pollard family blog

Life Long Learner

2012-02-20T17:05:00.000-06:00

The University of Mississippi instills in its graduates the importance of being a life long learner. I have always enjoyed a challenge and Cullen will tell you that I love an accomplishment. I have a five year plan I run my life from and in my plans I am always coming up with something else to be certified in or to accomplish. These goals do not always pertain to my school/career. Two years ago I thought it would be a great idea to earn my Commercial Driver's License. This fall I thought I needed to take a Hand Gun Class for Ladies. Over the Christmas holiday I took a class on Passive Restraint Techniques so that in the event of a fight I could take a person down in five moves. Yes, I love a class, I love to learn, but more than those I love to a certificate of recognition. My latest class- welding. I even conned my friend to taking it with me.

I found out that Lafayette Schools has a night program for community members wanting to pick up a new trade. Since I am currently working for Lafayette my class would be free. So guess what, I put on gloves & goggles and decided to weld.

These would be glasses tinted at 5%. Don't they look lovely, they make great sunglasses, I have worn them twice when I have forgotten mine in the house....stylish right?

This was taken before I remembered the amount of hair product I use and calculated just exactly how flammable that made me. ... next I had on my lovely welding cap...she is a beauty isn't she.

The first night our objective was to cut a straight line and make the piece of metal fall and to then cut a circle. You better believe I have a paper weight now that I am mighty proud of.

While I don't think I will be the next Bob Villa or even weld for fun, I am excited about learning something new, possibly making a bottle tree, or signing up for the next class they offer at the VoTech.

Baby Girl

2012-02-20T16:42:00.000-06:00

Very soon as in Thursday, hopefully, this baby girl is going to be a BIG SISTER. I can not believe that almost three years ago she was born and in a few short days we will be welcoming a baby boy into the family. "Henry is coming!" is what she tells me on the phone and I am so stinking ready for him to be here I don't know what to do with myself. Please pray for my brother and his wife, Kathy, as they prepare for baby number two, pray for a healthy baby boy and mom, and please pray for Ellie that the adjustment to her new sibling will be smooth.

29 in Taylor

2012-02-13T16:51:00.000-06:00

Cullen celebrated his 29th birthday at the beginning of February. He wanted a low key night with friends and that is what he got. The Pollards, McCartys, Hilliards, Bo & Joanne headed to Taylor Grocery to sit back enjoy good food and great conversation. Sadly it has been a long time since we had been to Taylor.

Cullen only asked for a tie rack for his birthday, and after my mom picked one up for him, I was left wondering what I would get him. I thought and thought and decided we needed a trip. So I picked out a Boston Redsox shirt, wrapped it and told him to pick out two tickets and we would go to Boston July 4th weekend to see the Yankees and the Redsox play. I am super excited. Boston was on our list of places to go and I've never been to a major league game before. It will come at the perfect time for us, I'll be finished with my program and about to start a new job, and Cullen's busy season will kick off mid July so it will be a break before the craziness of fall football starts.

Time Keeps on Ticking

2012-02-04T10:39:00.000-06:00

Sorry for a no photo post, but I wanted to give an update... on life at the Pollard house, but like always I'm running around crazy as ever.
Cullen says I never blog about him...he doesn't do things that are blog worthy really...we both don't but since I'm the author of this my view gets posted more than his...
So since the start of the new year Cullen has kept himself busy with Ole Miss Basketball, refereeing soccer games, refereeing Upwards games at church and playing MW3...
School has started back and I am not looking forward to the classes I'm taking this semester--research and management....Praise the LORD only 6 more months of this school stuff.
As for my internship- I love being in the high school. I am working with awesome mentors and love getting to know the ins and outs of secondary education.
I can NOT believe January is over and we are moving well into February.
Keep praying for my test results to come in this week and be passing...they don't have to be high...I'll take passing. Also, pray for my cohort that in the coming months jobs will be made available to us, decisions will be easy to make and that as we move toward our summer stay on campus we all remain calm, cool, and collected.

Pray

2012-01-26T05:29:00.000-06:00

Back in December I thought it would be a great idea to go ahead and sign up for the SLLA, the principal test, and to take it in January not June as we were advised.
Back in December I had a whole cohort of friends who talked, chatted, and patted each other on the back as we commended ourselves for being such over achievers.
Well, today is test day and my idea kinda stinks to me, and my friends are scattered over Mississippi and there is no chatting or back patting there is only a clock that is ever so quickly ticking down to go time.

Please pray that today as I go to take my test my thoughts are organized and my memory is impeccable. Pray for my friends who have taken it this week or will take it today or Saturday.
You see with out a passing score on this test I will struggle all semester with my failure and pray that in June when I can take it again I will pass so that I could be employable in July.

I have an eerie calm about this test that is only quickly removed by sheer panic. So for today between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. if you could just lift up a prayer request I would really appreciate it.

Crystal Ball 2012

2012-01-23T05:34:00.000-06:00

My dear friend, Leslie, loves a party. Leslie is always on the move, doesn't require much sleep, and is up for anything. Everyone needs a Leslie in their lives. She is the friend who will come to your house and help you clean in a mad rush to get ready for a party, the friend who will talk you out of sitting at home in your pj's to go to dinner, the friend who will make you literally believe you have lost ten pounds when you know you gained it, everyone needs a Leslie.

This past weekend Leslie and I committed to judging a pageant in Grenada. I love to judge which sounds really funny, but so true, and Leslie was all about making some extra money. She calls midweek and alerts me that Saturday also happens to be the night of the Crystal Ball and she has been to the last 4 and doesn't plan on breaking her streak....what was I to do? Well, with a friend like Les, only one thing to do...pack your party clothes and get ready for the fun.

We raced from Grenada back to Oxford to drop off one of the other judges and then headed to Hernando to change and head to the party. We were lucky in that her mom had extra tickets and when we got there the silent auction was over but the band was still playing. Leslie gets her love of a good time from her mom and Ms. Shelly never disappoint when entertaining. We danced the night away into the morning and when the band stopped playing we finally sat down to catch our breath before looking for the next thing to do.

After a trip to Waffle House and Taco Bell we made it back to Ms. Shelly's house and to bed around 3a.m.

It was such a fun time, one that I would have slept through if it wasn't for Leslie being my party planner, motivator, and dear friend.

Looking forward to Crystal Ball 2013!

Two Weeks into 2012

2012-01-19T05:40:00.000-06:00

Of course with the beginning of the new year I began a new lifestyle of being healthier- so far so good. I'm just acting like the Gigi's cupcakes were part of my plan!
I had to report to campus this past weekend for a cram session for the SLLA exam I am taking next week! It was 14 hours of standards, pacing, and writing- my thoughts on this- This too shall pass!
Thank the Lord for Bo, Cullen's good friend, he has managed to keep Cullen busy while I've been sewing, studying, and keeping busy!
And finally I was able to give my good friend Joanne a couple of seeing lessons this past weekend! She is a natural! Seriously she is freakishly good!
On a side note- I LOVE my internship at the high school! I would say its more laid back, but I stay busy just in different ways! Oh I miss the girls in the LES Office, but I am loving the atmosphere at LHS! Somebody should have told me about high school years ago!

Happy New Year

2012-01-02T10:58:00.000-06:00

Cullen and I celebrated our 7th New Year's Eve together. Our first New Year's was as his date for his friends' wedding in 2005. 2006 we celebrated with Cole and Megan in Tupelo and shot fireworks with Matt and Dawn. 2007 we spent New Year's Eve with Tyler and Mollie at the Alluvian in Greenwood. 2008 & 2009 were spent in Dallas readying ourselves for the Cotton Bowl. Last year we were in Oxford with Ronnie & Toya at Shep's and this year we were back in Oxford with a hodgepodge of friends.

Two stick filled us for the evening of fun, including a win by AUBURN- War Eagle!

Love these girls. So glad we ran into Natalie.

Cullen may or may not have been longing to ride the bull at this moment.

It was such a fun night, I think mostly because it wasn't over planned or over hyped. It was just friends getting together and enjoying good company. New Year's Day was just as fun reliving the night's events over coffee. We all may be getting older, but I think we are just getting better.

2011 Year in Review

2011-12-31T09:47:00.000-06:00

This year has flown by and in a lot of ways I am extremely grateful for this, but in other instance it saddens me to think that here we are looking at 2012 and another year of getting older.

January brought a lot of snow and a lot of snow days. I welcomed the snow and enjoyed every inch of the 8 inches Pontotoc received.

February was the month Cullen turned 28 and we celebrated another Super Bowl with our Sunday School class.

March -Faren & Dave got married at Mt. Vernon and it was a month filled with wedding preparations, from bachelorette parties to rehearsals and showers. Spring break was laid back and spent with friends and family.

April was a time to celebrate Natalie turning 30 and we loaded up and headed to Nashville. We celebrated Leslie's birthday in Oxford and spent the rest of the month at baseball games and work.

May was a time for good byes as I said bye to Pontotoc Elementary and Mary Ann Busby, my second grade teacher retired from teaching. Cullen spent Memorial Day with our friends in Hunstville and I spent it at the beach with some teachers from school.

In June I became a student again after five years away from Ole Miss. I moved back on campus and with seven other teachers we began our transformations from teachers to administrators. Cullen and I celebrated four years together and we celebrated it apart.

July took Cullen and me to places we thought we would only go on vacation. We served on a mission team with our church in St. Thomas. It was a wonderful adventure and we were so blessed by the team and the islanders we worked with. My cousin, Anna, got married to her high school sweetie, Andrew. I turned 25 again and we enjoyed a weekend away with friends in Pickwick. I began my internship and started learning what life was like inside the office at school.

August brought another Bodock Festival and a time for Jason's band to entertain us. School got in full swing and Cullen readied himself for Football Season.

September started the football season for Ole Miss and kept us busy with school and work. Mom turned 60 and we spent her birthday marveling in Ellie growing into such a big girl with a big personality.

October was more of the same from September, days filled with football, school, work, and a few parties to dot our weekend calendars.

November brought my mom back to the University after 38 years to enjoy a football game. We welcomed family into our homes again for Thanksgiving. We were able to share stories and make memories.

December- This sweet girl has brought us so much happiness this year. She has literally grown up before our eyes. She has become a spunky & sweet little lady. I think she loves Christmas as much as the rest of the Carter crew does.

2011 was a blessing in many ways and in many way the most trying year yet for the Pollards. We were blessed more than we deserved and look forward to the coming year to see all that it holds.

Christmas Vacation

2011-12-25T10:23:00.000-06:00

I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I put up four full size trees this year and I loved every day just sitting and looking at them. My holiday decor has a way of evolving for a number of reasons but one of them being that I forget some of my things and have to add them as the month drags on.

In Pollard tradition we spent Christmas Eve night at the Calvary Candlelight service with Cullen's parents and sister. I believe that this is the fourth year for the tradition and my mother in law just loves having us all there together. It was nice having Faren and Dave there this year since in years past it has been just Cullen and myself as she and Dave have had work or other obligations.

