Kathleen's Korner

Happy Birthday Casey!

2012-02-12T09:30:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was Casey's 21st birthday! We had a great time celebrating & buying her a few drinks :)

I love you Casey!

Hello from athens, al

2012-02-06T17:11:00.003-06:00

*****This was written on Thursday but for some reason didnt post!!!

We are at a conference in Athens, Al & having some good girl time :)

Day at the park!

2012-02-06T17:11:00.001-06:00

Saturday was spent with my favorite little ones! We went to lunch & then to the park to play, followed by yogurt mountain & then snuggle time back at home! I haven't spent time with them in a little over a month so I was one happy Aunt!!!!

planner?

2012-01-30T18:48:00.002-06:00

If you know me, you know that I lost my planner somehow & somewhere over Christmas break. I really don't know where that darn thing is. I cannot believe it hasn't popped up somewhere. I have never been an organized person but having a planner definitely helped me feel "put together". My roommate for 4 years was OCD Type A planner freak & some of her craziness (as much as I don't want to admit it) might have rubbed off on me. Sometimes I would even write lists of "to-do's" that I had already done, just to mark them off or put a check mark by them. :) I wrote things in my planner that were unnecessary & I knew I'd never look at, but I did anyways, because it made me feel better about my life. It definitely helped me remember meetings, conferences with parents, etc. but other than that, I just used it to make myself think I had it all together.

Anyways, back to my losing my planner story....I was sure it would show up sometime. I just KNEW as soon as I purchased a new one, it would pop up & then I'd be mad. So, I've put off buying a new one (ok, ok, maybe I'm too poor right now to buy a new one...payday anyone?). Can you believe I have managed to go on with my life for 4 weeks without my planner. How? I do not know. But I have made it to meetings, conferences, events, bible studies, weddings, bachelorette parties, bridal luncheons, airports, remembered to pick my medicine up & even managed to teach my children WITHOUT a planner. Does this upset me? Kind of. I kinda thought I needed it. But apparently I'm super - teacher who doesn't need a planner.....

Boo- Ya!

Disclaimer: tomorrow is payday so ask me then if I went out and bought one, just to HAVE one....

Happy (late) Birthday Jeri!!

2012-01-24T17:29:00.001-06:00

2 days ago was my little sister's 20th birthday!!!!

I love you Jeri & I am so proud of the young woman you have become!!! You are so smart & so beautiful & have the sweetest heart!!

I am so lucky to have such a fabulous sister like you!!! I hope you had a great birthday!!!

I literally cannot believe she is 20....

On the road again...

2012-01-22T12:34:00.001-06:00

This time I come to you from the passengers seat of my brother-in-law's car. Christen & I both had to come to Atlanta this weekend so we decided to ride together & I got lucky, she drove. :)

Last night we had my friend Wrenn's bachelorette party in downtown Atlanta! We had so much fun! We stayed in a 3 bedroom, 2 bath suite at The Georgian Terrace & it was so nice! It had a kitchen, living room, and dining room! It was so fun getting together with the girls to celebrate her upcoming marriage (next weekend!).

Happy Sunday everyone! We are having Nana's spaghetti tonight & my mouth has been watering since I woke up this morning just thinking about it!!! She made the BEST spaghetti & meatballs ever!

Here are some pictures I took last night...

Happy birthday momma!

2012-01-18T22:24:00.001-06:00

Today is my mommy's birthday and I could go ON and ON about how amazingly wonderful she is. She is the most selfless, loving, caring, heart-warming person I know. When no one else in the world understands me, she does. When no one else will listen to me, she does. When I'm worrying about something, she calms me. When I need someone to cry to, she lets me. When I need advice, she gives it to me (I may not like it all the time....ha!). When I have anxiety, she tells me to trust God. She has been there every step of the way & I really don't know what I would do without her.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARMIE!!!! I love you so much and I am so thankful for you!!!!!!

My best friend is married!

2012-01-16T10:28:00.001-06:00

I am still recovering from my MOH duties this weekend. I can't seem to catch up on sleep!

The wedding was absolutely beautiful & the bride was stunning! Her dress was so amazing and she looked just like a princess!!! Everything was perfect & I was so honored to be standing next to her on her wedding day. The church was the most gorgeous church I had ever stepped foot in. I could have spent hours in there just looking at all the details.

I made it through my MOH speech shaking, but managed not to cry like I thought i would. The reception was SO FUN & we danced the night away! Ty even managed to make his way to the dance floor...he might not have moved his hips much but I think I danced enough for the both of us! :)

It was absolutely freezing but we managed to take some great pictures on wedding day! Molly's mom made us fur hand warmers & shawls to keep us warm while we took pics! I can't wait to see how they turned out!!!!

We loved hearing the local people talk & laughed trying to mimic them! I also ate a ton of Italian food and clam chowder (or should I say CHOWDA!). I absolutely LOVE Boston & can't wait to come back soon!!!

I am so incredibly happy for my best friend. My heart is overflowing with joy for her & her new hubby!
I love you Brian & Molly!

Here are some iPhone pics from our amazing weekend!!!!

Leaving on a jet plane....

2012-01-13T07:56:00.001-06:00

(I wrote this yesterday but had to turn my phone off before it actually posted)

I'm writing from seat 16B on my flight to Boston for my best friend's wedding!!!!! I am so excited to stand next to her on Saturday as she marries the man of her dreams!!! I love you Molly & I am so happy for you!

In case you were wondering, Molly also started nursing school this week, our alma mater won the national championship, and today is her birthday!!!! She has has quite a week to say the least!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS!!!!! I love you & am so proud of you!

This is it!!!!!

2012-01-09T19:19:00.001-06:00

We are 15 minutes away from the National Championship!!!!! It's rematch time! Road to #14 baby!!!! ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!! Rammer Jammer!

Happy Birthday Luke!!!

2012-01-04T20:03:00.001-06:00

My nephew, Luke is 4 years old today! FOUR! I can't believe it! He is growing up so fast!!! I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday!!! I waited impatiently for him in the waiting room watching Full House episodes on my laptop. I was SO in love the second I laid eyes on him. He is the spitting image of my sister!! He is ALL boy, he could play with trucks all day long and be perfectly content. He lines them up in perfectly straight lines and sometimes even categorizes them. :) He is very protective of his little sister & brother and I love watching them all 3 interact! When he first learned to say my name it was "aunt Kat" and he always meow-ed after he said it because he associated it with a cat. Ha! Then I turned into aunt kakeen & I thought it was the sweetest thing ever. When he grew out of that I almost cried but now I'm aunt kafween and I love that just as much. :) He is so very smart & I'm amazed at the stuff he can already do! He recited the entire Christmas story from the bible by memorization using only a few cues from his mommy! I was so impressed!!! He also already knows letters & recites bible verses!

Luke, I am so blessed to be your Aunt Kafween. I love you so much more than you could ever dream. I adore watching you grow up & am loving living so close to you now. I hope you always know how much you mean to me!!! You were the one who made me an aunt & will always have that special place in my heart! You love Ty, which makes my heart smile, and i love watching yall play. I hope one day soon you can call him Uncle Ty!! Sometimes i think you love him more than me ;).
I always wonder when i will start to be "un-cool" to you but About a month ago, you were about to go down for a nap & asked me to lay in the bed with you so of course I did. We laid nose to nose & you let me snuggle you for the first time in awhile. I almost cried right then and there thinking about how special you are to me. As I left your bed so you could nap, I told you I loved you & gave you a kiss and you said in the sweetest voice, "I love you too Aunt kafween...will you be here when I wake up?" I love when you ask that :). I will remember that moment when i start to not be cool to you anymore ;) which i hope is no time soon!!! I could go on and on about how much I love you but that could take forever! Thank you for bringing so much joy into my life!!!!!
-Aunt Kathleen

Gatlinburg!

2012-01-01T11:02:00.001-06:00

One of my Christmas presents from Ty was a trip to Gatlinburg!!! He got us a cute little chalet with a beautiful view!!! We had so much fun! We found snow at the top of a mountain, went ice skating, went on tram rides above Gatlinburg, saw deer, horses & turkeys, shopped, ate a funnel cake, enjoyed a fire every night, ate at 2 pancake houses, and relaxed!!! Here are some of the pictures I took on my phone! More to come soon!

Our Christmas Morning in pictures...

2011-12-25T11:44:00.001-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T23:07:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas Eve!!! We are driving back to GA right now, as we do every year after a long day of Christmases with both sides of our family. I also have to add Ty's sweet family in now! We went to 3 different houses today to spend time with loved ones. We are so blessed to have such great families!! It was a full day of running around but I would change a second of it! Love making memories and carrying on traditions!

This was the first Christmas without both my grandmothers. My nana passed away in May and my Meme is in a nursing home battling Dementia. It was very weird without them & made my heart sad. I wanted to go visit meme in the nursing home & go with my dad to Nana's grave but the hustle & bustle of the day prevented me from going. I am so very blessed I got 23 Christmases with both of them & will hold tight to my sweet memories of those special times with them.

I hope your family has a VERY Merry Christmas!! Remember what this season is about...Jesus!!!

Here is a picture of Ty and I this morning! Merry Christmas Friends!

And another!

2011-12-22T17:22:00.001-06:00

Here's another one!!! I guess I should be putting these on my other blog huh!?!? Oh well! Love this one too!!!!!

Pinterest!

2011-12-19T18:21:00.001-06:00

Got this idea off of pinterest...now who should I give it to!?!?

I think it turned out super cute. It's to put on your front door (or back)!

Crazy clouds in Birmingham!

2011-12-18T17:25:00.001-06:00

Look at these clouds that were over Birmingham the other day!!! I didn't see them but found these pictures on twitter that different people posted! Aren't they cool?!? God is such an awesome artist!!!

Still here

2011-12-15T19:50:00.001-06:00

Sorry I've been so MIA - I can't seem to get my life together!!! I can't ever get ahead!!!! I hope I'm not the only person who feels that way. As much as I want a husband & family right now, I sometimes wonder how I'd deal with that when I can't even keep up with myself!!! Ha! I guess you just adapt right?

Anyways, I have had a pretty tough week. I've had some not so fun things happen and I've been sick so I'm ready for the weekend! Last night I went with my bible study girls to deliver food to an apartment complex in my school's community. One of my sweet sweet little boys lived there & went crazy when he saw me at the door. This is the same little boy who cried and cried when I went to Texas & was out one day...remember him? He is so precious, I could just eat him up! Anyways, he gave me the biggest hug & it made my whole week. I didn't want to go out to deliver because I didn't feel good but I am so glad I did!!!! I had fun with my group & I am hoping we blessed some families!

Today was polar express day at school & we got to wear our pjs! I got the kids popcorn & juices and we watched the movie this afternoon! They loved it & I did too :) :) oh the joys of my amazing job!!!!

Happy almost Friday my friends! I'll leave you with a few pics of my favorite nephews & niece! We painted ornaments on Saturday!!

my babies

2011-12-08T19:27:00.000-06:00

first of all, i had to share these 2 things...

The other day my kids were guessing my age and this is what I heard....
11!
17!
44!
31!
10!

Seriously? Hilarious.

Then, finally I start hearing 29! So I said, lower! And they got all the way down to 24 :)

_________________

I had my SECOND little girl cut her own hair the other day, what is with my classroom & cutting hair? I swear I watch my kids!!! lol anyways, when I asked this last little girl why she cut her hair, she said, "Well, my hair was too long."

Well sister, way to take matters into your own hands!!! ;)

And just like last time, we found hair on the floor & in desks for DAYS!!!

_______________________

They had their Christmas program the other day & I have never been so proud!!!! They did SOOO good and it was just about the cutest thing I have ever seen (ok, I might be a LITTLE biased...). Tears almost came down when they were done. I felt like a proud momma. :)

I am so thankful to be their teacher. They make me a better person. They keep me laughing. They remind me EVERY day why I love my job. They make me want to drive 45 minutes to work. They push me to be a better person & teacher. I just adore them. Yes, they drive me crazy and I think I'm losing my mind because I hang out with 5 yr olds all day but I would not have it ANY OTHER WAY!!! I am SO in love with them!!! It makes me wonder how deep my love for my own children will be someday because I love these babies so much!!!

Almost everyday on my trek back home, I just think & think about where I was a year ago. If you know me or have read my blog for awhile, you know that last year was VERY hard. I almost gave up on teaching. I am SO unbelievably thankful to God that I did not & for opening up this door for me because I cannot imagine my life without these kids!!!

So, THANK YOU to anyone who prayed for me over my journey. It was not easy but I know for a fact this is exactly where I am supposed to be and I know the hard days made me the person & teacher I am today.

still here!

2011-12-04T20:54:00.000-06:00

Disclaimer - RANDOM POST!

Check out my other blog (on the right side of the page) for a sneak peak from my craft show! We had so much fun but it was ALOT of work! Melissa and I stayed up til 4:30am Friday night/Saturday Morning finishing stuff!!! I have some stuff left so I will be posting some pictures soon if you are interested!!!

My friend Lauren and I threw a wedding shower to our lifelong friend, Wrenn!!! It was so great to see old friends and catch up!!!! I have tons of pictures so I will do a whole post on that later :)

I can't believe I have not mentioned this yet but my best friend & roommate of 4 years in college, Lauren Humphrey, is ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for her and her new fiance, Casey!! I am so happy she found the love of her life and I cannot WAIT to start planning the wedding of her dreams!!!!!!! I love you LAUREN!!!!

Alabama is going to the National Championship!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RTR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yum!

2011-11-25T11:39:00.001-06:00

I made my first thanksgiving dish yesterday! It was a corn casserole recipe I found on pinterest! It was so good! I also helped mom make 2 dips, squash casserole and veg-all casserole! We stayed up til 1am Wednesday night cooking up a storm!!! It was good bonding time :)

After thanksgiving, we went out black Friday (or Thursday night) shopping! We went to outlet malls, kohls, belk, and target!! We got home around 4:30am from shopping! More bonding time :)

I hope everyone had a fabulous thanksgiving!!!

