Georgia Bound

As I'm sitting in the tri-state airport with a plane delay, what better thing to do than blog, right?  I never usually mind flying alone but now is a time I wish I had a sidekick! I can hardly focus on anything knowing I'll be in the sweeeet state of Georgia to visit one of my very best friends! Georgia is just one of those states you visit and can't help but smile. Why I love GA:

1. First and foremost, to see my sweet Kate!

2. Southern fried food (yes, totally bad for you but its vacay, right?)

3. Sweet Tea- (It's ALWAYS better in the south!)

4. Being around 1039448 Braves fans.

Other than this trip, there is some news I'd LOVE to share! One of my very best friends and fellow teacher, Miss Nikki Frye will not be Ms. Frye for long!! As of last Friday, she is now ENGAGED! I couldn't be more happy for her or mister Corey Steffy. Their relationship is a model of true, HAPPY love. Corey, you definitely scored big! ;)

Thursday after I got home from a super long day, I opened the door and found a rose and a sweet card. Wondering what sweet person would do this for me, I open it up to find "Will You Be My..." on the front. I open it up... "BRIDESMAID". Then at the bottom was the sweetest note anyone has ever written to me. I couldn't feel more honored to stand by such a wonderful lady! June 15th is the set date. We are definitely counting down the days!

For those of you who know Nik or Corey- congratulate them next time you see them! They sure deserve it! 

My plane has arrived- I'll blog about my trip when I return home. 

Morg :)

Donate?!

Good Morning! The weekend is almost here and I must say, I am SUPER excited! My entire family is going to be in town at the same time (even my Georgia peaches will be here). My uncle has taken his precious time and searched through all of our family pictures through the years and converted them into a movie DVD! In celebration, we will be poolside on Saturday catching some rays, grubbin on some fantastic food, and of course- watching this fantastic DVD! Shout to to you Uncle Kev- you never cease to amaze us!

On to the donation...BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS! I recently came across a post by Kati Bailey (you rock, Kati!) about a current event being hosted by this organization. As everyone knows, there are so many children out there that don't have that support and guidance they need at home or through their family, but that's where BBBS steps in! The mission of BBBS is to provide guidance and companionship to youth through a one on one relationship with a caring volunteer to help them in reaching their highest potential.

Doing clinicals and working with teachers in the school system has truly opened my eyes to how many of these student's in the tri-state NEED our support. As you've probably learned in my previous post, school supplies aren't cheap when you have so much to buy BUT there's a kicker! BBBS is hosting a School Supplies Drive! They want to make sure that every child in their program has the basics to start back to school. How cool is this!? There's different ways you can help: Donate financially, sponser a child, or purchase a few items and take it to their drop off areas (listed below). Even if it's a pack of pencils I promise you it will be appreciated.

Below is the needs list that has been provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Elementary School:
Crayons
Wide rule paper
Fat markers
Glue sticks
Pencils
Notebooks

Middle School:
Loose leaf paper
Colored pencils
Pencils
Binders and folders
Notebooks
 

The drive started July 16th and ends July 31st (We have 12 days to get things rollin!) I'm asking YOU to please consider helping in any way you think you can. I understand that you all live very busy lives but don't worry, I can help! If you'd like to donate, let me know, and I'll be more than happy to collect your goodies and take it to their Huntington collection site when I take mine.

Collection areas are: Hungtinton (501 5th Ave Suite 3 Huntington, WV 25701) and Ashland (1505 Carter Ave Ste 100 Ashland, K...Y 41101) offices.
 
Again, please let me know if you'd like to help! I will be taking donations to the Huntington site on July 30th and wouldn't mind one bit taking yours as well! I'll leave you with one of my favorite qoutes...

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give- Winston Churchill 

Deals & Steals

For those who don't know, us teacher's have a TIGHT budget when preparing for the school year. The $100 to $200 that is given to teacher's for their classrooms never covers for all of the supplies and materials needed. In result, we dig into our own pockets which let me just tell you does NOT end up pretty. Well actually everything ends up pretty except the balance in our checking account ;) The reality is: Teachers can NEVER have enough supplies and materials. Ever since I switched my major two years ago, I have been stocking up.

To the teacher's who don't know: There ARE ways to SAVE! My absolute favorites places to pick up deals are the Dollar Tree (EVERYTHING is $1.00- Yeehaw!), Dollar General, and Goodwill (great selection of children's books). Recently, I learned that WalMart has an .88 cent aisle full of supplies for your classroom. I literally squealed at the sight of these deals. I believe teachers TRULY know how to appreciate a great deal so I felt it was appropriate to spread the word to my pals! Pictures and texts were sent to my fellow pre-service teacher, Ms. Casey Shreve! I then proceeded to call one of my best friends who just finished her first year of teaching. (Congrats again Ms. Frye!)