I enjoy hearing the carols and Brother David's sweet message and I know that in years to come traditions will change if Cullen and I ever start a family of our own, so I appreciate this small tradition.

Christmas Day began with breakfast with my mom and then moved to Oxford to celebrate with the Ragon family. It is always a fast and furious day that holds a lot of laughs, food, and memories.

Back in Pontotoc we were able to meet up with the Carter clan for dessert and another gift exchange.

This is my sweet cousin, Jason, in case I haven't said it enough he is my FAVORITE cousin and we have a 'secret' gift exchange every year that frustrates the rest of the family but delights both of us.

This Christmas was Ellie's second Christmas in Pontotoc. They alternate each year so it was good to see her at home rather than during a quick trip to Jackson.

My dad gave me this beauty for Christmas. It is still at his house now, because I am debating getting a smaller one, and partly because I am scared to death almost of really having a gun of my own.

This sums up Ellie's Pontotoc Christmas experience. It was princess filled. She can walk in heels like a champ, she LOVES a crown and thinks that her nails have got to be painted and her lips need to be glossed. I am one proud aunt that she is obsessed by all things girly. Especially since 2012 is going to be bringing this baby girl a baby brother.

From Our Home to Yours

2011-12-24T19:31:00.001-06:00

Our card this year is much like a time line for our family. We started the year off with a New Year's party at Shep's house, the Spring brought wedding bells for Cullen's sister and filled our calendar with parties and showers. Our summer was filled with new experiences as I started my new program and Cullen and I both stepped out of our comfort zone in St. Thomas, and finally the final picture is us headed to the Grove which is how we end each year a fall filled with football.

Paintings

2011-12-23T10:00:00.000-06:00

This picture was taken in the Circle this past football season, and I have been wanting to paint a picture of our friends for a while, so one morning I just did it. I wanted to capture a feeling, a moment in time, that for years to come we could look back at and remember.

So here it is. I took a different perspective from the photo so that you could get a feeling of the experience in the Circle, but left our outfits the same. Not knowing at the time I painted this that the lives of our friends would be very different in the coming months, make this moment in time very important.

Another idea that came to me while sitting in the office one day at LES was for this painting. Being the Commodores a lot of word play happens with ADORE and the Dores, so I thought it would be special for the football coaches' wives.

I made one initially and then had more requested, but I wanted them to be different and special to each person so I added different offerings.

And my final painting in last year was for my mother in law. She asked me to paint for her and I like I always do put it off. To me, anyone can paint. If you think it you can put it in paint and then it is yours. So when people ask me to paint for them I get a little stressed. I start questioning will they like it, what do they want, what will mean something to them....and then I have to be in the mood to paint. It is one of my creative quirks...

So I decided that a major happening of this year for the Pollards was the wedding of Faren, so I thought it would be nice for her to have a painting from the wedding. So I took a picture of Mt. Vernon where the wedding was to take place and the picture below of the six of us and put them together.

This is what I came up with.

I really like how it turned out. When I paint I expect everyone to like it and to see it like I do, but Cullen was quick to point out what he saw differently than me. I laughed because I knew I would not make one change and that once I finish it...it is DONE.

My sister in law I think was confused as to why she didn't get one, and my mother in law liked it so it was a success.

Take Down Training

2011-12-20T09:54:00.000-06:00

My dear friend Ms. Babb has a way of getting me into some pretty crazy things one being hand gun training the last being passive restraint training. On the Tuesday before Christmas the Lafayette Sheriff's Department held a class to teach us five moves that are approved by the State Department to move or restrain unruly people.

Let me say that I am unable to say if I will or will not ever use these, but I've been trained and I can now take down a 300 lb. person....yeah right.

The day left me sore and more worried about my time that I'm about to spend at the high school.

Please Pray

Happy Holiday

2011-12-18T09:48:00.000-06:00

The day I got out of school for Christmas I headed to Jackson to keep Ellie for the weekend while my brother, Brett, and Kathy went to Natchez. I was beside myself excited since we had so much fun in November. Of course she kept me busy with dancing, coloring, and Yo Gabba Gabba

We also had to stop for ice cream while were shopping and we also needed a happy meal before I left.

Does she not look happy?

I am happy to announce that we had no repeat of the J.Crew incident where the shelf fell on her because other than a Target outing we stayed home.

My Internship in Pictures

2011-12-17T19:57:00.000-06:00

Meeting my Mentors

First Faculty Meeting to be on the "Other Side"

P-U-R-P-L-E- Purple Day

Newk's

Twins

Paint Party

Twins

Like Mother Like Daughter

This Little Piggy

Rambling Rolling River Clean UP

Friday NIght Lights

Walls

Wedding

Retirement

Fur

The Lime Green Jacket and TWINS

Middle School Trio in Red

Black and White

Elementary in SeaFoam Green

Hard Day's Work

Bring it on Back to Basics

Twins

Moving on Up

My High School Desk

Insta-Weekend

2011-12-17T19:38:00.000-06:00

I am newly addicted to Instagram the app on my phone. I have had an account for a year, but have recently started really using it. This past weekend Molly, a friend from high school, had us over to celebrate the season. Her puppy, Frank, was tuckered out from the all the chit-chat.

Sunday my mom and I crossed another item off of her bucket list. We went to see the Singing Christmas Tree. It was awesome. I knew she would love it. We went with Cullen's Aunt Janice and Bret, Amy & Jace, and Mr. Jimmy & Ms. Debi.

The above photo my brother said looked like an alien abduction. And after a second look I can agree.

It was a great weekend that flew into a really good week filled with goodbyes at my internship and hellos to my new placement.

Thinking Cap

2011-12-17T19:32:00.000-06:00

Sometimes delirium can cause you to do funny things...and for the past two weeks I have been sleep deprived and stressed. I have a problem with saying no but an even bigger problem with procrastination. December has flown by. On the first I had the ladies from the office at LES over with their husbands to enjoy a time for food and fellowship. The next two days were the Christmas Bazaar followed by the state championship game. All that excitement left Sunday for me to prepare for the final projects in my two classes this semester. Leslie came over to keep me going and to pirate my internet.

I looked up at one point and she had her thinking cap on. She found a shower cap in my computer bag which the assistant principal had given me from her desk and decided to sport it. Friends like her are what keep me going during the tough times. Finals went well and I made it through the semester with all A's. Cue the Hallelujah chorus*

Sewing and State Champs

2011-12-17T19:08:00.000-06:00

The first weekend in December Pontotoc Elementary School had their third annual Christmas Bazaar. I set up a booth with some of the clothing I make and Mattie Sims dropped by to pick out her Christmas outfit. My cousin Darla had a booth as well.

After the Bazaar and a long nap I woke up to watch Lafayette play in the State Playoff Game. It was so much fun to support the team this year and have a team in Oxford to cheer for since our Rebs let us down this season. I had to amend my weekend waterford to work for the right team.

After the team won they came to tour the square and parade around it. The Christmas lights were up and so beautiful.

And because chances like this don't happen every day. I had to get my picture made with the trophy.

NBCT's and a Christmas Tree

2011-12-17T18:47:00.000-06:00

I want to give a HUGE Shout Out to my friend Connie Buse. Con Con as I call her helped me learn a LOT about teaching in two years at Lawhon. During Thanksgiving Break she found out she certified as a National Board Teacher. I am SO proud of her. The process is supposed to be a year long event...but she decided in January she would do it. She wrote and wrote and during the middle of it all she had a detached retina, surgery, and recovery. Leslie and I read her entries while we laid out at her pool and held a dance party when she finished them and packed her box to send it in.

The Tupelo Women's Club Christmas Tree Festival was the first time we had seen each other to celebrate her passing. It was a fun night catching up, celebrating. I had donated a painting and it wound up going for around $200.00 I was super excited.

This is the Northface Coat Connie bid on and got for $65.00. It was a perfect fit on me.

We Gather Together

2011-12-17T18:36:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving this year, was probably the most memorable one yet. My mom was diagnosed early in the week with arthritis, and with that it was up to me to take a greater role in the dinner preparations. We had fun with it and I wound up doing video taping cooking segments as we cooked each part of the dinner. I look forward to making it into a dvd when I have time. Cullen decided to smoke a turkey this year and then Uncle Wayne gave lessons on how to carve a turkey like a butcher.

After lunch we all sat around, cat napped and then began decorating. Can't you see how happy Jason was to help.

Mr. Jimmy, who Cullen looks just like, found the Man Cave was the quietest room for his post lunch nap.

Sadie posed with Jason and Rayanne for a picture in front of the Santa she painted. I call this photo...mom and her favorites.

Rayanne always helps decorate, but this year she had surgery the week before and claimed ill. I hoisted her to the top and held on to her for dear life. She made it through decorating one tree...just fine.

And post Thanksgiving day....I went to McCarty and got the new 2011 piece. The Peavine Platter. She is BEAUTIFUL and displayed in my home already.

Mama Mia

2011-12-17T09:55:00.000-06:00

This little cutie came to visit me right before Thanksgiving. She stayed at my house while her parents went back to Jackson. I was super pumped. She watched t.v. with Cullen who she calls Bubba, she napped, and then we headed to shop at Pontotoc's open house. We were stopped no less than five times just so people could tell me how much she looked like me or to ask when I had a child.

She cooked some brownies with my mom and then was ready to eat supper and go to bed. She went over her list that would get her back to Jackson. She said, "Fifi, I'll eat supper, take a bath, put on pj's, go to bed and then see Mama and Daddy?" I confirmed and we checked off her list.

She woke me up at 6:30 with another list. "Fifi, let's eat breakfast, change clothes and go to Jackson?" So that's what we did. We made stops to see Sadie (my mom), Bubba, and then headed to Jackson. I introduced her to Johnny Cash's Jackson song and we headed that way.

Once in Jackson we went to Target, a fabric store, and then headed to the Renaissance to shop and wait on my brother to get off work. This is where my otherwise perfect weekend turned bad...really really bad.

Ok so once we were shopping we stopped by J.Crew. I know what was I thinking taking a kid in a quiet, not kid friendly store. I must remind my two readers my dealings with children are held mostly to classrooms. In the store I head straight for the sale rack. I put Ellie down and instruct her to stay right beside me. Of course again what was I thinking she didn't but she did stay in my sight line. I'm checking out a precious sequin top and she is playing with a shelf. That is until I startled her by saying "Ellie, don't do that." She stops hanging on the shelf just in time for it to be jarred a bit from its original position and what happens? It falls hitting her leg and catapulting her out of the cabinetry on to the tile floor. Hands slap tile, leg is squished, and the quiet store is NO More. Officially I became that girl. You know that girl...the one with the screaming child. I rush to her telling her that she will be fine, and had she listened to me this would not have happened. Guess who can't hear me for the screaming.
With one hand around her to pick her up and the other trying to pick up the rather heavy shelf the worker comes to me to check out the situation...only I am only worried about putting the shelf back, quieting Ellie, and getting the heck out of that store. I leave the shelf. Ellie is screaming for a band-aid, and I am racing from the store telling about three customers on the way out that she is not my child and that I'm just a babysitter. What? Who would say that? Yep, I did- it was such a quick reaction! I know give me the aunt of the year award.
Outside I set her down and explained to her she would be fine. Back at the car I promised candy, and bandaids and all sorts of things to quiet her down. My first aid kit had a great ice pack and I applied the biggest bandaid I could find. She was better. I was a nervous wreck. So I drove to Brett's work and waited 35 minutes for him to get off work. Ellie's leg had a minor scrape and more of a blood blister. She was walking fine, until she saw her daddy, and my girl caught a limp. Can you say DRAMA! She really knows how to work it.
I left Jackson worn out and not ready to have children for another 5 years. She was perfect, but the one incident almost did me in.