I feel very blessed to have such an amazing family & group of friends, a sweet boyfriend, and a job that I'm totally in love with! God has blessed me with so many things to be thankful for! My list could go on and on!

Happy black Friday and ROLL TIDE!!!!!

Pictures: my corn casserole, the beautiful tree at our outlet malls, and the crazy black Friday shoppers at belk!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-22T20:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Early Thanksgiving!!!

From my babies, to yours!!!

I mean really, how cute are these fingerprint turkeys???

Chickfila Cow

2011-11-21T19:00:00.001-06:00

Took the kids to Chickfila while Christen shopped on Saturday. We were there for awhile and the cow came out a few times while we were there...

Aubrey was not too fond of the cow. The first time it came out I didn't know it was behind me and Aubrey starts screaming NO! NO! NO! And shaking uncontrollably...i finally turned around and figured out she was screaming at the cow. It was quite hilarious. And yes, I did torture her each time by holding her and walking as close as possible to the cow while she completely freaked out by screaming and shaking while death gripping me. :)

Levi & Luke had a much better time with the cow. :) Luke wanted to hug the cow and Levi liked petting her (yes, it was a girl cow with a big bow).

This is how Aubrey & Levi felt about the huge cow....

BAMA/AUBURN

2011-11-20T19:48:00.000-06:00

Today begins the week of rivalries. Down here, it means, are you a BAMA fan or an AUBURN fan? It means my house is split, it means my boyfriend and I are split, it means I don't watch the game with my future in-laws. It means I stick with my bama people. Yes, it is also Thanksgiving week, but more importantly (ha, JK!!!) it is the week of the IRON BOWL!!!!!!!

Happy Iron Bowl Week!!!

Glasses

2011-11-15T22:56:00.001-06:00

So I lost my last left contact down the drain Saturday night and I don't have the extra $$ to spend on new contacts so I'm wearing my glasses until I get one ones. I knew some of my kids might flip out when they saw me Monday but only one noticed....

-student: Ms. Alfano why are you wearing sunglasses!???
-me: are these sunglasses?
-student: I don't know?
-Me: these are my glasses, i usually wear contacts but I lost one so I have to wear these for now.
-student: what's a contact?

How do you begin to explain to a 5 yr old what contacts are!??

a fabulous end to last monday

2011-11-12T21:12:00.000-06:00

Mondays are always a drag. Something always goes wrong - you're late, you spill your coffee, you forget to eat breakfast, someone makes you mad (in my case, a 5 yr old), you get stressed about the week ahead - need I go on?

Well, last Monday wasn't a normal Monday - it was pretty great (for a Monday). Nothing huge happened to upset me, it just felt like a normal day. I was excited to head to Hobby Lobby after school for the first time since April 27th, when the tornado took ours in Tuscaloosa. After school, I went to Hobby Lobby & then Michaels to grab some stuff for my craft show next month. Then, the normal, typical Monday slapped me in the face just as I thought my Monday couldn't go any better....

I was pulling out of Michales onto a 4-lane side street, pulled into the median to wait for a car to pass and next thing I know I got rear-ended, then side swiped. My immediate reaction..."UGH!" How dare you hit my car for no reason. No reason at all. My next reaction, MY BABY!!!! YOU JUST MESSED UP MY BABY!!!!!! I got out of the car and put my face in my hands and told the lady I didn't want to look as she said she was sorry a couple thousand times. She apparently thought I had gone & was looking backwards at oncoming traffic as she pulled out, which in turn is why she smacked me.

When I went around to look at the damage, I immediately lost it. As I called Ty and My mom they both asked if I was ok of course and all I could talk about was the poor Malibu. This car is my baby. I drove a clunker for so long, and I treat this car like gold. No, it is not new, but its new to me.

Well, to sum up the rest of the story, The back corner of my car is all smushed in, there are scrapes all down the passenger side of my car, a dent in between the 2 doors on the passengers side, my back wheel got pushed up, the rim got smashed, and my mirror is broken. The tow truck took it away as my heart sunk. I spent 2 hours on the phone with both insurance companies & drove Ty's mom's car til Thursday and then got a rental car...

Meet my rental car. A mazda 3. And BOY does it GO! I'm scared I will end up with a ticket before this is all over. :/

Hoping my car will get fixed ASAP because I miss it!!!!!!!

Very thankful I did not get hurt because I know it could have been way worse!

Friday photo dump

2011-11-12T00:38:00.002-06:00

Ok so it's technically Saturday but we'll still call it Friday :)

Happy Veteran's Day to all our heroes out there. I am so thankful for each one of you.

Pictures: my poppy (who served in WWII), my hobby lobby visit (first time since the tornado took ours in Tuscaloosa, I was in heaven!), beautiful sunset one night driving home, operation Christmas child wih bible study, and a few from the Bama/LSU game last weekend! Sorry they are all out of order :)

Melt my heart

2011-11-08T22:35:00.001-06:00

These are the moments I live for,,,,

Last week I got a note from a parent saying that the day I was absent, her little boy cried all the way to school because I wasnt going to be there & he was worried about me because I was going on a plane "far far away"...

Today the same sweet baby was getting in line for the bus and looked up at me when he was hugging me and said in his sweet little voice, "I will miss you so much"...

Thank you Jesus for allowing me to be these precious 5 yr olds' teacher. They are so special to me!!!

last weekend...

2011-11-06T17:53:00.001-06:00

Last weekend was Molly's Bachelorette Party! I flew to Austin, TX early Friday morning...

When everyone got into TX, we went out to lunch at a cute little restaurant...

After lunch, we went back to her mom's house which was a beautiful house on the lake to take naps before the Halloween Party.

The Halloween Party was at the Yacht Club that her mom belongs to. It was really fun and we got to all watch the last game of the World Series!

After the party, we had a bonfire and made smores!

Saturday morning, I woke up to this view from my bed...

Then had my coffee with this view...

We got dressed and went to a wine tasting!!!

On the way there, we had to stop for lots of these to cross....

After the wine tasting, we sat outside a drank wine & ate a cheese tray...very relaxing! It was such a beautiful day!

After the wine tasting, it was time for a boat ride...

We then laid around, ate pizza and watched football..

Smores Pizza

We then got ready and went out for her bachelorette party at a local piano bar, it was so fun dancing all night!

I love you Molly!!! I had so much fun with you last weekend and I cannot wait to see you again in January!!! Next time I see you it will be Wedding Time!!!! Yay!!!

Media Fast and Trixie

2011-11-03T18:58:00.001-05:00

This will be quick because I am about to head to Ty's to eat dinner but I wanted to post really quick.
Sorry I have been MIA...my bible study went on a media fast for a week so I did not get on and post or read any blogs! I was very proud of myself :) It was kind of freeing...ha!! I did good about staying away from blogs and twitter, only got on facebook about 4 times in the week and ONLY to check if anyone had posted pictures from Molly's bachelorette weekend (will post on that later) and never once checked status updates or looked at anyone else's pictures or profile! I was literally on and off those 4 times. I was so proud :) haha The TV fast didn't go that great but when the TV was in my control, I did not watch! It was only if I was at someone else's house. Our fast also included only listening to Christian music, which I did okay....I listened to the Christian music station when they were playing music, but I cannot stand talking so when they talked, I changed it to country....but I would change it right back when they played music again. I now find myself changing it to Christian more often, so I'd say the fast was a success. :)

_______________________

Ty's dog, Trixie, passed away Monday. She was 12 years old and such a sweet, laid back dog. She was born on Halloween, which is why they named her Trixie, and she died on Halloween. They treat their dogs like kids so it was really rough on his mom. Please pray for their family, it is very weird going over there and not seeing sweet Trixie!

We love you Trixie!!

pumpkin patch!

2011-10-25T20:04:00.000-05:00

We are taking our kindergarteners to the pumpkin patch tomorrow and I could not be more excited!!!

Most of my kids probably wouldn't get to do this if we didn't take them, which makes it all the more special! I cannot wait to see their faces when they see all the pumpkins!

Oh how I absolutely adore my job. :)

Field Trips are always stressful for the teachers, so prayers would be greatly appreciated ;)

bama/tennessee

2011-10-23T20:04:00.000-05:00

3rd Saturday in October only means one thing...

BAMA vs. TENNESSEE

and it was a good one.

I ended up getting to go last minute...and I think I had pretty good seats....

45 yard line, 15 rows up

I was in Heaven ;)

game ended pretty awesome as well. :) ROLL TIDE!!!

50

2011-10-20T18:37:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is the 50th day of school so we asked the kids to dress in 50s attire and we are having coke floats at the end of the day!

I was thinking about showing up to school like this...

What do yall think??

haha

Molly and I wore poodle skirts one Halloween in middle school, I need to find that picture...

11 days

2011-10-17T19:37:00.000-05:00

In 11 short days I will be in Austin, Texas reunited with this love of my life...

My sweet Molly Ann, I cannot wait to see you!!! It is almost here!!!!

Love you to the moon and back!

Monday and Wal-Mart

2011-10-10T18:03:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday Everyone! :)

Today was great - we had a teacher work day and I got SO much stuff done in my room. We should have one of those every week...Lord knows teachers need a day just to get their lives together. Ha!!

This morning during our Professional Development, these reps from Wal-Mart came to tell us that our school was chosen as their store's school of the year! They were going to give away 10 $100 giftcards and guess what? I won one of the giftcards!!!!!! I am beyond thrilled and it could not have come at a better time!!! I still have no gotten a paycheck and am COMPLETELY broke but Kindergarten calls and this will help SO much! I spend at least $20 a week on stuff for my classroom (if not more), so I am feeling very blessed to have this giftcard! I wish all my colleagues could have gotten one because I know they all need one too!
Thank you WAL-MART!!! You are wonderful!

Christen sent me this earlier and it said, "Happy Monday Aunt Kat"

I know I am biased, but isn't he just the cutest thing ever?

Hope everyone had a great Monday!

If you would like to donate to my Walk for Alzheimer's, click below (only 5 days left!):

Click here to donate

shoes

2011-10-06T19:33:00.000-05:00

Ty got me new running shoes for my birthday and I haven't really ran in them since I got them. I joined the gym right after my last 5k and have just been working out abour 4 times a week and put running on the back burner until the weather cooled down. Now that it is pleasant outside, I have started running again and my shoes are freakin fabulous! They make a HUGE difference! My feet don't hurt, my ankles don't hurt, my legs don't hurt! yay!

The shoes are Asics so if you are looking for new running shoes, try them! I am not sure the exact type and I know that everyone needs a running shoe that fits their needs but these really are wonderful!

There is still a little over a week until my Walk for Alzheimer's so if you would like to donate, here is a link to my page:

Walking for my Nana and Meme

Thank you to the following people who have donated:
Doyle King
Cathy and Vince Alfano
Jason and Leslie Alfano
Jessica and Dave Hard
Sara and Michael Askew

A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart for donating!!!!!

our furry friend

2011-10-02T11:27:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, we had a guest visit the classroom....

WOLF SPIDER

I got this picture off of the internet and it was the closest one to what we saw. This is a wolf spider and it is no ordinary spider....It was a small animal. HA!

It was the biggest spider I have ever seen with my own two eyes. My sweet babies did not even freak out, besides the little angel who saw it first and squealed! ha! Bless her little heart. I on the other hand slightly freaked out, shaking uncontrollably and thinking for the rest of the day that it was crawling up me! haha!

Our brave custodian came in and killed it, because there was no way I was try to kill that monster with my sandals on. I am normally not afraid of spiders, but like I said before, this was a small animal (ok, maybe I am exaggerating?). It had to of walked right through the door into my classroom because I really don't think it could have squeezed through a window, the wall, or a vent? It's too huge!

If it was a WOLF SPIDER, they are poisonous but usually not deadly. I am so thankful it did not bite one of my kids!!!

Week in Pictures...

2011-09-30T18:32:00.001-05:00

Here is the rest of my week in iPhone pics..

Tuesday, we made the applesauce recipe that I posted on Monday and it was SOOO good!!! The whole classroom smelled amazing ALL day. I HIGHLY recommend that recipe! It is chunkier than normal store bought applesauce but if you have a potato masher, I think you could mash up the applesauce to make it smoother. My kids loved it and I did too! It was amazing! I never got a good picture of the end result that made it look as good as it was so you will have to settle for what it looked like in the morning...

All I have to say is .... YUM!

Tuesday night, I went to a new teacher meeting that was kind of by Christen's house so I stopped by there after the meeting for dinner with them! Loved the unexpected visit with my sweet nephews and niece! This is what I had to leave behind when it was time to go...

Aubrey standing at the door saying, "Hey Kafween! Wuv You! Bye Bye!"

You see, Aubrey likes to torture me when I leave. She has done it for awhile now. If I leave through the front door, she stands right there sometimes saying, "No! No! Kafween!!!" or "bye bye, wuv you". If I leave through the basement, she stands at the top of the stairs doing the same thing. It hurts my heart! Christen likes to laugh because she knows it tortures me and makes me not want to leave. I think Christen secretly tells her to do it! ha! When I told her I had to leave that night, she said, "no leave!"

Wednesday, my teacher friend had her sweet baby girl, Isabelle (9lbs, 12 oz!!!). I have not met her yet but I can't wait. I'm hoping I can stop by next week after work to meet the sweet ~~little~~ big angel!!! The kindergarten teachers made a little bag for Sara for the hospital and I made this to stick in the bag...

scrapbook paper, cricut, and picture frame! Hope Sara likes it :)

Wednesday night I came out of the gym to this gorgeous view.....

Thank you Lord!

Thursday I stayed at school way too long and then got in bed at 7. Yes, I said 7! I am not getting enough sleep at night and by the end of the week, I am DONE! So tired! I only got up to eat and then got right back in bed!

Since I skipped the gym yesterday, I need to go today but I am sitting here waiting for Ty to do some work. Is it sad that I secretly hope we don't go? HA! jk.....kinda. Motivation, where are you this week!????

Tomorrow is gameday in the swamp! Oh I hope those FL Gators chomp their way to a LOSS!!!!

