her daddy right now, this little girl makes me happy. I can't wait to plan stuff to do with her. I love taking her places. I love going for a walk around the block. I love starting traditions like Friday night movies.
A friend from work was wondering how crazy it was that you go from not a mom to mom in a less than a day. We (the moms in the room) tried to explain that it wasn't a big deal, because you become a mom so much earlier than birth. I have loved Alia since before she was born! She's my joy.

2011-04-08T18:57:00.002-05:00

Today's assignment: A song to match your mood
I'm not doing it. I can't really think of a song that matches my mood. I'm not in a bad mood, but I'm not particularly jumping up and down with joy either. I could probably listen to some Cake right now. Some nice sarcasm and apparent randomness. Music isn't as big a part of my life as it used to be. I mostly just listen to the radio and whatever B plays (although I don't enjoy everything he plays). But I don't really pursue music. I'm not really sure what happened. Oh well!
What song matches your mood right now?

2011-04-07T17:05:00.003-05:00

I feel very blessed to have grown up with the parents I had. I love them so much. I consider myself one of the lucky ones. My parents were together for 34 years when my dad died. My mom was kind, loving, took care of us, was supportive and is truly one of my best friends nowadays. My dad always made sure to come to a game or concert, protected us, knew how to make us laugh, and always asked me to watch tv with him. People would probably say that my dad had a temper, which he did. Being the youngest though, I quickly learned how not to receive that temper (thanks Kyme and Matt!).
Right before I was married and about to graduate from college, my parents moved to Branson. Mom recently moved back to Illinois. I miss being able to drive down to Branson and just hang out with my parents all weekend. Talking, watching movies, shopping, eating out. It was so great enjoying them as people. I still do all those things with Mom, it's just different without Dad, ya know?

This is one of my favorite pictures of my parents.

This is the last picture I took of my parents together.

This is the wreath we put on Dad's grave the day we buried some of his ashes in Rantoul.

This is a somewhat recent picture of Mom and I after she moved back to Illinois.

2011-04-06T19:26:00.003-05:00

I can honestly say that B was my first love. There were definitely boys that I liked a lot before him, but I wasn't ever in love until him. :) Love you honey!

I can't tell you who my first crush was, but I do remember having huge crushes on these two gentlemen when I was younger. My sister might actually remember who I liked first, but I can't!
Crush A: Michael J. Fox

Even though this picture is from Back to the Future, I remember watching Family Ties all the time.

Crush B: Chad Allen

Another show I watched all the time - My Two Dads

2011-04-05T18:06:00.004-05:00

So...some of my old students are doing a 30 day challenge on facebook. So I googled 3o day challenges to find one to do on my blog. This is Day 2.

My blog is titled 2 + 1 = 3. I hope that the meaning of this is kind of obvious.

A) There were 2 of us (B and I).

Now there's 1 more (Alia). 2 + 1 = 3

B) I'm a math nerd, I mean, teacher. :) 2 + 1 = 3 (It's math!)

2011-04-04T19:14:00.002-05:00

15 Things About Myself
1. I am the youngest of 3.
2. I have 6 nieces and nephews (ages: 17, 15, 15, 14, 11, 10)
3. I've been with my husband since 1999 and married to him since 2002.
4. I have a bird that is 14 years old.
5. My family raised rottweilers while I was growing up.
6. My hometown is lucky if it has 3oo people in it.
7. For a short time, I was a music education major.
8. I used to have 2 scars on my forehead that formed a cross. One of them has faded over time.
9. My favorite TV show of all time is Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
10. I watch reality TV (two of my guiltiest pleasures - The Bachelor/Bachelorette and America's Next Top Model)
11. I can touch my nose with my tongue.
12. I once was burnt by a popcorn kernel. It wasn't fun.
13. I...lived...in...Branson. (only for 6 weeks though)
14. I have 1 tattoo.
15. I have 11 earrings.

2011-04-01T12:43:00.002-05:00

Taco Doritos.
Not my favorite (Cool Ranch), but not my least favorite (there are too many that I don't like). They don't sell these any more, except for obviously right now. You may notice the red triangle saying that these are a limited edition. There is a new Late Night Taco flavor that I do not like. My dad always bought taco flavored Doritos. I assume that these were his favorite. So, every now and then, when they are available, I have to buy them too. In some strange way, it makes me feel close to him.

2011-03-30T18:07:00.002-05:00

Well, we have been to Alabama and back. The driving weather was good for both the trip down and back. However, it pretty much stormed the whole time we were there. I think there was even a tornado warning one night. We spent much time just hanging out. Alia wanted to watch all of Grandpa's Disney movies. I read a book and started another one while we were there. We hung out with a friend of B's and his wife one night. We lunched with B's grandparents. B's mom let me pick out some new clothes for Alia! And, I got my chicken biscuit!
Now we're back home. A repair guy is coming out tomorrow to look at the washer. Now the car is making funny noises. It just won't stop! Hoping to spend some time with Michelle and Becca tomorrow!

2011-03-20T19:10:00.002-05:00

So...our washing machine is broken. We won't get it fixed until I get paid again. I had just paid bills the day that it stopped running in the middle of a load of laundry. And we need the money in our other account to pay for the tons of gas it will take to drive to Alabama and back this weekend. We leave this Friday and will come back the following Tuesday. This is our annual Spring Break trip to visit family. Thanks to Erica for volunteering her washer for us to use. We went over there yesterday and let the kids hang out. (and us adults hung out too!)
Last Tuesday night, I went to play basketball with some friends from school. I had played the previous week and my body handled it fine. I've been walking for probably over a month now 3-4 times a week. Baffled at how it happened, I stepped on the court and basically immediately injured myself. I think I pulled my calf muscle. It was really bad on Wednesday, and gradually got a little better Thursday and Friday. Saturday, I tried to do a big bunch of nothing. Today and yesterday, it's been a lot better. Occasionally, I trip over things or step funny and it hurts, but I can pretty much walk normal now. I was hoping I wouldn't have to go the doctors. I don't know when I'll get back on the treadmill though. :( I might try a low speed this week. We'll just see.
Looking forward to spending time with family and eating a Chik-fil-A chicken biscuit!

2011-03-13T19:47:00.003-05:00

Ggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....................
I pray that God gives me the strength to not blame myself for all the let downs. Please give me a peaceful mind and attitude. Please help me to look to You.

2011-03-06T18:24:00.003-06:00

What a busy/non-busy weekend! Thursday night, our friends Alex and Nichole came into town. They had wanted to come for the True/False Film Festival, but weren't able to get passes. So, it turned into a weekend of hanging out. We met them at Flat Branch Thursday night as they rolled into town. Then we had dessert at Sparky's. On Friday, B hung out with them as I went to work. Friday night, we ate at Shakespeare's and then just hung out at the house. On Saturday was the MU/KU game. Alex really wanted to watch it. We ended up watching the game at Booche's (yummy yummy burgers). I then took Alia home for a nap and napped myself. Saturday night B and I were lazy and just ordered in dinner. Alex and Nichole had gone out. They brought home a movie for us all to watch, and B made a skillet cookie for dessert. This morning was church and Rio Grande for lunch. Then, sadly, our friends left. It was great seeing them, and they said they might come back later this year (with their kids in tow too!) Back to being normal!

2011-02-25T08:14:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Dad! Miss you and love you!

(This is my 400th post!)

2011-02-16T18:17:00.003-06:00

So...it's mid-February and I just took my daughter outside to ride her bike...with no coat on. Is there something wrong with this picture? (and no, I wasn't being a bad mother. It was 60 degrees outside!)