Winning

2011-11-22T21:19:00.000-06:00

We may not win every game but our household has spirit even on weekdays! My secret Pam sent me these cups and it just so happened we were dressed accordingly for a quick pic! I was hosting a party- Cullen was banned and sent to the man cave!

38

2011-11-22T21:16:00.000-06:00

It took 38 years but my mom finally made it back to an Ole Miss game! He said she checked it off her bucket list! It was a cold night and we didn't win, but Sadie loved the South Club!

Chasing Days

2011-11-13T14:06:00.000-06:00

Life has been crazy hectic. The month of October flew by, I felt like most of the month I spent my time on the road. From classes to work to life October was a blur.

I did have fun, but it was fast and furious. I had class at the beginning of the month and the day I came back to work from class I was signed up to drive a bus for a Kindergarten field trip. I hadn't driven in a while and was a little nervous, but we made it to the Fiddlin' Rooster Farm in Water Valley safely.

I pretended to be a homeroom parent and traveled along to the Pumpkin Patch, the Corn Maze and all the stops in between.

Following the Field Trip my mentor was out of town for a couple of days and I found myself doing all the wonderful tasks that come along with stepping into her shoes. The water fountain became a rambling, rolling river in the first grade classrooms- I mopped it up as best I could.

A child got sick in the middle of the office. I swept it up with Ms. Babb cracking jokes the whole time.

Fall Festival was new to both Ms. Babb and myself and I must say neither one of us are a fan. The photo below was taken before the day got started. My costume was made by my mom 23 years ago. It was Kindergarten costume minus the tutu and hat that went with it.

After Fall Festival came and went, we finally had Bunco- it had been too long since I saw my friends.

The next night we drove to Duck Hill to see my mentor's son get married. It was such a sweet ceremony with lots of personal touches.

The next night I headed to Memphis to see Taylor Swift with Meagan and Julie. It was such a great show and a lot of fun.

I rounded out October helping Meagan with her Big Sis/Lil Sis stuff and few too many late nights. I love an 8:30 bed time and I haven't seen that bedtime since September.

Several of the Friday nights of Fall have been spent watching the Lafayette Commodores beat every team they play. It has been so much fun experiencing Friday nights on a Football field again.

Dan Mullen landed on the baseball field to recruit last week- I was more interested in the helicopter than I was seeing him. He does NOT impress me.

And sweet Ellie girl came to visit and play dress up. She and Cullen are still two peas in a pod. If she gets any sweeter I might melt into the floor.

And this is finally how I spend hours a week. On the road. Thankfully we have had beautiful scenery as the leaves have been gorgeous this year.

Jimmy Dean

2011-10-21T03:59:00.000-05:00

This little piggy came to school! This little piggy got held! This little piggy cried wee wee wee until I put him down! This little piggy is 9 days old! This little piggy Is named Jimmy Dean!

B Turned 50

2011-10-21T03:56:00.000-05:00

Wednesday night we had a surprise party for Ms. Bridget! Tanner came along with Leslie, Mary Ann and the whole crew! It was a lot of fun and she had a great day!

Rebel Weekend

2011-10-20T15:47:00.000-05:00

The grove was so much fun this past weekend, unlike the football game. Poor Rebels, I don't know what is going to happen to us.

After the game we met up with some friends and hung out in a continuation of Toya's Birthday Week.

Leslie made it to Oxford after what seem to take forever.

Shep was in town as well and was a great host as always.

I also got to see my student teacher from long ago.

I love Oxford in the fall.

Fidelis

2011-10-18T17:30:00.000-05:00

Our Club program this month was an art class! My friend Ashley Buse came and taught these ladies how to paint pears! It was so much fun! She hosts weekly classes at her home and I plan on going to one soon! We had a blast!

Todd Pollard

2011-10-18T12:42:00.000-05:00

On Monday, October 10th, I was out of school for fall break. It was wonderful. I spent the weekend sewing and getting ready for Halloween. I headed out the door to go to Tupelo when I heard a rustling in the leaves. Looking back I expected to see a snake, but no- I found a turtle. I ran inside put on my cooking mitt and ran back out to get him. Of course I had to send Cullen a pic of our newest pet. He immediately called me to tell me to put him back where I found him. I didn't and left him in a bowl on the kitchen counter. I ran to Tupelo and was back homing talking to my mom when she asked about something in the kitchen. I then remembered Todd then name I picked for the turtle. I race to the bowl only to find him not in the bowl. I screamed and looked on the floor knowing I would find his remains and broken shell....it was no where to be found and I was panicking thinking about where he would turn up. My brain had left me in the excitement- he couldn't have jumped he would have broken his shell...so I began looking and I found him across the kitchen in the sink chilling out in some water left in a frying pan. Back on the oven mitts went and I put him back in a pet carrier. When Cullen came home...this was the face I got.

And Todd went back home to his nice green grassy abode.

Sharp Shooter

2011-10-17T17:34:00.000-05:00

This was me before the Women's Handgun class I took. I was filing my nails ready for the day.

Then we go down to work and learned about stance, and posture and all that jazz.

Mrs. Babb, the assistant principal, was like me and talked into taking this class by our school resource officer.

Charlie's Angels revisited.

My target

Ready for a day on the range.

It was so much fun. I must say that I was worried sick on my drive over to Oxford. All I could think about was if someone was going to shoot me or not. I was terrified, but by the end of the day I was ready for Cullen to buy me a pistol.

Pray

2011-10-08T07:12:00.000-05:00

Please pray for my aunt and uncle, they are headed to Kenya this morning to build houses for Habitat! They will be gone 15 days! In your daily prayers please mention them!

Principal Corps Fall Class 3

2011-10-04T08:43:00.001-05:00

The course I'm in now require I go back on campus to stay every three weeks. This past weekend I had to report to campus on Thursday to help with a conference and of course it was time for the Fab Five, to be back together again.

We sat in conferences all day Thursday and Friday and then Friday night we were invited to the Big Truck Theater in Taylor. Taylor Grocery catered and a band played. It was a lot of fun and Cullen was able to come and enjoy. Saturday we had more conferencing and then I went home to make a cake for and Oktoberfest Party that night in New Albany.

The house was AMAZING and again it was fun hanging out with all the PC peeps.

Today I am ready to go home. I have eaten the past 6 breakfasts at the Inn and I have not eaten a home cooked meal since Monday night a week ago. I must say I am ready for some food prepared by my own two hands. It is nice though to come home to a made bed and fresh towels.

Perfect Saturday

2011-09-30T07:21:00.001-05:00

There is a song by a group, Better than Ezra and It starts off by saying ... There's a feeling in the air... This past Saturday there was definitely a feelingin the air- fall, football, family and friends-

Ellie is Growing Up

2011-09-27T15:17:00.000-05:00

Look at this sweet face. She came to visit us for the weekend of Sadie's birthday. She is really growing up. Her little personality makes me smile and laugh out loud.

She enjoyed drawing with Uncle Cullen. He drew anything she asked for, fixed her pancakes even though she was the only one in the house that wanted one. She still loves him more than me...I'm still a little jealous.

For the first time ever she had her toenails and fingernails painted and she sat PERFECTLY still.

She enjoyed strawberries with Uncle Wayne

And this is the face I have to leave you with.

2011-09-09T22:11:00.000-05:00

Way down South in Mississippi, There's a spot that ever calls...

Where among the hills enfolded stands ole Alma Mater's halls

Where the trees lift high their branches to the whispering southern breeze,

There Ole Miss is calling, calling....

To our hearts FOND MEMORIES

Wave on Wave

2011-09-09T18:26:00.000-05:00

Cullen's class reunion was in August. Back in July, Mollie and Tyler came into town and we had dinner with Cole and Meagan. They boys talked about the upcoming reunion and while Cole was all for it, Tyler and Cullen pretty much decided it was a no go. Two weeks before the weekend Mollie calls me to ask if we are going, Tyler thinks he might not want to. The weekend comes and we go to dinner with them Friday night. Still talking about the actual event and Cole is ready. Tyler and Cullen talk about anything but going. The next day Tyler and Cullen debate going all day as Mollie and I sew. They grill out and debate, watch tv and debate....text and debate and then an hour before go time decide that yes in fact we all are going.

Cole was so excited we all came.

Logan and Cullen who call each other Rose for some strange reason had a good time reminiscing.

Class of 2001

Molly Seawright my highschool classmate also married a Tupelo boy.

The six of us- Me, Cullen, Mollie & Tyler, Meagan & Cole

Ellie and the Beach

2011-09-04T15:07:00.000-05:00

I love this picture! She is so precious! Her first time at the beach and she seems to have loved it!

LES

2011-09-04T15:06:00.001-05:00

So my placement this semester is at the Lower Elementary at Lafayette! I love it, but am more tired than I have ever been! This was purple day for the Kindergarten and this is the assistant principal, Mrs. Babb! We were just about to go to morning duty!

Like Sands Through the Hour Glass

2011-08-15T21:17:00.000-05:00

So back in April, before I went to the Sugarland Concert in Nashville, I thought it would be a great idea to get a couple of feathers. Yea I acted trendy and thought I needed them. I got super normal colors that would blend with my hair and I loved them. I thought I couldn't see them very well so I got brave and got a white one in Tupelo, then at the beach I thought it was a great idea to get a pink one and then in mid June I thought oh what the heck I'll get a couple of more. So by summer's end I was about to be half bird on the left side of my head.
Last night I decided I was over the feathers and I needed them out of my hair immediately. I asked Cullen to find me some pliers and I would take them out. By the time he found them my friend Leslie was at my house and she wanted her feather out, too. Cullen works and works trying to get it out and all of a sudden he hands me the two feathers....I look and in shock realize that he didn't break the clamp that held them in...oh no...he just used the pliers to cut my hair above the clamp...what the HECK...when did he think that would be a great idea?
So yeah I have a small bald spot and then I removed the rest on my own. What was he thinking...in remorse he tweeted me that he was sure it would go back...
Boys-what goes through their mind? And on that same note what was going through my mind when I let him get pliers close to my skull...and so are the days of our lives....

Fiesta

2011-08-14T07:21:00.000-05:00

My friend Molly from highschool had a Mexican Fiesta for a friend's 29th birthday. Guests were asked to wear bright colors and enjoy some Spanish cuisine. It was a great way to ring in Lauren's last year before she turns 30 and a good time for friends to get together.