RTR!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stay tuned for my VERY interesting story for the week. I have to do a little research before I share though so STAY TUNED! Its a good one :)

Happy Weekend :)

apples apples apples!

2011-09-26T17:30:00.000-05:00

Last Friday was Johnny Appleseed's birthday so we have been doing lots of apple activities in Kindergarten lately! Tomorrow, we are tasting yellow, green, and red apples and graphing which one is our favorite. We are then making crockpot applesauce and I thought I would share the recipe that I found! Maybe some mommas out there would want to make it for their little ones!

Crockpot Applesauce:

Ingredients:
10 large apples - peeled & cored, cut or sliced
1/2 cup of water
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 - 1 cup sugar

Directions:
Put all ingredients into the crockpot - it should be about 3/4 full. Cover and cook on high for 8-10 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

It sounds so yummy! I will let yall know how it turns out :)

ROLL TIDE!!!

2011-09-25T16:20:00.001-05:00

Can I get a Roll Tide??

What a game yesterday! I was nervous because it was our first SEC game but we came out to play! Very proud of my team!

I did not go to the game but did go to Tuscaloosa to tailgate on the Quad with the family. I took 2 of Ty's younger cousins and we had a blast! Mom and dad as well as some cousins and aunts and uncles came, so of course we had a great time. Ryan brought Luke, Aubrey, and Levi which made it even better (even though they were dressed in Kentucky attire)!

Levi says, Roll Tide!

Walk to End Alzheimer's

2011-09-18T13:30:00.005-05:00

This is a long post, but probably the most meaningful post I have ever written. I teared up numerous times writing this post and it means a great deal to me if you would take the time to read it. This post is very dear to my heart.

If this post jumps around a little, I apologize. I was writing straight from my heart....

On Saturday, October 15th, I am walking in the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Athens, Georgia. This walk benefits The Alzheimer's Association. I am walking in honor of my Nana, who passed away in May from Alzheimer's, as well as my Meme, who is in the final stages of Alzheimer's/Dementia. This organization means a great deal to me as I have watched my only two grandmother's suffer from this horrible disease, at the same time. They both started getting sick around the same time and it has probably been one of the hardest things to watch. Knowing they will never be the same again, is very hard to grasp. We though we would lose my Meme first, but it ended up being Nana.

My Nana was one of the sweetest people I have ever known. She raise 6 boys. SIX. Yes, I said six. Any woman that raises 6 boys is a saint. I know she loved every second of it too. I love hearing my dad and my uncle's talk about stories from when they were little. Nana's house was one where all the kids in the neighborhood gathered. I can just picture her feeding all the neighborhood kids. She was so loved by her family, friends, church, and neighbors. Everyone in her town knew who she was, as well as all the "Alfano boys".
She LOVED us grandchildren more than anything. She was ALWAYS in the kitchen cooking something. Spaghetti, Lasagna, Pastina, Salad, rolls, etc. From the time she got up, to the time she went to bed, she was in the kitchen cooking for her family. She had such a servant's heart. When my Poppy was still alive, her one purpose was to take care of him. After she died, we found lots of scrapbooks, pictures, and notes she had written him over the years. While he was alive, and after he passed away. She was never the same after he left her to be with Jesus. She mourned his death from the day he died, until the day she died. This might sound weird, but I was so happy when she passed, because I knew she was with her love again. She loved him SO much. I could just picture Poppy sitting with Jesus waiting for Nana to come home. I just know they are having so much fun up there dancing together. As hard as it was to lose her, I was so happy for her. She was with Poppy again!!! I can only hope to love my husband the way she loved him. When she started getting sick, it was so hard to watch. She was the rock of our family. It was like a piece of our family was missing. We knew something was wrong when she could no longer cook. When she moved out of her house into the nursing home, a little piece of my heart broke. That was the house my dad grew up in, and the house we had spent so many nights with her and Poppy. The last time I talked to her was a few weeks before she passed. Dad and I had gone to see her at the nursing home and she was so happy to see us. She kept saying how beautiful I was and smiling at me. She might not of known what my name was but she knew I was one of her "girls" (there are 15 grandchildren, 10 girls, 5 boys). I am so glad I got that time with her before she went home to Heaven. When she left this earth to be with Jesus, my life changed. I piece of my heart is in Heaven with her and Poppy, and thats where it will stay until I see them again.

Poppy, Nana, and ME! :)

And now on to my Meme. I get my anxiety and worrying from my Meme. Meme always worried about us. If we scraped a knee, she would freak out. If we bumped our head, she would freak out! I am certain that I get my bad habit of worrying from her. Most of you know, I am living with my Granddaddy right now. I took Meme's old room. It was VERY bittersweet moving into her room. I was so excited to be there and have the master bedroom, but sad because I shouldn't be sleeping in that room, she should. Instead she is in a nursing home, battling Dementia. Meme got sick quicker (in my eyes) than Nana. This terrible disease affected them differently, taking different parts of their brain. Meme's speech was taken, whereas Nana could still talk until her final days. I know deep down Meme recognizes me when she sees me. She might not know who I am but she knows I am someone she recognizes. I can see it in her eyes when she looks at me. She cries alot when we go see her and I know it is because she knows we are someone special to her. Meme was very feisty but had such a sweet heart. She would bend over backwards to help us. She loved when her children and grandchildren were under one roof. She loved coming to my cheerleading games and competitions when she could make it over to GA. I have vivid memories of her at the lake...drinking her coffee on the screened in porch in the mornings. She used to make us coffee when we were little in these special cups & we thought we were so cool. She used to take us shopping all the time, which was a huge treat. Meme's house had a distinct smell and everytime I smell something that reminds me of her house, it brings tears to my eyes. I do not go up to the nursing home alot, because I get teary-eyed everytime I go up there. It hurts me seeing her hurt. I hate it. I just want to make it better and I can't. I can't grasp that she is never going to be the same again. I know her time on earth is coming to an end, and that hurts. I know she will be in a better place, and she will be with her baby again (my uncle stu), but it still hurts knowing my time with her is limited. I loved walking around the house, seeing pictures of her everywhere. She is so beautiful! I also loved finding things in her room that were hers. How many people get to live in their grandmother's room? I am one lucky granddaughter! I love looking at her jewelry. Meme was always very well dressed. She loved jewelry and you always knew she was coming because you heard her bracelets or necklaces making noise. She always had her hair done, her nails painted, and her lipstick on. She loved her shoes too. I think she had nearly 100 pairs of shoes. I hope I am as fashionable as she was when I get older!!! This sounds silly but I know she would just DIE if she knew what she looked like in that nursing home. Haha. Good thing she doesn't! I am dreading the day she goes to be with Jesus. Even though it hurts, I know I need to make more of an effort to go to the nursing home to see her, because the time is coming when I will no longer be able to go visit.
I love you so much Meme!!!

Meme and I at one of my birthdays :)

I am walking for these two special people. Who I have watched suffer though this terrible, terrible disease. It is very hard to watch your grandmothers go through this at the same time. I hurt for my parents, who have been through so much. I cannot imagine watching my mom suffer through this disease, which is what they have both done. I beg my mom all the time not to get Alzheimer's when she gets older...I know that sounds so silly but I don't want to watch her go through what my Nana and Meme have been through.

I am raising money for my walk, which benefits the Alzheimer's Association. I would greatly appreciate ANY donations. No amount is TOO small. I set my goal for $100, but I would love to raise SO much more than that. I understand if you cannot contribute, I of all people know that money is tight, so if you can't, I am asking you to pray. Pray for all of the families affected by Alzheimer's/Dementia. It is so tough watching a loved one suffer through this disease. Pray for a cure....

Here is the link to my page if you would like to donate. My heart cannot thank you enough....
Click Here to help end Alzheimer's

Meme and Nana, I am walking to end Alzheimer's for YOU!!!!!!!! I love you both so much!

Thank you for taking the time to read this long post!

Happy Sunday :)

Earthquake

2011-09-17T10:07:00.002-05:00

(I wrote this on Friday night & didn't post it until this morning)
Happy Friday Everyone! I am so exhausted. I got the same amount of sleep last night that I normally do but for some reason I was DRAGGING today. I had coffee AND sweet tea this morning too. However, that might have been the problem. HA, anyways, I am looking forward to resting this weekend. Those sweet 5 yr olds WEAR. ME. OUT!

*Before you read the story from Tuesday...you should know I am a TOTAL worry wart. I have bad anxiety about certain things and am paranoid about bad things happening. I don't know why but its a bad habit!! I am living with my Granddaddy right now and his neighborhood scares me! It is not horrible but it is not the safest place either. Ok now to the story.....

On Tuesday, I got home from school and plopped down on the couch for some rest before I went to work out with Ty. Around 6 the whole house shook like someone had just SLAMMED the basement door shut. I immediately freaked out, ran to my room and locked the door. I quickly changed (I was about to go work out) and got my pepper spray. I almost called Ty to tell him I was not coming out of my room until he came over because the boogyman was in the basement!!! He probably would have said no so I decided not to call and brave the boogyman by myself. I left my room armed with my pepperspray and got out safely! I tried to forget about it but ended up saying something to Ty and his parents later that night. After I told the story, Ty's dad said, "Was that around 6?" and I said, "actually, yes!" and he informed me we had an earthquake with a 3.0 magnitude!!! He said he didn't feel it but Ty and his mom said they felt it but just thought it was Bill (Ty's dad) working on the roof! Ha! SO, very glad there was no boogyman in the basement... ;)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Roll Tide!

My First Cricut Project

2011-09-13T19:30:00.001-05:00

Here is my FIRST cricut project...ohh so nervous about how it would turn out but I think it is SUPER cute!

Ty's mom bought the bucket and spray painted it. I cut the letters on my cricut and we stuck the vinyl on the bucket! I LOVE how it turned out! I think she is going to use it for their back patio to put drinks in when people are out there hanging out/watching football! TOO cute!!!

She loves black and brown together so I knew she would want those colors!!

I need to get more creative with my cricut in my classroom. Any ideas???

Pinterest....one word - OBSESSED. Why did I just discover this? If you have one, lets follow each other!!! I have already gotten so many cute classroom ideas from it!! I also am obsessed with looking at house decor (you know, since I have one to decorate and all - NOT). If you have not checked it out, you should!

Christen called after work today and they were headed my way (well, my route home way) and we met at wal-mart so I could see her and the kids for a few minutes! What a wonderful surprise! I know I always say this, but there is nothing in the world like your niece and nephew getting SO excited when they see your face, then running and tackling you with hugs. They were about to jump out of their pants today because they were in the parking lot when they first saw me coming towards them and they couldn't run across the parking lot to get to me! haha! Oh how I am SO in love with them (and Levi, of course). :) Thank you Lord for little ones!

Speaking of little ones, my babies were ALL at school today for the 1st time! All 14 of them! I have always had at least one out, normally 2 or 3 out every day so I have never had all 14 of them. Day went good! I can successfully say that 3 of them that couldn't count to 20 last week, left my door counting all the way to 20 this afternoon. Ahh, its the little things :).

Yes, totally random post. You should be used to it by now if you are a returning reader :) Welcome to my brain! ha!

Happy Tuesday Night!

Where I was

2011-09-11T15:03:00.000-05:00

I was a freshman at Harrison High School.

I was walking the hallways when I kept hearing people talk about a plane crashing into the World Trade Center in NYC. I walked into Keyboarding Class and the TV was already on. My class and I were glued to the TV when the 2nd plane hit. We watched in horror as to what was going to come next. We watched TV all day, in every class. Noone said much, but we knew it was bad. Our principal came on the announcements and gave us a little more information about what was going on. As a young 9th grader, I really don't think I knew what was going on. I didn't understand just how many people lost their lives that day. I didn't really understand that we were under attack. I didn't grasp it. And I don't think I really totally fully grasp it today. Especially because I did not experience it first hand.

Today, I am praying. Praying for every family affected. Thanking God for so many heroes. Thanking God for our military.

I think Ground Zero is beautiful. The waterfalls are breathtaking. I cannot wait to see them in person someday.

9/11/2001 Never Forget

weekend

2011-09-09T19:11:00.000-05:00

Hello Friday :)

What is everyone doing this weekend? I am planning on doing a whole lot of this...

I am not a HUGE cat fan (mainly because my little sister's cat is possessed by the devil) but I thought that picture was too cute :)

It's weird - the past 2 weeks, I have not even been wishing, wanting, needing Friday to get here. It's just like another day. My body needs the rest come the weekend, but I don't LONG for it like I normally have. I think it is because I LOVE my job. I LOVE my kids and my school. Everyday has been a joy with my new little ones. I feel so very blessed. And its not good to wish my days away either. Every day is a gift, and I need to treat it that way.

I finally uploaded my classroom pictures to facebook, I will upload them on here this weekend!

I sure am ready for the BAMA game tomorrow! Can I get a ROLL TIDE?

Sneak Peak of my classroom....

Happy Friday!

blah!

2011-09-07T20:56:00.000-05:00

So, after 7 days in Kindergarten, I am sick!

I did not have to worry about this last year because 6th graders know how to contain their sickness. Not so much with my babies!!! haha, its ok though, I love being with them everyday!! :)

College Football!

2011-09-04T10:27:00.000-05:00

Hello College Football, I have missed you!!!

If you read my blog, you know I am a HUGE Alabama fan!! I graduated from Alabama in 2009 and am a proud Alumni! This is my first year not living in Tuscaloosa since I started at the University in 2005. It was definitly weird driving down to the game rather than living there but I had fun anyways! My cousin Karlie and I made the hour treck down to T-town late Friday night to stay with Ty's sister, Casey. We got up EARLY Saturday morning for the 11:21 (yes, you read right) kickoff! We always have a blast at the games together and yesterday was no different. :) It was VERY hot but there was a breeze in the upper deck! ha! My parents came down as well as some of Ty's cousins so we had a blast tailgating after the game. BAMA beat Kent State 48-7! RTR!!!!