Here are the deals and steals I found today. Keep in mind, each item is only .88 cents!

(Might be the cutest file folders I've ever seen)

The grand total for all of these WalMart items? Only $15.86!! I guarantee if I were to head into a Parent/Teacher store and purchase all of these items I would at least be spending $80-$90. There's nothing that makes me smile more than getting great bargains for my future classroom! Feel free to share with me some of your deals and steals!

 Adios! :)

Up For a Challenge?

My family and I are trying out a new church in our community. So far, we are so impressed by the pastor and his ability to deliver the Lord's word. Yesterday, he talked briefly about fasting. 

When I was about twelve years old, I remember doing the 30 Hour Famine with my youth group. For those of you who aren't familiar with the famine, it's where students all around the world come together and fight against starvation and hunger. One the same day and at the same time, students unite together for 30 hours to participate in the famine. During those 30 hour hours you fellowship, learn about hunger, and raise funds for the thousands of children around the world who are starving. I remember it being very difficult to go without food, but it was so worth it!

Other than participating in the 30 hour famine,  I haven't looked further into what fasting is truly all about. Yesterday, our pastor brought to my attention how fasting is about drawing yourself closer to God. It's about sacrifice, self- control, and building your relationship with him. It states in the bible how there was a time when Jesus fasted from all food and drink, except water. Luke 4:2 states "Where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during the days, and at the end of them he was hungry." Wow, what a sacrifice he made.

With fasting, all of the time that would normally be spent consuming food will be instead spent in the presence of God through prayer or worship. The goal is to replace the feeding of the needs of physical hunger with the feeding of one's spiritual hunger. The congregation has been challenged to take part in this one day out of each week.

My pastor's quick words about fasting resulted in me taking on this challenge for God. This is my first day of fasting and I won't lie- it's not easy! 

So, I want to challenge YOU to join me in this journey! Let's learn what sacrifice and self control is all about, all while building our relationship with the Lord. Remember: 24 hours ONE day a week! 

Are you with me? :)

Busy Bee!

Hi strangers! I can't remember the last time I've had a free moment to blog, but it feels good to be back! Summer is here and school is out (although I'm still taking an online course) but I'm not letting it stop me from all of the fun summer festivities! I've had such a wonderful summer thus far- and I'm ready to share it with you!

I finished my first two summer courses in three and half weeks. (Shewwww! It felt good to get that out of the way!). From there, I immediately started an online course that last throughout the summer. If all goes as planned, I will finish by July 9th-- about a month early. (Crossing my fingers). One step closer to graduation. Can I get an Amen!?

Those of you that know me well know I love to travel as much as a I possibly can. I've been keeping the roads hot so here's a recap of the past couple weeks:

No better way to start the summer off than a wedding! "Mrs. House" makes one beautiful bride!

My sweet little Georgia Peach came for a visit! My oldest friend right here, folks! Boy has time flown since the 2nd grade!

  

Sarah and I headed to Portsmouth,OH to see a good friend and listen to some Easton Corbin!

 I then had a much needed beach trip with my other Sarah (yes, it can get quite confusing with two sarahs) & her fam! A wonderful time with wonderful people!

  The day after I got back, I made my way to Point Pleasant with these pretty ladies for some great music by Kip Moore! If you're a country fan, listen to his new album "Up All Night"- It's absolutely fantastic! If you're not a country music fan, still listen- this album will convert you into one ;)

My best friend and I then took off to Bluefield, WV for the Eric Church, Lee Brice, and Jake Owen concert! It ended up getting cancelled due to weather- but we still managed to have a great night!

 The next day, Lee Brice played a free concert at the Riverfront so my good friend Scott & I took advantage of it! (Just a little FYI ladies and gentlemen- if you're wanting to learn how to Wobble- this is the man for the job). Anyways...great music on the river and great company? Don't have to ask me twice!

Overall, it's been a fun past couple weeks to say the least! After returning from Bluefield, all I could think about was my comfy bed. Unfortunately, we were one of the lucky ones WITHOUT power due to that nasty storm. So, my family packed up and headed to my mamaws house. By family I mean my parents and all my sweet cousins who live directly behind me. It's unbelievable the amount of things in life we take for granted such as air conditioning, power, etc. Definitely made me realize how blessed I really am! The precious time I got to spend with my family beats any concert/roadtrip in my book! It was two nights full of snacking on some great food at mamaws house all cuddled up with my cousins watching the Disney channel. Precious moments! I believe it took me right back to my childhood!

Welllllllllll, I am offically worn out after writing and I'm sure you are too if you've made it to the end of this blog! ;) Ya'll have a great Monday and stay cool out there- it's a hot one!