Leslie, Me, & Molly

Leslie was so proud of her authentic dress. Her mom got the dress from Mexico in the 70's- Leslie loves vintage clothes.

Cullen said he had no Mexican attire so he wore the brightest shirt he could find...I question if that is truly his brightest shirt, but he is not one for much flare.

Falling

2011-08-11T05:32:00.000-05:00

Did you think I had fallen from the face of the Earth? Well, I haven't just yet, but I can see it coming soon. Administrative work has opened my eyes to another side of education all together. A side that is unreal to me how closely I worked with it and never had a grasp of it. We are alive and kicking on our little corner and hopefully this weekend I can catch you all up with photos of everything, but until then I have to ready myself for what seems like a 42hour day.

Missions Night

2011-08-08T18:07:00.000-05:00

After coming back from St. Thomas every member of our team wanted to share. We all have sat through a missions night report at church before and it takes FOREVER and most people say the SAME thing. So as an alternative to a lecture style report with slide shows...FBC hosted a missions night like never before. Each team was responsible for a table that was decorated to show the church members what exactly our mission was and how successful it was. I was in charge of our table and with the technology help of Meagan we were able to give the church an idea of all we did.
OF course the Baptist that we are- compiled it with an ice cream social and it was a great time of fellowship. The bracelets we are wearing above are a symbol of the Virgin Islands...so all the girls got one.

Bodock 2011

2011-08-08T05:47:00.000-05:00

My favorite cousin Jason called on a Thursday wanting to know if his band could play at the house for a Bodock party--- we said yes! Cullen grilled all day and we enjoyed good friends and good music into the night!

Swing Batta Batter....Swing Batter

2011-07-28T19:24:00.000-05:00

Our church has several softball teams. We have two men's teams- one for the young fresh out of highschool guys and one for the older men that take it very seriously. We also have a Jack and Jill team. Cullen has played on all of the teams in the past years not all in the same season, but really enjoys the Jack and Jill for the team spirit. This year I decided I'd try it out. I am not athletic. I will never be and I'm kinda okay with it. But I love to try...

This is Ms. Tammy and she leads the dugout cheers...note that is most likely where I'm best...in the dugout, but I did get a hit the first time I was at bat. Note this was the first time I had been at bat since I was 5...hitting off a tee. I was so shocked that I hit, I didn't care about getting on base.

Cullen tried to coach me from 3rd base...he said choke up on the bat...apparently I went the other way...he just shook his head...and then...remembered he didn't marry me for my ability to play sports or any type.. Thank the Lord I have my hit on video to prove it really did happen.

25 again

2011-07-25T20:41:00.002-05:00

So you guessed it July brought hot days that lasted seemingly forever and seemed to fly by in a way as well as my work day drew closer and closer. I have never before worked on my birthday. My mom being the over achiever she is made sure that I had a cake to share with the women at my internship. It was the perfect size and was enjoyed Friday at work.

For my family gathering she made me the cake above...this she called...."So you want to be a principal?" Better known as Edvard Munch's the Scream. I loved it and was completely blown away by her rendition of his work.

Cullen and I left after work on Friday and headed to Pickwick with our Sunday School Class and when I got there they had cupcakes waiting for me. It was a sugar filled weekend.

Did anyone else have to take pictures like this with your cakes when you were little...since my mom made most of my cakes this was the standard cake pose growing up...I know I perfected it by age 6.

Uncle Wayne decided to get his apron I have been holding hostage since Thanksgiving back he would need to get me one of my own...It was an Apron Exchange...but I will one day get that apron back...It just wears so well...I really want it back--much like I would like my early 20's back.

St. Thomas

2011-07-19T06:30:00.000-05:00

The week Cullen and I spent in St. Thomas was an awesome time. Cullen flew out on Saturday morning with the rest of the group and after our respective weddings Brother Ken and I flew out Sunday morning. We left Pontotoc about 3 and made it to St. Thomas about 3 that afternoon. We met Pastor Turnbull at the airport and then headed to the church which is also where we stayed. I went to meet with the group at Magen's Bay.

After we left the beach we came to the church, showered and got ready for Sunday night church. That particular night they were recognizing their graduates and they also recognized our seniors and teachers. We sang all their songs along with the National Anthem, the Virgin Islands National Anthem, and the Black National Anthem.

On Monday our group headed to St. John for our touristy day out and about. This is our group right off the ferry, before the hike in the National Park, before the hike to the beach, before we were exhausted.

On our hike down the Cinnamon Bay Trail to the beach we were able to see the British Virgin Islands.

We also stopped to take a lot of group shots.

Our main goal there was not to enjoy the beaches...that was a highlight. Our goal was to share about Jesus and we did each and every nights. We averaged about 60 kids each night. The kids were from a lot of different churches and they sat in Bible Study groups led by our team before they broke into age groups for basketball camp. Of our group 16 kids were saved. It was awesome and inspiring and life changing and all those things and more.

The following picture shows just what we dealt with all week. J.T. was my group leader partner. This picture displays the total exhaustion we felt after a week of no air conditioning day and night. We were so excited to be at the beach the last morning....it was what saved us from our sweating sleep and refreshed us just before our flight home. What this is a real picture of is J.T. acting like a beached whale. Yeah he wanted to know what it was like to be beached, then he flopped and floundered until is wife drug him back off the shore...Yep, that was our entertainment.

This was the final shot of the beach I got. It was beautiful and wonderful and made us all stop and think...that the God that created this tropical locale is the God that created Pontotoc. The God that touched the lives of those sweet faced boys and girls in St. Thomas is the same God we know and love.

How great is the love the Father lavishes upon us, that we should be called children of the Lord. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us, is because it did not know Him. 1 John 1:3

Polka Dots, Pig Tails, and the Color Pink

2011-07-19T06:22:00.000-05:00

Ellie and my brother came to visit for the wedding. She was only here a little while, but she was precious while she was here. She is completely obsessed with the movie The Princess and the Frog. She loves loves loves our cat, Pollyanna. She can recite the Pledge of Allegiance. She calls Cullen, Bubba and me Fifi. She has a bit of a temper, and she knows what she likes...when she was here that was Polka Dots, Pig Tails, and the color Pink.

She also loves Merilese and the feeling is mutual. Merilese is a great babysitter, too.

Foof's Wedding Weekend

2011-07-19T06:21:00.000-05:00

Foof- is he nickname that everyone called my little cousin Anna from the time she was born. To think she is a married woman now, just makes me feel old.

The weekend started off Friday morning with a Bridesmaids' Brunch at my house. It was given by my mom and my aunt, but they needed a space so my house was it.

The bridesmaids

Wedding ready- aunt of the bride- cousin of the bride

My in laws came to see the nuptials

Aunt B-me-Ellie-Mom

Favorite Cousin

Mother of the Bride- Uncle to the Bride

This is Broc is he not the cutest- he is Anna's little brother and was in my classroom two years ago. Absolutely the sweetest kid.

Off they go...

The wedding was super sweet and a little long considering I was standing in 5 inch heels...what was I thinking?

The reception was awesome. My cousin, Rayanne-Foof's mom, loves to decorate! I knew the weekend was going to be filled with lots of work before hand. Rayanne is best when she is operating a crew of people. She can delegate with the best of them and in true form...she made sure everyone worked to make it all beautiful. The reception had a mashed potato bar, bbq sliders, ice shot glasses filled with shrimp skewers and cocktail sauce, fruits, dips, veggies, and everything you can imagine....I might have had too much to eat...once or twice.

Anna's Pottery Shower

2011-07-19T06:02:00.001-05:00

My little cousin, Anna, got married July 9th. At the end of June, once I was out of school, my mom and I hosted a shower for her. It was a super hot Sunday afternoon and lovely ladies filled my home. Anna got some great gift that have helped to fill her first house. Now she and Andrew won't have to share the same bowl when they eat cereal.

PC Banquet

2011-07-19T05:55:00.000-05:00

I have been meaning to put these pics on the blog for about forever...but as you know my summer slowly slipped away and here they are now- almost three weeks later. To close out the summer session of classes the PC has a banquet. This is a great time for the cohort to get together a final time. Building principals, superintendents, and past cohort members come together to hear where the latest grads have gotten jobs, and for the new hires to also get their signing bonuses....this my friends is a big deal. You walk in as a recent grad and you walk out $10,000.00 richer. Oh yeah at this point in the night Cullen perked up. Sadly the checks had not made it in the mail at the time of the dinner so they were hand delivered the next week. Hopefully next year I'll post a pic with the me and my check.

2011-07-08T08:02:00.000-05:00

In the next few days Cullen and I are going on a trip. I have been praying for his trip for sometime. Long before Cullen and I knew each other I prayed I would marry a man that would love serving the Lord, a man who loved church like I do, and would step out of his comfort zone to serve. While it is extremely comfortable for me to talk to anyone and natural for me to go and do, Cullen is not so comfortable doing all this. This spring he was invited on a mission trip with our church. Not just any trip, but one that was specially picked by our pastor, with a team that had been prayed about, one that I was not invited to go on. It was an athletic, mission trip. I'm not athletic.
On Tuesday they conference called with the church and found there was a need in the youth for non athletic ministry...you know other stuff...arts...crafts...
Arts and crafts are right up my alley...I can craft with the best of them..and Wednesday Brother Ken called Cullen to see if I could go.
I had plans- for Destin and Britney Spears and New Orleans with my best friend. We had planned for one of our family unit to go...we budgeted for Cullen...
This trip I had prayed about, and sulked about not going, and worried about Cullen flying without me...I had come to a peace about.
God had other plans. He is working His plan.
Cullen will spend the night in Memphis tonight and fly out tomorrow morning at 5:30 to St. Thomas with the team.
Through the generosity of Cullen's precious parents I will be flying out Sunday morning with Brother Ken, we both have weddings tomorrow and couldn't leave with the team.
Please pray for safe travel to and from our destination.
Pray for the 75 children we will serve.
Pray for health for our team.
Pray that God will use the humble hands of our team to help further the Kingdom.

19 Days of Summer

2011-06-30T20:17:00.000-05:00

It's official...I have 19 days of summer before school starts. Okay so technically I only have 17 after tonight...since today was 18 but when I started my count down it was yesterday and that was 19 and today was 18..
How am I counting down my days...Soaking up all the Vitamin D I can. Yesterday I submitted my final and headed to Oxford to eat lunch with my PC friend Cody. Yeah we had been away from each other all of a three days and I have emailed, called, tweeted, texted, or facebooked everyone of my seven classmates. I miss them really I do. I guess spending all day everyday with a group brings you together.
Okay back to summer... after lunch on day 19 I headed to Ms. Bridget's new pool. I spent the afternoon floating around.
Day 18 I woke up super early...like 5:30 and went from the bed to the couch...and at 7:15 when Cullen went to work...I took a nap until about 9:30. Then I headed to Meagan's pool to lay out which we did until about 2. Then Leslie and I met up and headed to Ms. Bridget's pool where we floated until 4:30. I'm not sure what the next 17 have in store but guess what....I do know they won't have too much work in them...I'm trying to be the biggest bum I can be until July 18th when I have to begin my administrative internship.