After the game we hung out for awhile, walked around some vendors, and ate the famous BBQ Nachos from Big Bad Wolf (if you go to T-Town on gamedays and have NOT tried these, YOU MUST!!! They set up every gameday in front of Houndstooth on the strip). We then packed up and left to come back to Bham to watch the UGA/Boise State and LSU/Oregon games. I quickly showered and put my PJs on and snuggled up on the couch for the games!!! I just LOVE college football!

Who is your FAVORITE team to watch???

______________________

A little update on school...it is FABULOUS! I love my kids and love my school! Everyone has been super nice and sweet to me! The drive to and from school is hard when I am tired but I enjoy watching the sunrise in the morning drinking my coffee and listening to the radio. I do not mind the 45 minute drive at all! Especially when I am greeted but 14 sweet 5 yr olds! I am so excited for the year!!! I think it will be a great one!

I hope everyone has a fabulous Labor Day...Rest up!

time to spill the beans...

2011-08-29T18:47:00.002-05:00

(I wrote the first half of this post yesterday...)
First off (before I spill the beans..), It's my birthday!! And what a wonderful day I have had!!! I've been at the lake all weekend with my parents and Ty's family! That is exactly what I wanted to do! So relaxing!!! We have been sun bathing, tubing, sea-doo riding, and eating!!!! :) Perfect way to spend my 24th birthday!!!

Alright...here we go!!!

I got a teaching job!!!!

I started teaching Kindergarten...today!!!

I got the job 2 Fridays ago...It was very quick, a resume sent & 2 interviews later and I got the job! I got my room ready this past Thursday and Friday with the help of my amazing mother and Ty's amazing mother! Could not have done it without them!!!

I feel very blessed to be at the school I am at. The teachers and administration have been so very sweet to me helping the transition go smoothly. God has truly answered a prayer that I have been praying for a LONG time.

I am super excited about Kindergarten and know it is going to be a wonderful year!! My new babies are so sweet and so little! I just love them already!!

Again, thank you to all who prayed for me 2 Fridays ago and thank you to my family and friends who have continued to pray through my teaching career journey so far.

I have pictures of my classroom that I haven't gotten off my iPhone yet so when I do, I will post them!!!

2011-08-24T19:58:00.000-05:00

I have been a little stressed this week but, I found this cute picture and it made me smile :)

haha ;)

Hope yall are having a great week!!!

Thank you!

2011-08-21T00:13:00.000-05:00

Thank you to all who prayed for me on Friday. A huge, gigantic prayer was answered and I am just amazed at how God works. He has proven His love for me over and over and over. I have learned lately not to doubt His perfect plan for my life. I am feeling very very blessed right now and am very excited for the coming days and weeks. Again, thank you so much for the prayers!!!

Jeremiah 29:11 - oh how I LOVE this verse!!!!

I hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!!

prayers!!!

2011-08-18T17:40:00.001-05:00

Ok, I'm not going to say much BUT...

I need prayers tomorrow! Please!!!

Thank you :)

2011-08-16T20:37:00.002-05:00

I get to see these sweet angels tomorrow (and Luke!) for the first time in about 3 weeks! I've been going through major withdrawals! <----Why does that word look so weird? Sometimes I hate spellcheck!

Can't wait to see their sweet faces tomorrow!!

ps- I am aware I already posted these pictures ;)

Last Weekend

2011-08-14T20:25:00.000-05:00

Thank you for the sweet comments on my last post!!

Last weekend Melissa and I ran in a 5k in my hometown. It was a great race! It was my first big one, which was a little different. But I think a good different :) There were things I liked about the bigger race but also things I like about smaller races.

Melissa and I ran it in 30:44 (way under our goal). We were 7th & 8th out of 33 women in our age group! We were very satisfied and loved running together! We thought it was bizarre that we trained in 2 different cities but somehow run at the exact same pace! :)

my supportive sweet boyfriend!

sweet momma! this was the first 5k she got to see me in!

this was melissa's first 5k and she ran it like a champ! i think i got her hooked ;)

On Sunday, we went zip-lining for Ty's birthday! Melissa and Matt joined us which made it extra fun!! We ended up upgrading to the next level and I am so glad we did because it was SO worth it! If anyone is interested, we went to Banning Mills in Whitesburg, GA.

It was so much fun! I would love to do it again!!!

A little down

2011-08-09T22:35:00.000-05:00

My heart is hurting a little tonight. School starts tomorrow (for the systems I taught in the past 2 years) and it's just weird not being a part of it. I know God clearly has a different path for me this year and I have accepted that but it's hard. I know I will get over it but that was my life. And now it's not and I feel lost.

To all my blogger friends who are teachers, hug & love on your new babies a little more for me since I don't have any this year! Please!!!

I know I am still a teacher, just took a little break, right?

Jeremiah 29:11

A short update!

2011-08-04T23:32:00.001-05:00

I am sorry I have been MIA this week! I still do not have a computer and haven't really had time to get on Ty's to update this week! So for now, iPhone blog!

As some of you may know, I moved to Birmingham a few weeks ago and have been trying to find a teaching job in the area since March. I have had no luck, not even so much as an interview! So, I started thinking of plan B options because I had to have a job! I looked into nannying and a few other odd jobs and then out of the blue my uncle called wondering if I still needed a job. He had a few openings at his medical billing office. So, after a few interviews and phone conversations, they hired me! I obviously have no medical billing background so they really took a chance with me, which I am so greatful!

Since it is my uncles company, I know he had some pull but they did NOT have to hire me. So I feel very blessed.

I started Monday and am just learning the ropes right now. I have alot to learn!!!

I have gotten a little sad lately with school starting and me not being a part of it but I know God has a purpose and reason for everything. SO, for the time being, I do transmissions and accounts receivables follow up for a medical billing company! Wish me luck!!!

On to my runs for the week...

Monday I ran 2.26 miles in 22:41; 288 calories burned
Tuesday I ran 2.51 miles in 25:31; 321 calories burned
Wednesday I took the day off to rest my muscles
Today I ran 3.14 miles in 32:08; 403 calories burned

I am all ready for my 5k on Saturday! Melissa and I are running it together so I am very excited!!!! I will post pics next week!

I have a new craft to show you that I did this week! Again, will post pics next week!!!

Hope y'all have a great Friday!!!

And thank you to those who commented on my last post, y'all are so sweet!

runs this week

2011-07-29T21:42:00.000-05:00

I got to watch the kids again today. Oh how I love being Aunt Kat :)

Sweet Girl has bug bites ALL over her sweet legs, arms, and face! She was very clingy today and so pitiful. I felt sooo bad for her! :(

You can see one of the bug bites under her eye has made her eye all swollen :(

Aubrey loves to feed Levi, hold Levi, and help with Levi. When Levi's bottle is in the bottle warmer, it "dings" when the bottle is ready and Aubrey always goes, "Levi bottle ready!!! Levi bottle ready!!!" And runs over to it. Today she demanded to feed Levi but pooorrr Levi...Aubrey likes to take the bottle out of his mouth every 60 seconds. When I told her I needed to feed him she got off the couch and ran around the living room with Levi's bottle in her hand!! Ha! Even hurting, she is still a little stinker!

Luke had fun playing with their new water table that Mom and Dad got Aubrey. Of course, his attention span is only about 5 minutes so by the time I filled it up, he was done playing. Haha! Ty came to play with us today so Luke LOVED having him there. They played hide and seek for about an hour and Luke hid in the same place every time :)

--------------------------------

This weeks runs have been slow....The heat is getting to me. My next 5k is next Saturday so I'm hoping next weeks runs will be a little better.

July 25th - 1.08miles -11 min; 136 calories burned
July 26th - 1.54 miles - 15:35 min; 195 calories burned
July 27th - 1.75 miles - 17:26 min; 222 calories burned
July 28th - day off
July 29th - 2.01 miles - 20:09 min; 254 calories burned

I slacked posting my runs last week, I only ran twice because I was busy packing and moving. I have a feeling I burned a ton of calories moving in the sweltering heat!!!!!

________________________

Sunday is Ty's 26th Birthday! I took him to Academy yesterday and he picked out some shorts for running. The rest of his gift is a surprise & I can't tell until next Sunday because that is when we are going to go do it! I am super excited about it!

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Aunt Kat

2011-07-27T19:38:00.000-05:00

First off, head over to my canvas blog to see some new orders! Email me at kealfano@gmail.com to place an order!!!

Today I got to babysit my Aubrey and Levi while Christen and Luke ran some errands for my brother in law! I just LOVE the look on their faces when I get there. Today Luke and Aubrey were beating on the door (they have one of those glass doors and then their real door) watching me walk up the stairs to their house. And both their little feet were stomping on the floor with excitement. I love being greeted by little kisses and "hey aunt kafween"s. It just makes my heart melt! Then Aubrey doesn't let me put her down unless Levi is around. And even then she thinks I am some kind of super Aunt who can hold her and Levi at the same time. haha, I wish! I can never get enough lovin from them! Levi was a little fussy today but I think that was my fault, I missed the memo of what time he was supposed to go down for another nap. Oops! He fell asleep in my arms though, which makes up for every bit of whining he did today. :) Aubrey was super sweet today helping me sing and play with Levi when he was upset. She copies everything I do, which can be quite funny sometimes!

The more I keep the kids, the more I think Christen is superwoman. :) 3 kids 3 and under...yes, she is superwoman!

Being Aunt Kat to those 3 little ones is pretty much the best job ever :)

Speaking of jobs....I have news....Stay tuned!!!

some videos

2011-07-25T20:01:00.000-05:00

Here are some videos from a few weeks ago at the lake! We had a blast swimming & jumping off the top of the boat dock in the downpour that Sunday. And yes, it was thundering and lightning and no, that is not safe!

This next one is of me diving. They always make fun of the way I dive. Ty always likes to mimic the way I dive and I must say, it is quite funny. Is it my fault noone ever taught me how to dive properly?

Happy Monday :)

New Room!

2011-07-23T23:03:00.001-05:00

I am typing this on my iPhone in my new room! I moved to Birmingham today from Tuscaloosa. My room is almost done but I still have alot of boxes to go through tomorrow! I am living with my granddaddy so I have had to move a whole apartment worth of stuff into one room!!! And it is so hard to part with some stuff! Dad has about 2 truck loads of stuff to bring back to Atlanta for me! I am very greatful that my sweet granddaddy is letting me stay with him! I am taking my Meme's old room (she is in a nursing home) so it was sad going through her stuff today. :(

I am very excited to start this new chapter of my life here in Birmingham but was very sad to leave Tuscaloosa, which is another whole post.

For now I am going to bed because moving is so exhausting!!!! I will hopefully post pictures of my room soon!!

Tyler's Wedding

2011-07-22T15:18:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pictures from Tyler & Cale's Wedding! I had so much fun being a part of her big day! The wedding was beautiful and the reception was SO fun!!!!

Congrats to the happy couple! Love yall!

Has it been a week?

2011-07-15T16:20:00.002-05:00

Oops! Sorry friends, I was doing so good blogging too! Oh well. I got busy this week. I had to get ready for my friend Tyler's wedding this weekend, and go to Tuscaloosa to start packing up my apartment (I am moving in 8 days!!).

This won't be long but I wanted to tell yall I finished my 2nd book of the summer. This is a huge accomplishment for me because I am NOT a reader. I think it is very therapeutic and this summer MIGHT have turned me into a reader. We shall see. I am very picky about books. I have to read inspirational, feel-good, make your life better books.

I already told yall I read "Heaven is for Real" which was phenomenal. I think everyone needs to read this one!!!! I could have read it in one sitting.

I just finished "Rachel's Tears" which is about Rachel Scott, the first person shot and killed during the Columbine Shootings. She had such a heart for Jesus and this book is written by her parents describing how on fire Rachel was for the Lord. It also contains some of her journals that she wrote during high school. I would say this one is a must read. HOWEVER, the first chapter does talk alot about the shootings and after I read the first chapter, I had nightmares. I think this is because I was by myself at my apartment that night AND because I am a teacher. I was slightly terrified to pick up the book again, but I did, and I am so glad I finished it! However, there is your warning. The good part is that it only talks about the shootings in the first chapter, then it focuses on Rachel's life. Very good book!

When I finished Rachel's Tears, I immediately went to Barnes and Noble to get my next book. Is it weird that I got all excited to go get the new book? Am I a loser now? haha jk! Anyways, I watched the Jaycee Dugard special interview with Diane Sawyer last weekend on Dateline and they talked about her book that she wrote and I knew I wanted to read it. So, that is the new book I am reading now! If you haven't heard, it is called A Stolen Life. I have only read the first chapter, I am very excited to get more into it!

Ok, time to go get ready for the rehearsal dinner. Yay wedding weekend!

The Bride, Tyler, and I in college!!!

Congrats Tyler and Cale!!! Love you both!

Happy Birthday Melissa!!! (and Matt!)

2011-07-08T14:45:00.000-05:00

Today is my best friend, Melissa's Birthday!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Melissa!!!!

Melissa, Happy Birthday!!! I hope you are having a great day at the beach!!! I am so blessed to call you my best friend!!! I am so thankful for our friendship and I cannot wait for many more years to come!!!! Can't believe we've been friends for 10 years!!! Ready for about 70 more :) Love you soul mate!!!!!!

Today is also Matt's (Melissa's boyfriend) birthday!!!! Happy Birthday Matt! Thank you for coming into Melissa's life at the exact right time! I am so thankful that you and Melissa found each other! Thanks for being so great and wonderful to my best friend!!

Love you two!!! Happy Happy Birthday!

Stupid Blount County

2011-07-07T21:08:00.001-05:00

So remember that ridiculous "Failure to Dim Lights" ticket I got back in May? Well, after finding out the ticket was $189 (yes, you read right...absurd) and much discussion with my parents, Ty's parents, and Ty; I decided to try and go fight it. The court costs were already included in the ticket so I already would have to "pay" for going to court even if I didn't go, so what would it hurt?

So this morning Ty and I got up way to early for a summer morning to head to the boondox to fight this ticket. It was about a 40 minute drive and we got there early. We settled in with about 150 other people in the courtroom. I figured this was going to take foreverrr! Anyways, two ladies said the judge was in a meeting and that they would go ahead and start dealing with minor traffic violations, so I got up and got in line. I noticed most people were paying their tickets in front of me so I thought I wasn't supposed to be in the line. Both ladies were very rude to the people in front of me so I thought they were going to yell at me when I got up there and wasn't supposed to be in the line!

When I got up to the lady, here's what our conversation sounded like:
me: "What if we want to fight our ticket?"
lady: "What are you here for?'
me: "Failure to dim my lights"
**Guy next to me dies out laughing....
lady: "You want to fight your ticket?"
me: "Yes"
lady: "Ok you have to come back in two weeks for your trial"
me: "So why is there a COURT DATE on my ticket?"
lady: "Today is your plea day, you have to come back in two weeks with the officer for your trial"
me: "um, ok" rolling my eyes trying to remain calm

Ty, my mom & dad, and Ty's parents had never heard of that. I thought thats why you had a court date????? I mean what if I had been from out of state and had just driven hours to get there. Then had to go right back and then come back 2 weeks later. RE-TAR-DED!!!! Basically they are trying to deter you from coming back to court and just paying the ticket so they can get more money. UGH!!!

Dear Blount County (aka, boondox alabama),

My suggestion to you would be to invest in some street lights on your highway so people can see at night. Then, they wouldn't have to turn on their bright lights to see where they were going and you wouldn't have to give them a ticket!!! Thanks.

-A mad citizen

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Whew! I feel better now that I vented....oh and if you were wondering, I am just going to pay the stupid $189 so they won. Happy now Blount County????

________________________

On a happier note, guess what came in the mail today?????

my new running buddy!

tune belt made for iphones with otterbox covers! So I don't have to take my otterbox off my iphone everytime I go for a run!

I was so excited, I used it as soon as I opened it! It worked great, I love it!! It even has this little velcro part that ties your headphone cords up so they aren't flopping everywhere when I run! yay!

Ever since I started running last August, I have been holding my ipod/iphone in my hand when I ran and Ty thought that was crazy so I started looking into armbands and finally found this one online that I didn't have to take my otterbox cover off to fit in the armband. Ty still thinks its crazy that I run with that huge iphone but I am so addicted to runkeeper, I cannot imagine running without the app. Plus, I have to have music! I know I have only run with it once, but I am already going to recommend it to yall :)

Yesterday's Run (7/6) - ran 2.71 miles in 27:25; burned 350 calories
Today's Run (7/7) - ran 1.50 miles in 14:58; burned 189 calories; Tried to run slightly faster today so only ran 1.5 miles.

Happy Thursday :) Hope yall have a great weekend! I think we are off to the lake tomorrow!!!

I will do another post about this but tomorrow is my best friend, Melissa's birthday!!! So until I get a birthday post up, Happy Birthday Melissa!! I love you and I am so blessed to have you in my life! It is also her sweet boyfriend, Matt's birthday tomorrow, so Happy Birthday Matt!!! Hope yall both have a great day tomorrow at the beach!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T14:42:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday - Except I add words. ha!

My new heels! I got them for $10 at rack room shoes BOGO 1/2 off. I had to buy some shoes for a wedding so I decided to use the BOGO and found these!

The sky after one of my runs last week! Stunning!

This little guy was just hanging out in the yard 2 houses down from Ty's after one of my runs last week! So cute!

__________________________________

A few pictures from Molly's visit:

us with our favorite boy, RJ

love this picture of us! This is Emily, Molly, and Me

Molly's "Southern Shower" complete with houndstooth decor, lots of southern food and sweet tea & lemonade in Mason Jars!

_______________________

I forgot to show yall the finished product from Father's Day. Our last name is Alfano. Made from everything baseball. Can you see it?

_____________________________________

Aubrey likes to copy everything we do and Levi had sneezed and I said, "Bless you Levi", which she repeated and I thought it was so cute so I made her repeat it for me in this video...LOVE HER!!!!

Happy Wednesday!!!!!!

Disgusted & Running

2011-07-05T20:27:00.003-05:00

I'm not going to spend too much time talking about this because it literally makes me sick. However, I am totally disgusted that Casey Anthony got off with only 4 counts of lying to police officers. No one will ever know what happened but something happened and she had SOMETHING to do with it and she just got away with it. Now, justice will never be served for that precious baby girl. I do not have children but I cannot imagine hurting my own child. My mind just cannot wrap itself around hurting your own flesh and blood (or any child for that matter). And if it WAS an accident, who tries to cover up an accident? and who disposes of their own child in a swamp?

I don't know why the jury did what they did today, and I will never understand, but for her to just walk free after she knows good and well she had something to do with this, disgusts me. And I have a feeling the jurors know good and well she had something to do with it too. How can you not?

She will have to face her Maker someday. And He knows exactly what happened. She will pay for what she did someday.

I rest knowing that sweet baby is in Heaven with Jesus right now. And she is out of harms way, playing with lots of other little girls.

_______________________________

Onto my running....I told yall last week about the "speed runs". I chose Tuesday to be my "speed run" day so I did my first one last Tuesday. This is what my runs looked like last week:

Last Monday (6/27) - ran 2.34 miles in 23:42; burned 303 calories

Last Tuesday (6/28) - ran .53 miles to the track, did 4x400 speed runs, then ran a different way home, .67 miles, so altogether with the speed runs, I totaled at 2.20 miles

Last Wednesday (6/29) - ran 2.53 miles in 25:47; burned 328 calories

Last Thursday (6/30) - Day off

Last Friday (7/1) - ran 2.60 miles in 26:10; burned 333 calories

Took Saturday, Sunday, and Monday off (hopefully won't take 3 days off in a row again, just did for the holiday weekend)

Today (Tuesday 7/5) - I did not run to the track because I wanted to stay close to home because it was raining and thundering and lightning. So, I just did 6x400 speed runs.

If you are wondering what speed runs are, they are to help me lower my 5k time. Basically, one time around the track is a 400; so when I say 4x400 speed runs, that means I ran 4 times around the track, stopping after each lap (400) and walking half the track before running another lap (400). So, today I did 6x400 (even though I didn't go to the track, I timed it) so essentially I ran 6 400s, which is a quarter mile, stopping between each one and walking 1/8 mile (half the track) in between each one. I am supposed to run each 400 (one lap) 8 seconds faster than I want my quarter mile to be in my 5k. My time that I have picked for my quarter mile is 2:28. So each 400, I must complete in 2:28, which has been easy. Every week I increase the amount of 400s I do until I get to 14x400s the week before my next 5k.
I mapped it out like this:
-June 28: 4x400
-July 5: 6x400
-July 12: 8x400
-July 19: 10x400
-July 26: 12x400
-August 2: 14x400

*5k - August 6th

Any other time I run during the week, I run normally and increase my distance each time. This program is supposed to help lower my time because my muscles in my legs get used to running a little faster from the speed run days. We shall see!

I am planning on recording my runs on here like I did today, just for my benefit. And maybe I will encourage someone else to get up and run!!! I got my inspiration to run from another blogger!! :)

Hope everyone has a great week! I will have pictures of the weekend soon.

I'm Hooked

2011-07-03T13:28:00.000-05:00

Ok, please tell me I'm not the only one addicted to this Casey Anthony Trial. Did she do it? Did she not? Are her parents on her side or not? Did one of her parents do it? Was it an accident or not? AHHHHH!!!

Personally, I think she did it. Whether it was an accident or not, she did it. If it WAS an accident, what kind of mother doesn't call 911 when their child drowned or is drowning in a pool? I mean seriously!!! Not to mention, she then goes on a month long party outing and tells noone that her child is gone. I'm no judge but something about that is SKETCHY! What is also sketchy to me is that her parents had no idea that their granddaughter was missing for a month? I understand that some grandparents don't see their grandchildren often because they live far away or something but they have always made it seem like they were SO involved in Casey and Caylee and they lived with them/by them so how do you not know that your granddaughter is missing? I'm very confused.

I just wanted to make sure I was not the only one crazily staring at the tv for hours watching this and taping it when I have to leave the house. Am I a loser? I hope not. I hope I'm just a concerned citizen wanting justice for that precious baby girl.

What do yall think? Did she do it?

new canvases/happy saturday

2011-07-02T15:13:00.000-05:00

Head over to my Canvas Blog to see some of my latest canvases! You can also access it on the right of this blog.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend so far. I am waiting on my parents to get into town later today and then family time starts!

We always have a huge italian family get together for the 4th at my Uncle Vince's house. He lives on a bunch of land and it is always so fun! The 4th is also my Granddaddy's (mom's dad) birthday! Happy Early Birthday Granddaddy, I love you!

A year ago, a family friend passed away after injuries he sustained in Afghanistan fighting for our country so if you have time, please stop and say a prayer for his sweet family as well as his wife. I cannot imagine the pain they have gone through over the past year. Thank you to all our servicemen and women who fight for our freedom everyday!

Happy 4th of July weekend!

oh, I am looking for some nude heels for a wedding in 2 weeks - anyone have any advice as to where I might find some? I have looked online everywhere and can't seem to find any at a reasonable price! help!??

Run for Wounded Warriors

2011-06-29T16:02:00.000-05:00

I found my next 5k! Its on August 6th in my hometown and its the Run for Wounded Warriors. This run supports the Wounded Warrior Project. Here is a little about the Wounded Warrior Project:

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) began when several veterans and friends, moved by stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq, took action to help others in need. What started as a program to provide comfort items to wounded service members has grown into a complete rehabilitative effort to assist warriors as they recover and transition back to back to civilian life.

I am super excited about this race and LOVE that it benefits such a great cause! My best friend, Melissa, and I are running it together!

I am going to try to get my time down because I was slightly disappointed I didn't finish my last 5k in under 30 minutes. So my goal is to finish in under 30. I know that the heat slows you down and everyone tells me that but I still want to set a goal and try to achieve it. I started doing "speed runs" yesterday which are done once a week to help lower your 5k time. I found this on active.com so I am going to try and follow this plan to help lower my time! I hope it works!

After this 5k, I am going to try to gradually train for a 10k. I originally was training for a 10k when I started running last August but settled for a 5k and this will now be my 3rd. I need to push myself and the fall/winter is a good time to train for the 10k because it is not blistering hot.

Ty is training for a marathon (which no, i will never do) and I am so proud of him! If he can do that, I think I can eventually do a 10k! :)

Anyways, if you are from Alabama or Georgia and are into running, look into this race!!! A teen from my church started this race last year! Its such a great cause!!!

Now that we are talking about running, here are some running shirts I SOO want...

I wish I had an unlimited amount of money :)

Prayers Please!

2011-06-27T16:34:00.000-05:00

I told myself I would NOT let the job hunting ruin my summer this year. Last year I didn't enjoy my time off because I was too busy worrying about getting a job. I think I have done very well not worrying about it but it is SO hard not to. I have loans and a car payment and car insurance to pay and have to put gas in my car and eat! How can I pay my bills without a job? I know I can sub and find another part time job to make money but will it be enough? What will I do if I can't pay my bills? I constantly pray every day for God to provide me with a teaching job. And if thats not in His plan for my life this year, I pray that He provides me the finances somehow. I am trying so hard not to worry, but to have faith in Him, but it is so stressful not knowing how I will be able to pay my bills come August. I am doing everything I can do get a teaching job, so at least if I don't get one, I can say I did everything I could. Now its up to God and I need to trust Him and His perfect plan for me.

So, if you have time out of your busy day, please keep me and my job status in your prayers. I really really need a job!!

I lean to my favorite verse to give me comfort in times like this...

"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." -Jeremiah 29:11

one of our beautiful days in Daytona

Molly!

2011-06-23T18:18:00.001-05:00

Well, the apartment is clean, the decorations are ready, the guests have been invited, the food is ordered, the Malibu is washed, all we are missing is my Molly!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot wait to see you Molly and spend some quality time with you! I am so excited to pick you up from the airport tomorrow :)

Wish me luck as my first MOH duty starts Saturday with the first shower! :)

Father's Day and Videos

2011-06-18T14:12:00.002-05:00

I am always at a loss as to what to get my dad for Father's Day. Since we share a love for Alabama Football, I usually get him something BAMA....such as a shirt, pennant, picture, etc. He always expects something Alabama for every birthday and holiday. Not this year! I got creative. I am making him "name art" with our last name. Here is an example:

Except I am going to use all things baseball to spell out ALFANO...Casey and I did a similar thing for her mom 2 Mother's days ago and it turned out so great! I think dad will love it and hang it in his "man cave". I got a 40% off black frame from Michaels yesterday and I am going to go to a local baseball field today to take the pictures. I am super duper excited! I just love home-made gifts (well, half-way home-made in this case). They come with more love. :) I will share the final product tomorrow. I hope he likes it! He deserves the best, he is by far the best daddy ever...

I know I've shared this picture before but I just love it. Dad was so excited to get me off his payroll :)

After I graduated from UA

At my Birthday 2 years ago

What are you doing for your dads?

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I took these videos a few weeks back when I was watching Luke and Aubrey. I think they are hilarious. I could watch these videos all day long! I just love Aubrey's little laugh! She thought the swing was quite amusing...

Disclaimer: Yes, Aubrey MIGHT be a little too young to brave the swing by herself, but if you know Aubrey, she is demanding. And she demanded to swing BY HERSELF and to go HIGH. Sassy little thing. So, what she wants, she gets! Please do not judge me as a bad aunt as her head slings forward as she is swinging :) oh and please excuse my obnoxious laugh...

Enjoy!

June's Warmer of the Month

2011-06-17T15:57:00.000-05:00

Here is Scentsy's June Warmer of the Month! Isn't in so cute! Perfect for the 4th of July!! (or Memorial Day or Veteran's Day!)

It is 10% off this month which makes it $27 instead of $30. The Scent of the Month is Peach a la Mode!! Sounds Yummy!!!

If you would like to order this warmer or any other warmer in Scentsy's Catalog (you can google it if you do not have one), please email me at kealfano@gmail.com.

Summer Reading and a few pics!