My Sweet Cullen

2011-06-30T20:05:00.000-05:00

Through this whole Principal Corps process I must say that Cullen has been super supportive. I have said that of the two of us, Cullen is the nice one. He is level headed and kind always. I can not say the same for myself. I think a lot has to do with being the baby of the family versus the oldest. Cullen goes out of his way to help while I usually don't.
Thinking through this process from the beginning to now he has been 100 percent behind me. He has never thought about the pay cut, the time away, or me being stressed- he knows how I get.
He has said through every step...if it is meant to be it'll all work out.
I would go to bed worrying and wake up worrying- Cullen got a great night of sleep and never worried at all.
It has been a bit of an adjustment moving back into the dorm. While I've been eating out, Cullen has been grilling it up. He has eaten all the things that I can't stand. He I'm sure has played hours of playstation while I've been studying, but he has made the best of it.
Sweet Cullen has been a trooper. One of my main worries was that Cullen doesn't like to talk on the phone- at all...I could talk to my phone I love it so much, but Cullen works on the phone all day so he likes to have an efficient conversation.
While we have not spent hours on the phone he has made the distance up by sending sweet texts, emails, and just calling to check in.
I'm so glad I prayed for my husband when I was in high school. I'm so glad that my mom prayed with me for a great husband. My prayers were answered.

Pet People

2011-06-20T14:03:00.000-05:00

I have said it before- I am NOT an animal person. I grew up with my dad as Dr. Dolittle, we had the Animal Kingdom right outside our back door. Raccoons, deer, dogs, geese, guineas, ducks, fish, a porcupine, peacocks, cats, chickens, roosters & many other animals from time to time. I have a respect for animals but think it is kinda ridiculous in my opinion to spend money on them. I know I'm selfish and cold hearted, but I can have my own opinion...it's my blog :) Cullen was raised with lots of cats and dogs. Even though he is extremely allergic he took medicine to deal and petted them anyway.

We were not the animal kind of family. I don't like that type of responsibility. I don't want to have to find a sitter or wake up to let them out...I'm selfish...

A little over a year ago Pollyanna, a disabled cat I have posted about before came up around the house. Cullen decided to feed her...and with that we had a pet. She was an outside cat and Cullen took care of her, I was OK with that. Then when the cold winter months were upon us he took to letting her into the house just to knock the chill off and then we would put her back out.

Well, that crazy cat loves him, and not being a responsible parent to a stray cat we didn't not get her to the vet as we should have...and guess what...she got herself into a little situation and we had four baby kittens on Easter. Bless her- It took us three days to find the kittens. Once we found them messing with them led to her moving them. It took another two days to find them. Cullen worried and worried about if they would get eaten or get too cold...so he moved them inside the house in a box. We ooh and ahhed over them for a couple of days and then Polly moved them again. This time she moved them into Cullen's man cave and I let her because I could shut the door and they would stay. After weeks of watching them grow, and learn to play they became mobile and didn't stay hidden. In the last three weeks they took to running all over the den, playing and pouncing. They all started out with sweet innocent names...Flopsy, Mopsy, Doodle, & Milo. We then named them for their personality traits. Flopsy became Skiddish, Milo became Fearless, Mopsy became Favorite and Doodle- Cullen affectionately called her Can't Get Right...because she was little 'special.'

Having to go back to school I knew Cullen would become lax about putting them away and keeping them up...he is a softy he just wants them to be happy. Yeah well, I HATE animal hair, I don't like the extra cleaning, and I can not stand the extra work. So after my first week away I came home to a mess, animal hair was everywhere, they were learning to use kitty litter but the maintenance of that was just awful, and they had NO boundaries. SO I called my mother in law and said HELP. I was all for taking them to a shelter. I know what happens at shelters, but I don't really get emotionally attached to them...Cullen and his mom do. So being the saint she is she came and got them last Friday and took them to new homes....all except one. Cullen's favorite was not the favorite of the rest and so we have one left that he says we will keep. I don't know about all of that as long as she stays outside when school starts back I don't care, but I am not an animal inside the house kinda of gal. He has named her Stella and she loves him. While she bats at my hands and feet, she snuggles up next to him to take a nap. So Polly and Stella have now become Pollard Pets.

Exam Cram & Recreation

2011-06-20T14:00:00.000-05:00

So looking back at last week and ahead at this week I can see the light at the end of the tunnel for my summer class. While I thought I would lose my mind I didn't and know that come Friday I will be finished with my on campus work. I'll be completely finished a week from Wednesday with some take home projects.
Last Thursday we had our midterm. It was not as terrible as I had thought, but like always I could have studied more. I crammed for a few hours two days before the test, and then for another couple the night before and then of course the morning of the test I woke up early to study.
After the exam was over one of the cohort members went in search of a pool for us to relax by and the head of the program offered her pool for the afternoon. We drove to New Albany that afternoon and enjoyed about four hours away from campus.
That night several of us enjoyed dinner at Ajax.
Friday was a half day which gave us all a head start on going home and relaxing for a bit longer.

The weekend flew by as they always do and this week it will be a push to the finish line.

Getting a Grip

2011-06-15T07:43:00.000-05:00

After my blog on Monday I had a small downward spiral. Yeah who knew you spiral down even further. It was a day that really got worse before it began fully. I woke up to sew and monogram before going to school, guess what happened----yep my monogram machine ate two pairs of bloomers...
Headed to school a little later than planned...my gas light came on...ugh...
Once at school, orientation was happening...meaning no parking places near my dorm room...and little freshmen folks everywhere....and orientation leaders smiling at me...not just any smile though. Behind the smile is a look of...Wow! She looks older. Is she a FRESHMAN? Does she need a hug? I say the last because with every incoming group of babies...they have a chalked off Hug Box...and if you walk in the area...they wanna hug you. I look at them and think I'm old enough to be your mom...which I'm not, but I am practicing my looks for my administration days...practice makes perfect.
As I head to class, I'm better...and then in the middle of class when every other person in the class is SO Engaged in learning...I think to myself...what am I doing here? It was a moment when you think...I could be laying out, I could be doing laundry, I could be unloading a dishwasher, I could give back this computer and go back to my summer vacation....and in the very midst of that panic...I get a text message...and it is from the district office saying my salary for next year was fully funded...yep- no pay cut for the Pollards...at this moment the Heavens opened...God smiled on me and gave me the little pat on the back I needed. So as you can imagine...my attitude changed a bit. I got a grip and realized that I was fortunate, lucky, and on a path that God had led me to and was on with me.
Now, to say that I'm back to not being crazy- hahahahahaah Cullen would laugh that might never happen, but I am coping with the longings to be by a pool during optimal tanning hours. Some of my methods to cope- you all know I'm a stress eater...so don't worry I am walking and going to the gym...but I am also making sure all my friends here are well fed, too.

My mom has come to visit for time away from school...

Meagan is here to study alongside me for a couple days.

And this my friends is me staying flexible...literally. We have these crazy heavy doors to our dorm rooms that are unlocked with these little white cards. Meagan was down the hall in a study room and needed my key to get in the room because she would be staying up later...my roomate was studying in the room next to our dorm. I used her key to open the door propped the door open with my foot and leaned into the study room to throw my roomie's key back to her...this was my stance...and yes, it was a moment to be captured. So the smile was forced as it was after midnight when it was taken...was followed by hysterical laughing...Life is Good in Oxford.

Nobody Call Whitfield, Just Yet

2011-06-13T05:24:00.000-05:00

At the risk of sounding absolutely crazy I am going to post about my current state of mind. This last week has been such a fun/stressful week. On one hand I am so glad to be back in school...I love school and learning new things, but on the other hand...it is school...nightly readings, assignments daily, and the pain of just having to be in a room with a projector taking notes with the SAME eight people during optimal tanning hours....while knowing all your teacher friends are laid out on a float in a pool somewhere...
I know that I am very fortunate to be in this program, I am not whining at all...but to say that I have been an emotional wreck the past week is an understatement. Looking back to college, every semester I probably had these same thoughts and feelings so much that by my second semester of college my mom knew the trend...third week of class...Felicia is going to be sad and overwhelmed...
I would say on Wednesday of this week the new had worn off. Most likely because Thursday was my anniversary and I spent it with my cohort of eight rather than my hubby....but also because I spent five nights in a row in a posh dorm room...I missed home.
Coming home Friday I had a flashback to Freshman year...honestly could have teared up at the Pontotoc County sign on Hwy 6. My cohort friends talk of loving the delta, forget the flat land...I'll take the hill country.
Cullen was a trooper. I wanted nothing more than to sit at the house and hang out, but to still see my mom and Leslie...typing this I can say I feel better, but am so worried everyone is going to think I'm a little crazy...I think this is what school does to me....I might not be good at having to prioritize in the summer months. In fact you guys know from National Boards...I love love love to procrastinate...well, take the select 7 I'm working with these days and know that apparently most don't put off until tomorrow what they could do today...They do not love the thrill of waiting until the last minute...the rush of adrenaline when you push print at the last minute just to see if the fates will allow no printer problems...because you honestly don't have time for a paper malfunction.
Yesterday while at church, the preacher came up to talk to Cullen about the mission trip they are going on in July...one that I am not able to go on...still upset about it...but happy for Cullen...and y'all I almost teared up. If everything could just stop for a bit., let me get acclimated to my new normal for a minute...then I could think of all the things going on.
And one last stressor is the my baby cousin Anna is getting married in a mere four weeks. I have a shower to plan along with helping host a bridesmaid luncheon. I couldn't be happier to entertain everyone, but having to sit down and sure up ideas, dates, and invites...oh good gracious I'm already behind. Okay, I didn't post this so that anyone could say, "poor me." In fact if you could just find time this week to pray- pray I don't lose my mind over something silly, pray for Cullen as he continues to live the bachelor life, pray for my cohort that the next two weeks move quickly and painlessly-assignments are completed, tests have really great study guides, and my upcoming presentation will go off with out a hitch. It is the little things that keep me worried. I use the term worried very loosely- if you know me you know that I don't really panic or worry about anything until the last minute..yes it it true..I procrastinate my worrying.
No, I am not going crazy. In fact I'm having an internal monologue with myself as I type..yes, post this-no, don't-people will think you are crazy. Don't think I'm going crazy...pray for my stress level...pray for my husband...but know that I am acutely aware of how blessed I am.

Four Years Toward Forever

2011-06-09T08:03:00.001-05:00

I made this slide show for Cullen a few weeks ago and I have been waiting to put it on the blog. Can't believe I'm spending my anniversary here in Oxford and that we will really be celebrating Saturday night. I really can't believe that it has been four years since we stood in the sanctuary in front of family and friends and said our vows. That day will always be magical to me, but looking back it was probably the day we loved each other the least in the last four years. It has taken living as a married couple to understand that you really do love your better half more and more and from the day of your wedding forward. At the time of my wedding, my uncle was publishing a newsletter. He of course wrote about the wedding in his weekly newsletter and his thoughts can be found, here, here, & and here. After returning from our honeymoon in Mexico I remember him saying/writing this and have loved reading it over again...it takes me back to the moment the doors opened to the sanctuary and he gave me away..