2011-06-16T20:35:00.000-05:00

I am NOT reader. Most teachers probably are, but I am NOT! I have never liked reading and it has carried into my adult life. However, I have read a few "inspirational" books but thats about all I can get into. I had heard SO many people talk about the book Heaven is for Real so I decided to go check it out. I was first blown away that a book is $17.00 but I decided I needed to get it because I need something in my life to relax me.

I literally CANNOT put the book down. I have to make myself stop reading so I won't read the whole book in one sitting. I am loving it! I highly recommend in to anyone who needs a good summer read! I have found myself getting excited to sit down and read...which never ever happens!

When my Nana passed away, mom and I were talking in the car one night about all the anxiety and questions I get when someone close to me or that I know dies. It happens everytime. I get bad anxiety (worse than normal) about me dying or someone close to me dying. I also wonder about Heaven and how it is up there. I can't fully grasp the concept of "eternity" and I just wonder what it will be like. Mom could only answer a handful of questions I had because obviously, she's never been there. I got mad because moms are supposed to know everything right? Well, alot of the questions I had are answered or touched on in the book! I keep having what my friends and I call "God moments" where God has answered a prayer or a question. I just LOVE how God works like that.

Heaven is for Real

Click on that link to go to the website! You have to read this book!!!

isnt this beautiful? this was the morning we left the beach! God is such an artist!

Me and the catfish I caught last night!

I hope all you teachers are having a WONDERFUL summer!

I'm still here!

2011-06-10T00:33:00.001-05:00

I am so sorry I have been MIA lately. School ended then my sweet nana passed away, then I went to th lake for Tyler's bachelorette weekend and now I'm at the beach! I promise I will be back at it next week!

This week has been so relaxing and SO needed! I think I have taken about 3 naps a day laying on the beach! :) it has been wonderful! Not to mention the fabulous seafood I've been chowing down on every night!!! What a great trip it has been...

Sorry for the lack of posts, I will be back soon!

Oh and can someone please tell me how to upload pics onto here from my iPhone???

Goodnight from the beach!

My Nana

2011-05-30T16:44:00.000-05:00

We lost our Nana on Friday. It was very sudden and happened very fast. My mom texted me around 6am telling me to call her when I got up. Well, my anxiety-filled self could not wait, so I called her right then. Nana was in the hospital and she was not doing well. Dad got to the hospital around 8 and I went up to be with him. There were alot of things that happened fast but they think it ended up being a stroke. I stayed at the hospital pretty much all day. She passed away around 9pm, surrounded by 3 of her 6 sons & their wives, one of her SILs, and a close friend. I am so glad she is at peace now with Jesus and has regained her sharp mind!

I went to visit her the Saturday after the tornado, which was the last time I saw her. She was talking up a storm to Dad and I and I am SO glad I got to spend some one on one time with her. She fell and broke her hip a few weeks ago and so I'm assuming alot of what happened could have been a result of the surgery.

As much as I'm going to miss her, I am SO glad she is finally with Poppy. She had a VERY hard time when he went to be with Jesus 11 years ago. She loved him with every ounce of her being and I just KNOW that Poppy was waiting for her at the gates of Heaven with Jesus. I am picturing them dancing right now :). She missed him every single second of the past 11 years. I was looking at a scrapbook last night that she had made of pictures of them, notes she had written to him, and poems she had written to him. I had to hold back the tears. Their love was so deep. She even kept little notes she had written to him when he was alive, such as "Hey honey, I'm going to K-Mart, be back soon". I thought it was so neat that she kept literally everything that had to do with them. It was precious to see.

I made a list of some things I will miss most about my sweet Nana:
1. her laugh
2. her hugs
3. her love for betty boop
4. her pastina - only she could make it PERFECT
5. her spaghetti
6. her lasagna (we do have the recipes for #5 and #6)
7. her house
8. her love for her grandchildren
9. her voice
10. how excited she got when she saw me

Rest in Peace sweet Nana. I love you very much and I will never forget you. You will always be in my heart wherever I go. I hope you and Poppy are having fun up there. Tell him I miss him and love him too!

I love you Nana!

An Amazing Tribute...

2011-05-26T21:27:00.000-05:00

This video brings tears to my eyes. What a great tribute to the victims of the horrible tornado that changed our lives forever...

Click Here To Watch The Video

Yesterday was the last day for my kids...I will post about the "teacher" moments I had yesterday. For now, I will leave you with this picture of how I spent my first day of summer...

love him!

Christen and the kids took me out for a "celebratory" lunch today! They are so sweet! When I walked in Luke said "Aunt Kafween, we are gonna take you out to lunch!!!" After we got back, Christen had to go run an errand for Ryan so I watched the kids. Luke and Aubrey went down for a nap and Levi and I played until we both got tired and he fell asleep on my chest and we both took a nap!!! Nothing sweeter than my nephew sleeping on my chest!!!!! I love being an aunt!!!!!!!

Thats all for now, I am off to the lake for a few days!!! :)

Happy Summer to all my teacher friends!!!!!!

Its still there....

2011-05-23T19:37:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I try to avoid the tornado hit areas in Tuscaloosa. I see it eveyday when I pull out of my apartment to go to work but I turn the other way and try not to look too much. I think about how many times I drove those roads a week before the storm, and how many times I have driven them since - significantly less. I think I'm avoiding them, not even realizing it. But sometimes I can't. Like today. I drove through 2 of the hit areas and my heart still stops and I have to catch my breath as I pass by. Especially on our main road here in t-town. All the places I've been so many times over the past 6 years. Where I've locked my keys in my car, gotten heart sprinkle donuts with Molly, went to fancy dinners before formals, gotten my lights on my jeep fixed for free, and the list goes on and on. I live in my little bubble of school and home, I think sometimes I pretend it didn't happen, even though I do see piles and piles of rubble every morning and afternoon to and from work.

Last week I went by our old house. I've heard it was gone but I hadnt gone to see it myself. The neighborhood was leveled so I was very nervous. As I drove down our street and saw that evey single house had significant damage, my heart sank. I dodged rubble and trees that were still in the street, 3 weeks later. Suprisingly, our house is still standing! But the garage apartment next to our house was gone. There was a huge pile of rubble in our side yard but the house was still there! I think I might have lost I if it was no longer there! I also drove by our friends house which was across the neighbohood where we spent many many days and nights. It had roof damage and tons of debris and rubble in the yard but it was still there too. Many many memories in those 2 houses....

Today I was walking from the gym to my apartment and just happened to look back exactly where you can see across the street through the trees and buildings. As I turned back around, I had to remind myself, yes, it's still there Kathleen. It's not going anywhere. For a long long time. This is your new normal, seeing piles of rubble where houses and churches and businesses used to be. I know my town will never be the same but it will come back and it will be a new normal. I think change is sometimes very hard to swallow though :(

Please continue to pray for my Tuscaloosa. And please pray for those affected by yesterday's tornadoes. My heart breaks knowing they Are going through our nightmare.

Still no internet :(

2011-05-22T20:45:00.001-05:00

Sorry friends, another pictureless post...boring, I know! My Internet worked last week at school so I guess it just doesnt like the Internet at my apt!

My weekend was wonderful! I threw a wedding shower with My cousin for our friend Tyler. The theme was monograms and mimosas and we wore our pjs! It was super fun and went really well!

After the shower, Lauren, Tyler and I went to the scholastic book warehouse sale! The books were super super cheap... I got like 24 new books for $42. Go me!!! Since I dont know what grade I will be teaching next year, I got all levels of books. Now let's hope and pray I get a job! :)

Yesterday afternoon, I got to babysit Luke and Aubrey. We had a blast swinging outside! Whenever I get my Internet working on my computer, I will upload some funny videos of them swinging! Ty played with us too...They are completely obsessed with Ty. I think it's safe to say that they like him better than me! Ty was pulling out of the driveway yesterday and Aubrey stood there screaming "TY! TY! TY! Ty!" with this confused, sad look on her face! It just about broke my heart! When he came back, both of them ran around the house to greet him at his truck! I love watching the kids with him, it always melts my heart.

Today I laid out for about 2 hrs and finally got some color! I was so pasty! Ty left to go on a deep sea fishing trip with his friends! I won't get to talk to him tomorrow or Tuesday! :( this will be the first time we haven't talked for days! Yes, you can call me pathetic, I don't mind.

Last but not least....3 more days of school!!!! :)

Have a blessed week!

iPads!

2011-05-17T20:26:00.000-05:00

So the kids got to play with our new iPads today!! We got them all set up a few months ago but I kept forgetting to check them out for the kids! I finally did today and they had a blast! All I heard all day was "look Ms. Alfano!" "whoa look at this!" "hey this is cool!"

I had such a blast watching their little minds work! My classroom was the quietest it has ever been today! Ha! They were so into them. They got to play history games, research presidents, watch videos on PBS, look at pictures on the Discovery app, find their houses on google earth, and look at science pictures on the discovery television app.

I had other things planned for today and we got to none of it. But that's ok, because they might have learned more today on those iPads than they ever have from me! What a great way to bring technology and their "world" into school!

I think I just might have to check them out again tomorrow :)

There are so many great educational apps so teachers- if your school has iPads, use them!!!!!

Yays!

2011-05-16T20:17:00.001-05:00

So my internet is not working. I think it's the computer though because my roommates Internet is working. I have said this before but I am using Ty's old laptop that is about 7 years old because mine crashed last fall. I have GOT to get a new computer soon. Maybe that will be first on my summer purchases! Anyways, for now you will get short, no picture posts! My apologies!

Here are some things that call for some YAYs!!

1. 7 more days of school until summer!
2. We found out today that we don't have a teacher workday the day after the kids get out like we normally do!
3. In 3 weeks, I will be at the beach!!!
4. In 6 weeks, I get to see my best friend Molly! She is coming from Boston for her wedding shower in Tuscaloosa! I haven't seen her in a year! (speaking of Molly, check out her new blog...go to the right side of my blog and go down the list and click on "Molly"!
5. 7 more days of school! Did I already say that?
6. The new season of The Bachelorette starts next Monday!!!!

Yay!!

One prayer request: my nana fell and broke her hip and had to have surgery. She will be in the hospital for a few days. Please pray for little pain and a fast recovery!!!

Happy Monday!!!

You've got to be kidding...

2011-05-15T12:11:00.001-05:00

What a lovely weekend I had until late last night. I went to a beautiful wedding in Huntsville and then made the hour and a half trek back to Trussville. My GPS took me all back roads. I drove through boondox Alabama and was loving being the only car on the road. I had my music up and was sipping my oh so yummy McDonalds sweet tea to keep me awake. The roads were dark and I was unfamiliar with the roads so I kept my brights on most of the drive. Of course I would turn them off when a car came which was only about every 10 to 15 minutes. And then, just my luck, the one time I totally forget my brights are on and a car passes, guess who? A cop! Long story short, he Accuses me of being drunk, gives me a breathalyzer and then when he realizes I was FINE he obviously has to write me a ticket for something so I get a ticket for "failure to dim lights".

Seriously? Is that even illegal!?

He clearly wanted to get me for drinking but when he couldn't he had nothin better to do than give me a ridiculous ticket.

So, I officially received my first ticket ever.

Funny thing is...I have been pulled over a total of 3 times now since I got my license. And every single time they have accused me of drinking and driving!! The first time I had to do a sobriety test and when I passed they let me go, the second time he just believed me that i hadnt been drinking and let me go, and this time he gave me a breathalyzer and made me do a sobriety test!

What is it about me? Do I look like I'm drunk all the time? If they only knew I'm the girl who has a glass of wine about once a month!!

So in closing, I'd like to thank the po-dunk, middle of nowhere policeman who ruined my lovely Saturday night because he had nothing better to do than give this poor girl a ridiculous ticket!!!

i don't know where to start....

2011-05-09T21:44:00.000-05:00

bare with me. this might be a long post, and quite frankly all over the place.

I will start with last Wednesday (4/27), the day that changed Tuscaloosa and the state of Alabama forever. I woke up at 5am to hail beating against my window. I was mad because I knew I wasn't going to be able to go back to sleep before my alarm went off at 5:40. I laid there and laid there until my stupid alarm went off. I quickly checked our school's website to see if we were going to school - nothing. About 6:20, I was finally about to get out of bed when I got a text saying we didn't have school. I called 2 co-workers ranting a raving because I didn't want to make up that day at the end of the year and I didn't understand WHY we were getting out. One of them said there was another line of storms coming from Mississippi and she thought that was why they called it. Well, ok, but I was NOT happy about it. We already got 2 days off taken away from us due to snow days, I was not happy about having to make this day up. Little did I know what was in store for that day.

My old roommate, Lauren lost power so she ended up coming over around 8:30. We were both mad because we couldn't ever go back to sleep so we just gave up and she came over. She brought me Chick-fil-a and we ate it in bed and watched Friends for a good 3 hours. She needed to run some errands that day and wanted to go get them done before the next round of storms came. The time the next storms were coming were all over the place, I heard 1, then 2, then 3...you catch my drift.

I went to lunch with a co-worker and we chatted for a good hour after lunch. It got a little eerie outside so we decided it was time to go. Again, little did we know what was about to come. At lunch, we were joking that we would be mad if a storm didn't come because we would have gotten out of school for nothing. I have never regretted words as much as I regret those!

I went home and snuggled in my bed more. I put the news on and our oh so amazing weather man, James Spann, was on the tv updating us every second on what was going on. Casey and Brooke (my roommates) returned home withing the next hours.

I wasn't really keeping up with time after that but we kept hearing 4, then 4:30, then 5 as to when the tornado was coming. We went out on our balcony for at least an hour "waiting for it" with our neighbors who were also on their balcony. The boys next door decided they were going to go downstairs to the 1st floor breezeway (we live on the 3rd floor) but I was against that. I just did not think that was safe. We talked about going and knocking on someone's door on the 1st floor and asking them if we could ride it out with them but decided against that too. We have been through SO many tornado warnings, why was this one any different? I talked Casey and Brooke into just riding it out in our apartment. We concluded that my bathroom was the innermost room in the apartment so we got Casey's mattress and went in the bathroom to get ready. We finally heard James Spann say...IF YOU ARE IN TUSCALOOSA CITY, GO TO YOUR SAFE PLACE!!!! So we ran to the bathroom and I immediately got in the bathtub.