"There's a sound generated by hundreds of people moving, almost in unison, from a seated to a standing position that's hard to describe. It included the rustling of cloth rubbing against cloth, of air being sucked into open mouths and nostrils, of feet moving as people turn to face the bride, and of soft whispers of those unable to contain their joy."

My Weekend

2011-06-06T07:42:00.003-05:00

This is how much it takes to get a girl back in a dorm room. Funny, you'd think I know my room is 101 sq. feet I'd be glad to pack lightly...hahhaha...no this is the first load..I came back home for more...oh yeah.

This is me as a student again. Yep...student tickets and everything...I have my I.D. I'm ready!

Side note...right after this picture was taken...I decided to take one of just my I.D. Yeah, because I was SO happy....I posted it with my id number and everything online...not thinking...and also never looked at anything but the picture...after an hour lots of people alerted me to the fact my maiden name was on my i.d. and I not one time noticed...and after a good thinking I removed the picture...why would I want the world to know my I.D.---sometimes I don't think. Yesterday I had my name changed but they were able to keep the pic...it was a really cute picture.

This is my dorm room...all 101 square feet. It doesn't look like this anymore, I moved the bed around, added some lamps for better lighting, and of course brought in some art for the walls. It is much better now

Friday night after sweating it out on a tour of the campus at high noon, and then sprinting our things to move into the dorm in the 100 degree heat, we tidied up and went to a cook out at the home of Dr. Doug Davis. It was such a nice time and would have been even better had it not been 105 degrees, had we not hiked through over grown grass to see a garden. I have decided that golf carts for all three sweat-fests would have made life easier... A golf cart tour of campus would allowed us to sit and catch a small breeze. A golf cart assisted move in up the outdoor flight of stairs across the grassy field would have been more pleasant and also a golf cart path to the garden would have made me more attentive. SO yes, I had an ugly sweat three times Friday...and all were in front of others...those others were actually my new friends. Pictured above are my roomies for the summer. Once we finally cooled down and were able to chat over we were all in better moods.

These are some of the boys of our cohort. On Saturday morning we woke early to take part in the UM Challenge Course. It was a ropes obstacle course that creates opportunity for team building. It was HOT. I think I actually lost weight in the first weekend almost like I had been sent to fat camp or something. I am NOT outdoorsy ask Cullen, ask my students, ask anyone...I hate to sweat...but I really enjoyed the course. Yes, we were up close and personal, yes someone's sweat was on me...but I had a blast. The whole time I felt like I was on the Real World- Road Rules Challenge. I have some pretty hilarious video I am not sure how to upload but when I do...get ready...get your tissue beside you because I was so graceful it might bring tears to your eyes.

Double Vision

2011-06-03T20:55:00.001-05:00

I awoke Wednesday morning to a text from my friend telling me I had made the paper--- for looking like Kathy Lee... Really???? I don't see it, nor did I submit these photos.. But someone did :)

T-minus 3 Hours

2011-06-03T05:42:00.002-05:00

I will begin school...for a year I'll be a student. My bags are packed and sitting beside the door. I'm on the couch waiting...just a bit longer to go upstairs and begin getting ready. I woke up this morning and my first thoughts were of how different today is than my first college dorm move in 10 years ago...

10 years ago I moved to college in Mr. Brad's green four runner. I had to move in all by myself because my mom was teaching and since school had just started she wouldn't take off.

Today I'll move in all by myself because I'm old, my husband works and my mom is at work, too.

10 years ago I took too few pictures and had no idea how fast time would fly. (Looking back those were my 'good' years- should have documented them more)

Today I will document this day- just for the blog- and I know that in the blink of an eye my year away from comfort zone will be over.

10 years ago I was younger, I believed that I would changed the world before I turned 30, I was looking for my super model that loved Jesus, and my friends would never change.

Today I know that the older me may be more realistic, I only have three years left to change the world (ok really 2 years and 6 wks.), I have found my husband-that loves Jesus, and my friends' faces changed, my close knit group has diversified and I realize after ten years how God can bless you in ways you can not imagine or plan for.

10 years ago I was too young to realize you can fall on your face, people are hurtful, and sometimes being humbled stinks..Today I know all of this and think that is why I am up at 6 a.m. blogging my ramblings down.

One last realization- 10 years ago after a Sunday night service- Sylvia Gentry came to me and told me she was praying for me- that God would place a 'hedge of protection' around me. I will NEVER forget this.

Today I realize I should have thanked her that night and every time I have seen her since then, because there were times I look back on my five years at Ole Miss and know that 'hedge' kept me safe. I am praying for my on 'hedge' today.

In T-minus 3 hours I'll be back on campus, living in dorm room, I'll meet a roommate for the first time, I'll see my life plan for a year, and I'll be about to die from heat exhaustion on a historic tour of campus around 11...Please pray for my family this month...pray for Cullen- that he doesn't eat too much grilled food---in excitement that he can prepare all the food that I don't eat whenever he wants ( meat on a bone, fish, spicy food, gumbo, crawfish etc.) pray for my mom who I see almost everyday even if for just five minutes...and my move will prevent that... pray that the month flies by and that no one on campus calls me ma'am as I walk to class...I might die.

Teacher Conference 2011

2011-05-31T07:21:00.000-05:00

While Mandy Maffett did not go to the beach with us...we found her and the crew at Lulu's

The first morning after school was out the car was packed and four teachers were on the road at four a.m. to head to the beach. I was the youngest by 22 years, but at the beach age doesn't matter...right? We made it to the sand and the sun by 12:00 we soaked up about 4 hours and then with clouds coming we headed in to hit Target and eat at LuLu's.

The next morning, slathered in SPF we hit the beach for an all day Tanning Session. We moved from sitting, to sleeping, to the water, and back to the chairs. It was a relaxation marathon and was FANTASTIC.

I had a moment where I realized I watched too much CSI or Law & Order on a quick trip to the room the first day we were there. I ran to the room to gather snacks for the group. I left my cell phone with my towel and things on the beach. Armed with only my key I headed to the room. I am gathering up items to take back down as I sit down at my computer to check the time and my email...there is a knock at the door...thinking it was probably my friends, I head to the door. I note that there was no peep hole on the door as I crack the door open. To my surprise I see a man with dark hair, about 6'3'', 240lbs., tattoo on both arms, but dressed in what seemed to be an official looking blue polo shirt. In his hands he held a tool box & a air conditioner filter. Surprised as I stand in my swimsuit he says he is with the monthly maintenance of the place and needs to replace the filter....this is the moment I get stupid....I let the fruit loop into the condo...the whole time thinking about my phone I have left on the beach...I begin to freak out...my jewelry is on the night stand...our purses with vacation money...oh my gosh...how dumb could that have been...I imagine the news headlines--TEACHER KILLED ON VACATION....really...how could I have not thought about this more....so I do what a smart teacher would do...as I stand in the kitchen pretending to eat/snack...I take out two butcher knives and grip them...like what am I gonna do...stab him in the neck...I watch him change out filters and then try to call it in...or whatever they do...and he says "did you know your phone was dead" ---um...no, I didn't know that when you try to kill me later I won't be able to call for help...So he grabs his tool box...the old filter and heads to the door...as he comes closer I clutch the knives...thinking...the whole time I'm a goner...and then he leaves...whew...I didn't have to defend myself with my martial arts/knife wielding skills like I thought I would need to, PRAISE the LORD. Note to self...do not let strangers into your condo...

We repeated the next day-minus SPF to my back which has left me with a whole lot of redness a little bit of tenderness, and thinking to myself...when will I ever learn? I let no strangers into the condo...and apparently I didn't let myself in their much at the look of my back...

Sunday morning we headed home. It was a great time with friends in the sun. I hope to have a repeat 'conference' in the future.

NEWS

2011-05-30T07:50:00.006-05:00

This was my going away gift I left Pontotoc Elementary School. Our school will be getting a new office over the summer and I thought that a piece of art would make it feel more like home, and this quote was so true of how I feel about my school. This canvas was a 4'x 2' canvas and I could have put it on a wall size canvas...because I love that place so much.

Okay so here is my news. No I am not having a baby...in fact that will be happening a long time from now...if ever...

Next year, I will be going to school rather than teaching. Shocking, I know. It was a long prayerful process, but I know that God really directed me toward this program and brought me to it, so I have faith that this next year he will bring me through it.

In November I took the GRE. I didn't tell many folks and kept this entire process to my family. In February I submitted three essays about leadership in relation to different aspects and really just prayed that they were what they needed to be. In March I was told that I got approved for the interview round of selection. On a Monday morning I made my way to Oxford and sat in a panel interview with Mr. Barksdale himself, along with a doctoral student, the program director, and the provost.

The Saturday night Spring Break began, with a dinner under the stars, I checked my email and received my letter of acceptance.

Instantly I was beside myself. I was honored and ecstatic...and scared.

Scared to tell my very best friend that I have gone through every stage of my career with, scared to think I will not be in a class of children next year, scared to leave my comfort zone...my friends, Mrs. Bridget or as I call her B, my teaching partner. The Principal Corps is a program that is funded completely by the Barksdale Family. I will move on campus in June. I will live with a roommate in the Residential College. I will take six hours this summer. I will move home in July and begin my internship for the fall two weeks before school starts. My internship is still up in the air. I will find out July 1st where I will be placed. Through next year I will be a principal intern by day and a college student by night. I will take 9 hours in the fall as well as 9 hours in the spring. I will stay at my internship two weeks after school is out and then begin my final round of classes, living back on campus for six more hours. When I finish I will have a Specialist in Educational Leadership.

There are several perks to this program, yes I will make a sacrifice...but the pay off has potential to be GREAT.

-This degree is completely paid for...my books, my classes, my food.

-The cohort (people who have been selected along with me) is small. We will have a lot of individualized instruction.

-My current teaching position will be available to me when I finish the program. I will be able to go back to Second Grade in my building, with my friends....in my comfort zone.

-If I obtain a principal job or assistant principal job within two years of completion of this program-the Barksdales give a generous signing bonus. One that if I get...I have a lot of plans for...

-I am paid while I am in school..the state has a sabbatical fund that I will be paid from. It will be a smaller salary than I am getting now...no National Board pay...but still I am fortunate for a great degree...for free.

While I look at the perks and tell myself these are things I am blessed to be offered, there are so many things and people I will miss.

-I will miss working with these friends...and more that didn't make this photo. These women are bright spots in my day.

- I will miss walking down this hall each morning as it is lined with kids and feeling sometimes like a run way model as the little girls would ooohh and ahhh over my high heels, or sometimes the feeling like your famous around October when the students in other classes have learned your name and they want you to see them waving at you in the morning.

-I will miss my classroom. Yes, this looks like a bomb went off in here, but guess what- I will miss it and the faces that fill it.

-I will miss our janitor----haha this is actually our principal, and I will miss working for such a great leader. I have always been thankful for having the opportunity to work in the Pontotoc City Schools, but part of my gratitude is due to being able to work for and with such wonderful people. Mr. Chism greets the students and teachers every morning with a smile on and kind word. I will miss working with such an easy going leader. I love to joke around, I love to pull pranks, and love that our school is place where good natured fun is allowed...trust me- I've worked where it wasn't allowed.

- I will miss this dessert. This is actually a dessert that was made when I worked in Tupelo...it was like a piece of Heaven on Earth. I am not a chocolate fan- but oh dear Lord this is wonderful...well my first year in Pontotoc they served fruit all the time...really for dessert...so when we got a new cafeteria manager I asked her about it...and what did she do...she found the recipe...she then made it and called it "Felicia's Dessert." Not only does it have my name...she also would make really full containers of it and keep them held back for me...The picture above looks like a small amount...this was actually held back from the day before so I could enjoy it two days in a row...now that is LOVE

Tough

2011-05-26T17:17:00.000-05:00

It's a tough life being a teacher- the time off is just awful. Summer break started today and I have already had a nap on the beach and eaten at LuLu's. Life is good- pray for Cullen while he is hard at work and I'm working on my tan. Oh and technically this is a 'Teacher Conference'. These women are all teachers with me and we are celebrating the retirement of my second grade teacher!

Lend Me Your Ear

2011-05-26T07:04:00.000-05:00

This will be a whirlwind post that will catch my faithful blog readers up on the Pollards over the last month that I have not been a faithful blogger.

May is just a difficult time for teachers. Once Easter is over the school year is pretty much put on fast forward- much to the excitement of the students, but also for the teachers.

* The first weekend in May- Cullen went fishing with a friend and some donors in the Delta. He had a blast and I spent time at home baking cakes for some customers. Our friends from Huntsville, evacuated to Tupelo after their power was out, and we enjoyed dinner with them.

* My friends Molly & Barrett moved from Gainesville to Tupelo, and just happened to move right across the street from our friends Cole & Megan.

* May 7th- Leslie and I had our National Boards Pinning Ceremony in Oxford.

* May 12th- My students held their Art Showcase and Silent Auction to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. They raised $531.00 in one hour.

* May 17th my students had their end of the year Awards Day- Which means the day before I stayed at school until 10:00 trying to get everything together. I'm very thankful for my mother, in crunch time always comes through for me- this time she hand wrote 60-70 awards for my students.

I busted out black and yellow to show my school spirit for Awards Day

* May 20th the girls of the class of 2001 got together for dinner and catch up. Most of us were worn out and tired from teaching, but we enjoyed seeing one another and hope to keep a monthly dinner a priority.

April's Girls' Night

*May 23 I hosted a dinner for my Second Grade Teacher friends to celebrate Mrs. Busby, my actual second grade teacher, and her retirement.

* May 25th was the last day at school for teachers. It was also my last day at P.E.S. for at least a year- I'll post more on this another time.

* May 26th- we headed to a 'Teacher Conference' in Gulf Shores

Girl Talk

2011-05-24T07:12:00.000-05:00

The night before the last day of school we went to Oxford to listen to GirlTalk at the Lyric. Girl Talk is just a guy who chops and splices various artists' music together. It is really neat just to listen to...to hear Whiter Shade of Pale, Michael Jackson, and then current hits all put together is extremely amusing.

We left heading to the 8:00 concert about 6 in time to catch a bite to eat at Two Stick. Remember my bed time is 8:30. Well, he came on at 10:30....I was so tired, but was entertained by seeing what all the young ones had on. I am really shocked by the lack of dressing up. By no means were we dressed for church, but put a hat on our head and it looks like we could have been at the royal wedding in comparison.

Clothing aside...it was a great show. It was a three hour dance party and since a lot of our friends showed up it was a really fun time. If you are looking for a CD to play at the lake this summer or just a great driving CD on a road trip download it. Yes, it has rap music on it, so if that isn't your thing...be warned

Happiness

2011-05-23T06:45:00.000-05:00

This past weekend my brother, his wife, and their baby came to visit. It was a whirlwind weekend with everything smushed in it, from girls' night- to a yard sale- the baby in town-a tanning session- church - and cleaning house. It was so great just to see how much she has grown and what a big girl she is becoming. I've decided if I can have a two year old there is a chance I might want kids some day. She was able to answer my questions, she is now Potty Trained--whoop whoop, and she only cried once that I heard the whole weekend. Contrasting the one cry I heard...my mom thought it would be a great idea to buy her Squeaker Shoes. She was delighted as long as they were on her...in fact she would sit and move her feet just to hear them squeak...over and over and over and over and over and over...she was so super cute.

This girl makes me happy. Once she left I told my mom I just want to be around her to say funny things and be silly. I mentioned she is potty training now, and doing a great job. She left the potty and announced she had used it, and everyone clapped...everyone except Uncle Cullen...who bless him...doesn't really know to make a big deal about things...she walked up to him...proclaimed it again, making SURE he heard her accomplishment and after he said 'ok'and kinda ignored it, she stared him down- I told him to clap...he did- and she turned and walked away happy and smiling---oh my this girl is too much....

As a side note- she still loves Cullen more than she loves me, although I feel like she is coming around and realizing Aunt Fifi buys the happies. I hope I get to spend some vacation time with her this summer.

Oh My

2011-05-09T05:33:00.000-05:00

I am sure that many times after I write a story about my mom many of you are left confused... She is just one of a kind. Well, I am becoming my mother and that realization humbles me often.
Yesterday I tried and tried to call her before church to tell her Happy Mother's Day- her phone went straight to voice mail- and each time I was just a bit mad- you see my Mom and phones are a bit of a joke in the family. She must have been able to say and get away with lots as a child because she says and honestly believes some of the craziest things-- for example-
She is losing her hearing and so she swears that the phone she had two phones ago had to 'warm up' when someone called her before she could hear them- really?? Warm up!? It was possible she was taking a nap and startled- or that her tv was at maximum volume- buy no just that phone had to warm up.
In January 2010 she had to have a new phone- I take her to the store to get one and she looks at all the options- and really thinks she needs a flip phone- yes I got rid of one of those five years ago, but my mom the eternal Trekie- you know Star Trek- thought the looked like something futuristic so she called it her 'beam me up Scotty phone'. Yes she called it that loudly in front of lots of folks- oh dear me.
That phone was just perfect she learned to text and take pictures, but just knew she needed an iPhone next time- I continued to say what a great texter she was and her camera pics were just great- no way no how did she need or was I teaching her to use an iPhone---
At Choir she announced yesterday that her phone she found sitting in a cup of coffee- she didn't know how it got there, but she was sure it had been there a long time-really???? I was instantly reminded of the sudden death of my pink razor phone that I told Cullen had spontaneous hydration and I wasn't sure how the water and the battery met??? Yikes! But I NEEDED and iPhone-
So I take her to the store and meet the clerk at the kiosk and say to be patient with my mom she is NOT tech savvy'. It was a painless experience, I kept moms questions at bay and got her fixed up with the new Blackberry Torch- it really is a neat phone- the girl said it had a two week learning curve- I told mom who didn't hear her the first time she said two months-
We exit the store no odd questions- we get in the car and mom starts asking about whether she needs to download an upgrade or upload something!? I quickly told her not to talk like she knows how to use it just yet- she was so happy to have Internet on her phone and was most happy to now get pics of her grandbaby- it's the little things that make her happy.
She only accidentally called me twice last night- God Bless Her!
So tonight I'll have another tutorial for her and help usher her into the smartphone era..

The Case of the Missing Cans

2011-05-08T20:24:00.003-05:00

On Friday morning as I loaded my car for school with cakes and teacher bags...I made one last trip from the house-down the front steps- and to my vehicle...I noticed a man across the street. For many this is not an odd event, but let me explain that in my neighborhood, I am the only one. I live in the middle of downtown Pontotoc, across the corner from the church, behind the shoe store, next to the salon, near the post office- across the street from my house is the Habitat for Humanity office. I note that the man is picking up a bag of cans...this is odd...because most leave bags of cans to donate to Habitat.

I quickly do what all Southern women do...smile and wave and make small talk...all the while making observations...older gentleman, purple shirt, maroon truck,

As he nears my suv, I extend my hand introduce myself and begin questioning him...hey, How are you? What are you doing? "I'm on the BOARD of HABITAT I'm ON TO YOU-THIEF!"

He told me he was picking up cans helping a man...well, he could have been hired out by Father Pete, the retired priest who helps the affiliate. I let it go, get his tag number and immediately call my aunt, the executive director or Habitat. She knows nothing of it but says she will check. Well, I was FURIOUS...how dare someone steal from a non profit group...

After school was over I check in with my aunt to find out that no he was NOT being charitable...he was stealing. So here in Mayberry I found the closest cop...he just happened to be on my way to the Piggly Wiggly. I ask how his family is and get busy telling him my story. He takes the tag number and name the guy gave me...and says he'll call me. I am skeptical because he doesn't have my number...Not an hour later he calls me and asks me to come identify the bag of cans. They are now in my living room. I'm waiting for the office to open so I can drop them off tomorrow. Way to go Pontotoc Po-Po! Turns out the truck was borrowed from the old man's brother, he made a call and got the cans delivered within the hour to the station.

I'm wondering what is WRONG with people. How can they so blatantly steal from others. Just call me Nancy Drew...of the neighborhood watch.

Pinning Ceremony

2011-05-07T07:34:00.000-05:00

This time last year I was getting ready for the National Boards Assessment I took mid June. Earlier in May, because I was part of the World Class Teaching Program, I took part in my pinning ceremony in Oxford. It really was a nice day. My friend, Leslie, and I actually led a workshop to prepare candidates for the upcoming assessment.

Getting ready to lead our candidates in assessment techniques.

Being pinned and photographed by the new Dean of the School of Education.

All of the candidates getting ready for the group photo...note Leslie and I were born ready.

Still ready as ever and the lady in blue next to us, graduated high school with my mom, and just renewed her boards.

My mom, who certified in 1999 was there along with Cullen who photographed the event.

Let me say now...if you are a teacher and have not done the board process...you should. It is the fastest way to get a pay increase. It was a great experience. I wish I could say that I spent hours, dedicated weekends, gave away holidays, and completely consumed myself in the process. Some people do this, I didn't. It is just my personality. I will never be called OCD, oh I want to be successful, but I am one of the most laid back people and procrastinating people you will ever know. I would rather two weeks of stress than put up with a year of doing without. Do it, make up your mind and just say you will commit to doing it...the pay raise is worth it.

Natalie's 30th in Nashville

2011-05-05T22:16:00.003-05:00

For our friend Natalie's 30th birthday, Joanne and I decided turning thirty called for more than a party...it called for a weekend away.

We sang along with Sugarland and loud and long to 9-5

It was a great time with good friends. Only two years and Joanne and I will be celebrating with Nat hopefully somewhere tropical.