The mama in me came out when Casey and Brooke decided it was a good idea to stare out my window and watch the tornado come for us! All I heard was, "It's coming! I see debris EVERYWHERE!" and I screamed, "GET IN THIS TUB WITH ME!!!!!" They finally listened and closed the bathroom door and we hid under the mattress. The power quickly went out (our power NEVER goes out) and we were all alone, no tv or radio to tell us anything, in the dark. I can't really remember what I heard. Kinda like hard rain but it was probably debris and wind that I heard. I did get really scared when our power went out. But I never thought it would be as bad as what I was about to see. When the noises subsided, Casey and Brooke thought it was over. They thought it was fine to get out of the tub so we did. My phone was blowing up with people checking on me. I'm glad I could quickly tell my parents I was ok because soon after, the phone lines were ALL messed up and I might not have been able to get through to them.

The next few hours were very surreal. I felt like I was walking around in a movie.

When we first went outside, we saw our tree behind our apartment tat had fallen on our fence. We didn't think it was that bad. Just a few trees that had fallen. Brooke noticed that across the street from us looked weird but we couldn't really see much because our view is blocked.

We ventured out from our building and started walking around our complex. Buildings right next to ours had some damage but nothing really huge. There was debris everywhere but we still had no idea how horrible it was.

We quickly found out.

We heard some other buildings had some holes in them so we went across the complex to check them out. When we got to the other side of the complex, which faces the neighborhood across the street, we saw pure devastation The whole neighborhood RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET from us was GONE. I had never seen anything like it. I was in shock. There were people walking around everywhere. People from that neighborhood were walking over to us. There was twisted metal in our complex, cars were damaged, trees were gone, houses were gone, wood was everywhere. The power line pole across the street was cut in half and the power line was hanging. I really felt like I was walking around in a movie. It was very surreal and it was starting to sink in just how close we were to the tornado's path. I kept thinking, we would probably be dead if it would have hit us because it definitely would have taken the 3rd floor off our apartment.

We tried to leave the complex in Brooke's car about an hour later but we couldn't really get anywhere. On our way out of the complex, we saw more devastation. The street that my complex is off of was gone. The houses were just literally gone. I couldn't believe it. All the businesses across from our complex were gone or badly damaged. It looked like the tornado was heading right for us and then literally turned and skipped right over us. A very weird feeling. God had his hand right over us. When we tried to leave, hundreds of people were walking towards us that had just lost their homes. I don't think I will ever get that image out of my head. I remember this man holding his infant to his chest walking towards us. The look on his face was the saddest thing I have ever seen. A face of fear, heartbreak, and loss. I wanted so badly to tell him to jump in the car with us and everything would be ok.

Within the next few hours we were getting sporadic calls and texts from friends and family members. Sadly, we did not think to charge our phones before the storm so ALL of our phone's were dying. We were hearing rumors of the devastation around Tuscaloosa and my heart was breaking. I just couldn't imagine all these places I have gone to so many times within the last 6 years just gone? How is that possible?

After a few hours we tried to venture out again and we went to Lauren's house to spend the night since we didn't have power. We hadn't eaten in HOURS and tried to go get food but every restaurant was PACKED.

I had a VERY hard time sleeping that night. I couldn't stop thinking about my kids. I live in our school's district and we got hit HARD. Everytime I closed my eyes I had a horrifying imagine in my head. Were my kids ok? Were they homeless? Where are they? How can I find them? My brain could not rest.

The next day we tried to drive around some but traffic was awful. It took us forever just to get to my apartment because so many roads were closed right around my complex. We finally made it and I packed my things and left to go to Birmingham. I felt guilty leaving but I had to get out.

The next few days are a blur. I couldn't be happy and not feel guilty. I didn't go ten minutes without thinking of my babies. I NEEDED to know if they were ok. I kept thinking to myself, "What was the last thing I said to them?" It was truly an awful feeling.

Saturday, dad and I went back to Tuscaloosa to help out. I saw most of the hard hit areas and I had to hold back the tears. I just couldn't believe it. The only word I can use to describe it is surreal. There are no other words.

Monday the teachers went back to school and we welcomed another middle school into our building because their school was destroyed. :( We gathered supplies to bring to the teachers across the city and county who lost their schools. It was a blessing to help those sweet teachers. It broke my heart to see them. Some lost years and years worth of stuff in their classrooms.

Wednesday the kids came back. I was full of emotions as I saw those babies walk down the hall. I teared up as I almost got tackled by my girls. I am so thankful for those hugs. I prayed for those hugs, and God granted me them that day.

Most of our kids disappointed us with their lack of understanding the severity of what had happened. Some lost their houses and still didn't really "get it". I guess its the age of immaturity, which could be a blessing that they are sheltered from the pain of what has happened to our town.

Our days have gone on and the clean up has begun. They have already started to bulldoze some of the businesses and gas stations on the main road in Tuscaloosa. It gives me chills to drive down that road and see our main intersection in town. The same road I have driven down THOUSANDS of times. That I literally don't recognize now. It is unbelievable to see all the neighborhoods just gone. Like they never existed. Completely flat. The old house I lived in is destroyed. Very hard to swallow.

It is still weird to believe that this devastating thing "happened to us". You never think it will. But it can, and it did to MY town.

I still catch myself wanting to "run by" some places such as Hobby Lobby or CVS (which are places I went at least once a week) only to stop and remind myself that those places are gone. Just today I wanted so badly to run into BigLots to try to find some bins to pack up my classroom and then I remembered that BigLots is just a pile of rubble. :(

I am very very thankful to be alive and have a roof over my head. The tornado came close enough to cause a huge wake up call for me. Snap me back into reality. I am not invincible. God had his hand RIGHT over me and for that I am forever thankful to my Savior.

I did take alot of pictures and if you are friends with me on facebook, you have probably seen them. I might post them later, but not in this post. This was for me to get my thoughts out. To vent, if you will. I'm sure you have all seen videos and pictures anyway, and if not, you can google them. They are all over the internet. Pictures really don't even do it justice anyways. It is nothing compared to seeing it in person. Especially when its YOUR town. YOUR restaurants. YOUR stores. YOUR neighborhoods. YOUR streets. Very surreal.

I will update later this week with ways you can help - no matter where you are. You can help.

I'm ok

2011-05-02T17:18:00.000-05:00

This will be short because I am on my iPhone because I still don't have cable and Internet. I am ok. My town is not. The tornado literally skipped right over my apartment. Everything around me is gone. God has his hand right over us. The destruction I have seen leaves me speechless. I have thought about what to write but there are no words. My heart is broken for my sweet Tuscaloosa and for all the people who lost their lives and/or lost their house. My heart hurts for my babies at school who have already had a hard enough life and it just got harder. Some will have experienced things that No one should have to experience some will have seen things that noone should have to see. I cannot wait to see them Wednesday. I hope I see all of them walk through that door. They just HAVE to or I will lose it. Please pray for my babies, and my town. I have never in my life seen this kind of devastation. Prayers and help will be needed for a long long time. I will update later with more details.

my wednesday...

2011-04-27T14:09:00.000-05:00

I woke up about 5am to the sound of thunder & hail as well as my room being lit up by lightning. I kept trying to remember if there was a large tree outside my window because I was so scared! I never really went back to sleep before my alarm went off and I immediately checked our school's website to see if we were going to school. I was about to get up about 6:20 when I got the text that we didn't have school. I was a little confused because the worst seemed to be over. I called my one of my co-workers who informed me that there was another line of storms coming and alot of people were without power so that was probably the reason we weren't going in. Of course, I was happy to get an unexpected day off - however, we have to make this day up at the end which I am NOT thrilled about. Is it bad to tell my kids not to come that day?? ;)

Anyways, there has been alot of damage from the storms this morning all across the state of Alabama so I am very thankful I am ok and there was no damage to our apt complex! The pictures they were showing on the news were insane. I have a feeling that the storms coming are worse than the one this morning so say a prayer for my state!!!

My friend Lauren (who is also a teacher) lost power this morning so she came over about 8:30 because neither of us could go back to sleep (which also makes me mad!! I didn't even get to sleep in!). She brought me chick-fil-a and we laid in bed all morning watching the news, and watching our all time favorite...

The rest of my day has looked lie this:

my bed & friends on tv - what a lovely day.

lunch at Newks :)

Checking James Spann's FB page for updates - and if you were wondering, we are right in the BULLSEYE of the tornadoes! How lovely.

Be safe Alabama!!!!!!!

the question i've been dreading....

2011-04-26T19:21:00.000-05:00

Student: I'm not coming to this school next year!! (in a very bad mood voice - she had just spent the day in ISS)

Me: Where ya gonna go?

Student: I dont know. Are you gonna be here next year Ms. Alfano?

Me: I'm moving to Birmingham. You know I go up there alot.

Student: Oh no, then I'm DEFINITELY not coming to school here next year.

(my heart melts)

Me: I won't be your teacher next year anyways.

Student: I know, but I would come visit you all the time.

(my heart melts again)

I have been dreading my students asking me this question. A few asked a couple of weeks ago and I avoided the question, pretending I didn't hear them. I will probably be answering lots of questions tomorrow considering news goes around those children faster than anything I've ever seen.

I have come so far with most of my students (especially in my homeroom) and I must admit that I have been getting sad to leave them. Its so odd to think I won't ever see them again. And I desperately need to know that they are going to be okay.

Last year, I didn't know I was leaving until 2 days before school got out and it was such a whirlwind after that, I never really had these feelings. I thought it was weird that I was getting a new class, but I was such a wreck those last 2 days, it never really sunk in that I would never see them again.

This year is also different because I worry about them more. Most come from rough backgrounds and I worry about them. Worry what they see, do, hear, experience, etc.

This time every year, EVERY teacher is so ready for summer, as am I. I have had a countdown for some time now. However, knowing I'm leaving this year, I've had a weird feeling lately. I want it to be summer and I am so ready for this next phase in my life, yet I have started to get sad about leaving. I love the people I work with and I have grown to love these children. They test me EVERY SINGLE SECOND of every single day, but its worth it when a child who you never thought would open up to you, tells you they love you all the time.

I know I will move on and worry about them less as the next phase in my life starts, but for now, I'm enjoying my last days with these children who have taught me more about life & teaching than I could have EVER imagined. This was by far the hardest year of my life, but somehow has had the best rewards in the end.

sneak peak

2011-04-19T18:50:00.001-05:00

My best friend, Molly is getting married on January 14th.

In June, she is flying down to Alabama for her "Southern Shower" as she has been calling it. I am SUPER excited about my first "MOH" duty! I have decided to set aside a little bit of money every paycheck so I am not buying everything at once in June. I have already bought a few things from ETSY and I wanted to share one with you. Here is a sneak peak of her theme for the party....

Can anyone (from the south especially) guess the theme?

I love you so much!!!!!

28

2011-04-18T20:10:00.000-05:00

There are 28 days until summer! 28!

28 PEOPLE!

Can you tell I am excited? Summer is so fun! NO responsibilities, nowhere to be, the beach, the lake, the pool, family, friends, staying up late, etc!

Today I have been dreaming of this:

Gosh I can't wait!!! :)

Away for a Week

2011-04-13T20:43:00.001-05:00

I did so good writing last week and this week I haven't! I go through slumps where I think I have nothing to write about. But sometimes thats ok. I am doing this so I can look back and remember this time in my life. I always want to press the fast forward button to my engagement, wedding day, and babies. I really need to enjoy this time in my life where all I have to worry about is myself and 70 sixth graders. :)

Last weekend I had SO much fun at home! Christen had to come home as well so I went to Birmingham to pick her up and got to play with the babies for awhile. They just melt my heart. All 3 of them. Each in their own little special way. Luke is the one who made me an aunt - He will always have a special place in my heart. Aubrey is my only niece (so far) and I just love watching her grow into a little princess. She is SO sassy and I LOVE IT!!!!! She will be so tough and is not going to let anyone mess with her. Levi is SO laid back and sweet. He is so content watching his older brother and sister. He will just lay there while they scream and play around him. I could just EAT HIM UP!! :)

I simply ADORE them. :)

Back to the weekend - Christen and I headed to Atlanta late Friday night and were exhausted wen we got there! Saturday morning, we went with mom to get breakfast and pedicures!!! It was so needed!!! I almost fell asleep in the chair :). Alot of my kids have asked if I have gotten my "toes did" this week :) haha- I didn't think they paid that much attention!

Saturday mom and I ran around town and then went to dinner with dad and my best friend Jessica and then went to see The 5th Quarter. It was so good! I cried ALOT! If it comes to a town near you, GO SEE IT!!! Support this sweet family!

Sunday we accidentally woke up late and missed church. Mom made us pancakes and we just hung around until it was time to go. Christen was ready to get back to her babies!

Long story behind this picture - Basically, we discovered RITA's last year at the beach and Alabama does not have any, but GA does, so every time I go home, we get it and send a picture like this to Ty's whole family and they get super jealous :)

I only got to see Ty for a few minutes on Sunday, so I am missing him this week. I haven't spent more than a few hours with him in 2 weeks which is VERY rare for us. :( I cannot wait until Friday gets here so I can spend the whole weekend with him!!!

_______________________

So I told my principal Monday that I was for sure leaving in May. She was so sweet about it and wished me all the best! I am so excited to move to Birmingham and start this new chapter in my life. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for me. I think I am going to live with my grandfather to help him out (and no rent!). I know it will be a time I look back and smile about! Please pray for my future job!!

"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." - Psalm 27:14

I will leave you with this hilarious video of Luke. It makes me laugh every time I watch it. For those non-local people, he is saying "Tuscaloosa" which is the town I live in!!

cursed?

2011-04-06T20:29:00.001-05:00

So two Saturdays ago, I was at Ty's house straightening my hair and my straightener popped and then started smoking and smelling like something was melting. Goodbye brand new straightener. It was still under warranty so Ty quickly ordered me a new one. I have been curling my hair all week and it has not been fun. I didn't know what I had until I got this new straightener. Its just simply amazing. I never knew a straightener could work THAT well. So, to live without it for a week and a half (Ty brought me my new one yesterday) was not fun. It took me like 10 extra minutes to get ready.

best. straightener. ever.

Back to my cursed story....

Yesterday I am in the middle of drying my hair and my hair dryer dies!! Are you kidding me? A straightener and a hair dryer both die within a week and a half of each other? Am I not supposed to be doing my hair or something? Am I supposed to go to work with my hair wet and undone? I mean really, what are the chances? And the hair dryer wasn't even 2 years old. I stole my roommate's hair dryer for the rest of the week until I get a new one. Thankfully, it likes me (for now).

So what do yall think? Am I cursed by the hair gods?

Scentsy and New Shoes!

2011-04-05T17:42:00.000-05:00

Check out Scentsys April Warmer of the Month! It is super Spring-ish! Very cute! It is 10% off all month so it is $27 instead of $30. The scent of the month is Flutter - I have not smelled it yet but it sounds very springy! :) Please email me at kealfano@gmail.com if you would like to order this warmer or anything else in the Scentsy catalog! I promise you will love whatever you order! I am slightly obsessed with mine, which is probably why I became a consultant :)

On a completely different note, I ordered some new shoes from Target.com yesterday! My black sandals were old and falling apart and stretched out. I have looked everywhere lately for some cute ones but kept going back to target.com. I love my brown sandals I ordered last year from Target.com so I am hoping I like these just as much! I could not get the picture to work so I will post a pic when I get them!!!

what a nice surprise

2011-04-04T16:49:00.000-05:00

So we got out at 1 today because of possible severe weather and it is still sunny out! I am not complaining though because I got to go to lunch with some of my sweet co-workers!! We went to WingsU which is a new restaurant here in Ttown - don't know if its a chain or not but if you see it pop up in your hometown - check it out! It is amazing! I had the BEST calzone I have ever tasted in my life!

What a nice start to the week!! :)

I am going home this weekend for the first time since Christmas and I am SO excited!!!!!!!!

a bunch of random thoughts...

2011-03-31T21:04:00.000-05:00

1. I had another "melt my heart" teacher moment today. TWO in a row? NO WAY!

2. I am on the ball with my canvases I am only ONE behind now. I feel very accomplished considering I always feel behind! Check out my canvas blog - the link is on the right side of this blog - to check out some of my recent canvases!!!

3. TESTING officially ended yesterday! I am so relieved it is over! I really hope my kids did good! Their behavior was great everyday during testing, I am very proud of them!

4. There are 7 weeks until SUMMER!!!

5. I am slightly obsessed with hobby lobby. I could walk around that place for hours. However, if I did, my bank account would hate me.

6. I cannot wait to see Ty tomorrow!! I haven't seen him since Saturday and I have felt a little lonely this week (more than normal) so I am extra excited to see him and spend time with him this weekend! I miss him so much during the week!!

7. I absolutely cannot wait for June - I get to see my best friend, Molly!!! I am throwing her a shower down here in Tuscaloosa that she is coming down from Boston for. I have already started planning for it and I am getting so excited for it! I can't wait to spend a few days with her! I miss her so much!

8. I am in love with these clothes from Body Central:

9. I love this new Scentsy Warmer:

It is so cute!! Email me at kealfano@gmail.com if you would like to order this warmer or anything from Scentsy!

10. Tomorrow is FRIDAY! My favorite day EVER!

i live for these moments...

2011-03-30T19:24:00.000-05:00

i had a "melt my heart" teacher moment today and I have to share!!

I asked you to pray for the student's family at my school who passed away this past weekend. Well, we are collecting money as a school to give to the family to help with funeral costs. Our math coach came in and spoke to my Homeroom for a few minutes about why we need to give to this precious family. She explained that any amount of money will help, even if it is just change. After she spoke, the room got completely silent (which NEVER happens) and 2 of my boys got up (boys that are so "tough" and the last 2 boys I would expect to get up and donate) and went and put money in the bucket. I felt the tears swelling in my eyes but I held back. It might not sound like much but it shows me that they care. They care about others and they care about people who are hurting. They probably don't get money much to spend on whatever they want. They could have kept it and bought a snack or a drink; but instead, they gave it to a family is desperate need. My students come from very rough backgrounds and come across SO unbelievably tough and like they don't care. I love to see when they soften up. I preach to them all the time about being nice to each other (they are SO mean sometimes!!!) so its nice to see their caring hearts come out. A few of my students mentioned that they had already given previously in the day so that brought a smile to my face as well. :) It was just one of those "proud teacher moments" and all you teacher friends out there know exactly what that feels like.

2 prayer requests

2011-03-29T16:48:00.000-05:00

My heart is heavy today. I have 2 prayer requests:

1. A 7th grade student at my school passed away this past weekend from a car accident. He was with his mother who is still in ICU, and 3 younger siblings who are ok. Please pray for that family. They were on their way to a funeral and their tire blew and they flipped multiple times. My heart breaks for this family as well as his friends and teachers. I just cannot imagine losing one of my students. My heart hurts for his teachers. Please pray for healing and comfort for all who knew him. I hurt knowing that his precious life was cut short.

2. My Meme was just put in a nursing home last week and fell last night after my Granddaddy left for the night. She broke her hip and had to have surgery today. Please pray for her healing and comfort for my family. This has been a very difficult time for us all.

Thank you.

Flapjack 5k

2011-03-27T20:15:00.000-05:00

So this weekend was my second 5k. The last one I did back in November was great and I really enjoyed the adrenaline from running "a race". I had originally planning on doing the Rumpshaker 5k in downtown Birmingham but then I found out that Ty's church was hosting the Flapjack 5k on the same day so I figured I would just run in that one to support his church. Also, his cousin and her husband, as well as his other cousin's daughter was going to run it so we just made it into a little family event!! I had this lady run with me pretty much the whole time and she was my inspiration! She kept saying little stuff to me to keep me going! She was awesome - and she was also about 50 so I thought, if she can do it, I can do it! I wasn't as prepared for this race as I was for the last one but I did fine. No big problems other than my nose was running the entire race! so annoying! I finished in 30:30 which was 2 minutes over my last time so I was kinda bummed. However, Philip (Ty's cousin in law who runs ALL the time and has done numerous marathons) said that I don't need to focus on beating my time every race and you slow down if the temperature is over 60 degrees. So that made me feel better! I am proud of myself for completing another 5k. I have never been a runner and 3.1 miles might not seem like alot, but it is to me! I love the feeling of crossing the finish line! I feel so accomplished! :) Here are a few pictures:

The Fifth Quarter

2011-03-25T20:21:00.000-05:00

The Fifth Quarter

Please click on the link and watch the trailer. I have not seen it yet but it is based on a true story about a 15 year old boy & his family from my hometown. He tragically lost his life in a car accident. The movie is about how the family copes with the loss and how his older brother dedicated his last season of football at Wake Forest to his little brother. The family is truly an inspiration! I am so upset I have to wait a few more weeks to see it because its not playing in Alabama yet! Please support this precious family and go see the movie if it is playing near you! The theaters are listed on the website! I promise you will be inspired!

What a morning!!

2011-03-24T21:09:00.001-05:00

So I had to share this because I had quite the morning!! I had to get up early to be at school early because of testing. I felt like it was the first day of school, I was so nervous. I jumped right out of bed (which is unbelievably unusual - I usually hit the snooze about 10 times!) and got to the bathroom, grabbed the towel off the back of my bathroom door, and guess what comes crawling down my door out of my towel? A. Nasty. Roach. UGH! I HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE roaches! Did I say hate? Cuz I HATE them!! I can do spiders all day long but roaches completely creep me out. I have been known to climb up on top of tables and couches to get away from roaches. Ugh, they gross me out.

Anyways, back to my story. After chasing the darn roach around my whole bathroom with a shoe (they run fast and can ball up and squeeze through anything!), I finally killed it. Now, normally I leave the smashed roach for my boyfriend or someone else to clean up but obviously I was by myself so I had to do it. So, I got a HUGE wad of toilet paper and scooped it up and down the toilet it went. I felt on top of the world. What a woman! :)

I took a shower, got out and went to the kitchen to eat breakfast. There were no clean bowls in the cabinet, so I opened the dishwasher to grab a clean bowl and what comes running out? A FREAKING ROACH!!!!!!! 2 in a matter of about 10 minutes! I literally shouted out, What the crap!?? It crawled all up in the dishwasher so I got the RAID out and killed that nasty beast! Again, I couldn't leave it so I maned up and got a huge wad of paper towels and scooped it up. Gosh I am one awesome roach killer!!

Kathleen - 2, Roaches - 0

Let me remind you that we started testing today and I was trying to get there early! I just knew that this was going to throw off my whole morning which you all know means that your whole day is thrown off and sucks. I was so nervous that this was a foreshadowing to something going wrong during testing. Thankfully, testing went well and my day was alright other than the kids being super hyper after testing!

I just had to share this near death experience I had with roaches this morning. Good thing I made it out alive to tell.

Thankfully, my apartment is spraying because we NEVER see roaches, it is very RARE!

I am running my next 5k Saturday - proceeds go towards Ty church's missions. :) I'm excited! Wish me luck!

a not really surprise!

2011-03-23T20:46:00.000-05:00

Ty came down today and "surprised" me (ok, i begged him to come). He has started to do this every couple of weeks and I love our mid-week dates! I know I sound so silly saying that its so hard to go 5 days without seeing him but it is!!! Monday night I was missing him and my parents and cried myself to sleep. It just hits me sometimes. I am so glad he came today! I am so stressed about testing starting tomorrow and I needed to get my mind off of it! We hung out at my apartment and then went to Olive Garden for dinner (yummy!). It was a much needed afternoon/night. He just left :( but I get to see him Friday! :)

Please remember to say a prayer for me and my kids tomorrow! We test tomorrow, Friday, next Tuesday and Wednesday. I really hope everything goes smoothly and the kids do great!!

back!

2011-03-22T20:44:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally had 2 seconds to sit down and blog! I have missed it! My spring break was awesome and relaxing! We went hiking, I took care of my niece and nephews, went shopping, and ended the week with a lake trip! It was a much needed break from reality but it is always SO hard to go back to the real world after I have had a week off. There are 9 more weeks of school and then its summertime! I am so excited! This weekend at the lake it was so beautiful and it was kind of a tease because its not summer yet! Ty and I went on a date Friday night to our favorite little restaurant at the lake - its such a cute little, small town restaurant. I just love it! Our food was absolutely amazing too!

On a completely different note, this week is testing for us. I am very nervous - this is my first year doing testing because last year I taught 1st grade and didn't have to worry about the state tests. I really hope my kids do good and behave during the tests. Please say a prayer for them (and me!) if you think about it. Most schools in Alabama are doing their tests this week and next week so they all need your prayers! Thank you!

Here are some pictures from my Spring Break! Sorry they are small - they are from my iphone and I don't know how to get them bigger!

me and sassy pants! poor thing was sick! :(

i just LOVE her - she brings so much joy into my life!

hiking

My favorite time of the day at the lake - sunset!

love this place

this is what i do while Ty is fishing....

so pretty!

my new little man! check out his bib! ;)

had to share this...

2011-03-10T20:38:00.001-06:00

I have a Teacher's Devotional that I read every night before I go to bed. My quiet time with God is before bed. I cannot do it in the morning - I do not like mornings, I actually despise them. I love crawling in my bed at night and picking up my devotional and spending time in prayer with the lights off. This devotional has been crucial this past year. Everytime I am struggling with something, I swear I pick it up and the devotion for that day is about exactly what I need it to be on. Its crazy insane. I love how God works like that. Its so incredible.

Two nights ago, I picked it up and this is what I read:

"The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless only becomes poor." - Proverbs 21:5

The occasional disappointments and failures of life are inevitable. Such setbacks are simply the price that we must occasionally pay for our willingness to take risks as we follow our dreams. But even when we encounter bitter disappointments, we must never lose faith.

The reassuring words of Hebrews 10:36 remind us that when we preserve, we will eventually receive that which God has promised. What's required is perseverance, not perfection.

When we encounter the inevitable difficulties of life-here-on-earth, God stands ready to protects us. Our responsibility, of course, is to ask Him for protection. When we call upon Him in heartfelt prayer, He will answer-in His own time and according to His own plan-and He will heal us. And, while we are waiting for God's plans to unfold and for Hid healing touch to restore us, we can be comforted in the knowledge that our Creator can overcome any obstacle, even if we cannot.

Wow. If you know me, or have been reading this blog at all, you know that this year has been very difficult for me. I had to leave a job I felt very comfortable and got a job completely out of my comfort zone. This has been the most difficult thing I have done in my life. It is emotionally and physically draining. I have felt like a failure so many times this year. There are times I left school not knowing if ONE kid learned anything that day.

When I read this, tears almost dripped down my face. I felt like all the weight of this year lifted off my shoulders. It is so exhausting trying to get children to respond to you when they want to do the complete opposite. All the while, trying to do my very best to teach them everything that they are supposed to know before going into 7th grade. Its so exhausting. I rest in the peace of knowing God is here to protect me and he wants me to persevere, he doesn't want me to be perfect. He has a plan and a purpose for this year. I already know that I have made relationships with students - which at the beginning of the year seemed impossible. And that - TO ME - is more important than anything that happened in a textbook. Having a child KNOW that you care and love them who doesn't get love at home is what I set out to do back in August. Yes, the tests and scores and courses of study are so unbelievably important, but I am a teacher who believes in relationships as well. I believe that I need to be a positive role model for children who don't have one. And most of mine don't.

God has shown me smiles and laughs the past few weeks which is so needed. He has revealed that He is the only one who I need to impress in the long run of eternity. He has helped my heart stay happy and helped me stay positive when the devil has tried to knock me down. He has restored my broken heart and soul.

I am so glad I picked up my devotional and read this passage the other night. What a blessing God's words are to us.