Pollyanna's Pride

2011-05-04T16:23:00.000-05:00

Oh our sweet baby has had babies. They were born on Easter and were found three days later. She moved them the next day and we finally found them again last night. Cullen has become Dr.Dolittle and moved them into the house. I bought him a litter box to deal with he has now become in-charge of the babies. I name them Flopsy, Mopsy, Milo, and Doodle-- Doodle I think is a bit special and is gonna need more love- I'll update more later.

Cullen the Pirate

2011-05-04T16:17:00.000-05:00

Storm Chasers 2035

2011-05-04T06:42:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday this is how I spent most of my day- looking at children wearing books for helmets-
They were great- I was frazzled- I came home and slept for hours- just from the mental stress- we were very fortunate! These kids might be the next storm chasers-

Summer Reading

2011-04-24T16:57:00.000-05:00

So while I know I started summer reading during the snow days in February I have read this one while laying out! This is the fifth book I have read by this author-- love her style! She is the author of the books Something Borrowed, Something Blue, Baby Proof, & Love the One Your With. I recommend these books to anyone who loves easy beach reads...
Since I'm not really sure how many books that aren't school books I'll be reading this summer I am trying to utilize my weekends for beach reading! I have a stack I've been collecting with this summer in mind and can't wait to put this one in the library and move onto the stack! What summer books are my two readers reading this summer???

High School Reunion

2011-04-22T17:02:00.000-05:00

Okay so it wasn't the real reunion but it was just as exciting! Today as I was coming through town I see these three girlies standing! I quickly pull in and had my mom take a picture! Kala, Leslie and I already had plans for a girls' night but seeing Tabitha absolutely made my day! I hadn't seen Tab since we walked across warrior field ten years ago next month! So I was excited to find she and her husband are moving back to town! Oh how I Love these girls and the memories we made while in school! Oh and for all those wondering minds- Kala and I are not extremely under dressed in purpose- Les wanted to get ready early in the day an Tab had been looking at real estate!

Yo Gabba Gabba

2011-04-11T06:48:00.004-05:00

Ellie turned two on Friday and we celebrated Sunday afternoon in Jackson. At some point last week my mom told me that my brother would be making the cake for the party. I smiled knowing the trouble he would get into not knowing how to do it...and said OK-

Well, to be helpful I messaged him a few pictures online that I found for a Yo Gabba Gabba party.

My mom even decided to go to Jackson early to help out. This was the cake. Kathy, my sister in law said that I was the motivation for Brett to make this cake. He had to out do me. Oh he did a great job. Each tier was a different flavor, the fondant was homemade. This was the first cake, the second cake was just for back up. I must say I was impressed.

Adding to the awesomeness of the cake was that my brother even dressed up as the D.J. from the show. Yeah, he did.

While the kids played outside, so did I. I found Brett's camping hammock. It was great to just take a load off and rest after the drive down to Jackson.

These two still love each other. I swear I thought she would grow out of it, but she hasn't. Ugh...I'll never be the favorite.

Dave Barnes

2011-04-11T06:43:00.002-05:00

After the baby shower I met Julie and Meagan in Oxford to switch cars and head to Memphis. Meagan introduced us to Dave Barnes while laying out at the pool last year. He is a singer/songwriter from Middle Tennessee. Think Jack Johnson/Sanders Bohlke/ mixed with possibly some Gavin DeGraw. Just great easy listening in a very intimate setting. Good music, good friends, good night.

Baby Anderson

2011-04-11T06:31:00.003-05:00

Saturday the girls from high school got together in Oxford to hostess a baby shower for our friend Carrie. It was a perfect day, great weather, Lindsay's beautiful home, and most of the girls back in one place to catch up and shower the mom to be.

Just over a year ago we were showering this little mama with gifts for sweet Presley.

Of course I had to hold the baby girl. She is so sweet and cuddly, but fun to hand right back to her mama. With all the stress I will have next year...I will not be needing a little bundle of joy anytime soon...or next year for that matter.

This little lady flew in from Florida, and it was so GREAT to see her. Even better is that not only will she be here for another day...she is moving back super soon. Life couldn't get better- everyone back together again.

And what would a day together be if Leslie and I didn't have a photoshoot.

Fun times with great friends to celebrate the upcoming baby boy. I can't wait to meet Baby Anderson.

Trigger's 60th

2011-04-09T11:17:00.003-05:00

Trigger is the nick name given to Mr. Brent, my boss from college. I know that in the seven years I worked there I heard how he got the name...but can't for the life of me remember right now.

His wife worked really hard planning and pulling off a surprise party for him last night. He was surprised I'm sure for a couple of reasons. One being not many people really know is true age. He has always done a great job not showing his age, but after my many years working there I always remember he and my mom are the same age.

Mrs. Laura and many of the Chaney's girls wound up keeping him away from their home and out and about in Oxford to make sure the guests were in place when he pulled in around 7:30. The deck was filled with friends, family, & Chaney's alumni.

I was excited to see everyone, but also so ready to see Mr. Bob or Bob Bob as I call him. Mr. Brent's dad has always held a super special place in my heart. We have kept up with each other since I retired from Chaney's and I was so glad to see him. He and I have spent several Christmas Eve's wrapping gifts, many Valentine's Days selling perfume, and a few too many Thanksgivings eating left overs. He is a one of a kind.

Mr. Brent swears he was truly surprised. It was a great night with no detail being over looked. Mrs. Laura enjoys throwing parties and she again pulled off another wonderful event.

25 Again

2011-04-09T11:14:00.002-05:00

My dear friend Leslie has the great fortune to have been born on the April Fool's Day. She like me loves to celebrate her birthday and last weekend we went to enjoy a night out in Oxford. Cullen was there to help capture the moments on the 'Funsaver'. (Cullen has been our photographer since Grad School)

She's Hitched

2011-03-27T11:01:00.000-05:00

Cullen's sister married a sweet Delta boy. The weekend kicked off with a sweet and beautiful luncheon Friday morning. Friday night Dave's parents hosted a rehearsal dinner at Mt.Vernon. It was truly magical. Twinkling lights, flickering candles, great music and sweet memories. Cullen and I hadn't been back to Mt. Vernon since our rehearsal dinner almost four years ago. The toasts were tender and everyone enjoyed the calm before the storm....Literally..

Faren and Dave had a beautiful outside wedding planned under and arbor of flowers beside a lake on the grounds of Mt. Vernon...mother nature had other plans for them.

The storm that ripped through moved their vow exchange to the chapel down the road and then the sun came out in time for a fun reception with dancing, music and great food.

They honeymooned in Jamaica and now are back at their home in the Delta preparing to move to Colorado in the early summer. I am eager to see the professional pictures, with the weather and the change of venues the photographer had to get fairly creative...I can't wait to relive the weekend through her view point.

This Girl

2011-03-19T06:40:00.000-05:00

When she wakes up I'm probably gonna thank her for the solid sleep I got last night! Yesterday was a long day that started with decorating a cake, cleaning around the house, sewing some shorts and monogramming some shirts, laying poolside while reading national board entries, driving to Jackson, eating with the cutest toddler, and shopping with my sister in law. Yes I was worn out! But this precious face made my day!

The Lucky One

2011-03-13T06:51:00.005-05:00

Move over Nicholas Sparks, Pontotoc has a new romancer in town and ladies he is all mine. I know I have given Cullen a hard time for not being the most thoughtful husband. Now, he will wait on me, do the dishes, clean the floors and iron his own clothes, but when it comes to dates we are the standard dinner couple...oh when we were dating before we went to bed at 8:30 that was dinner and a movie...now we watch movies on Sunday afternoons.

But last night I was completely taken aback.

On Wednesday, Cullen texted me and said if you don't have plans on Friday- don't make any.

Hmm..I was intrigued. It is now a good time to tell you that I am not a person that is easy to surprise. I can pretty much put on my detective hat and figure out the surprise before hand, I ask leading questions, stalk emails and texts and find it out before the event happens or the item is given. While I would love to be surprised I also like knowing what will happen, not having high expectations to be let down and the like.

So with that being said, I questioned Cullen the minute he got home, what would I need to wear, and how would I prepare for this evening. His reply...oh can we move it to Saturday? What well scratch the limo ride that he had already booked or the weekend away...that I had pictured in my head. My outfit didn't matter he said...just whatever.

Guys do not understand that their just whatever outfit...khakis/jeans with a polo/buttondown shirt works for most occasions for them...we DO NOT have a just whatever outfit. Khakis are for teaching in and truthfully I don't own a pair. Jeans are awesome but we either dress them up or down...not really in between unless we know the situation in which shoes could make them fit the event...you see my leading questions were not leading me to the answer.

Fast forward to last night- Cullen calls me while I was laying out and I put my best friend on the phone to get some hints, he gave her no clue. That punk figured out my tricks...it took four years but he knows me now.

So the next information I get is to be at home at 5:30.

I get home, wait around a bit, and then I am led outback to our patio where I find twinkle lights in the trees, white table cloth on the table, candles, a flower arrangement and my McCarty dishes plated with filets, baked potatoes, asparagus, and bread oh and big surprise YOCNA Sauce. Yes, somehow Cullen now has the recipe for the divine sauce. It was a great surprise and ended a great day.

This boy across from me was so utterly unCullenlike...

While I've never watched the Bachelor I believe Cullen has watched and learned. Yes, ladies- be jealous.

It's Official

2011-03-05T20:03:00.000-06:00

Delta Dawn

2011-03-05T07:14:00.000-06:00

This past weekend my Sister in Law, Faren, celebrated her lays days as a single gal. Because I have only known Faren for about six years and there is a large age gap between us, I knew I would be the oldest gal present, and she would be the only one I knew. I decided to bring along my sidekick and partner in crime, Leslie. And Leslie, who loves an opportunity to get out of town and meet new folks, jumped at the chance to head to the Delta with me.

We started our day about an hour later than planned and made it to the Greater Ghetto Area of Greenwood in about 2.5 hours. We quickly found their downtown area and managed to shop and meet some really sweet people. We stopped at the Alluvian and then headed to the hotel to meet up with the other girls. After getting ready we headed to Lusco's and then out to paint the town Red. It was a long night, it took me a week to get my sleep pattern back in order, but it was so much fun. I have been ready for her wedding for sometime, but now I'm just ready to see the girls again

Hazey

2011-02-23T20:39:00.000-06:00

Well this photo is terrible, but exactly how I felt though after my first night of couch to 5k- this is like the gazillionth time I've started it- never making it past the 4th week! I hate running, I want to love it, I want to wake up to run... Think about the next few miles! I just can't! I think about the breathing, my shins, my steps... The next stopping place, the person talking next to me I can't hear for the sound of my heart banging in my ears! Oh and I think about my knees and how I love them an how they bend ever so painlessly and I appreciate that- I don't want to miss my knees, my cartilage-- I like all of it and the cushion it gives my patella!
So you see this fog is much like the fog of disdain and worry in mind as I hit the pavement! Somebody give me some advice- when does it get fun/easy?

Welcome to the World W.W.W.

2011-02-20T20:20:00.003-06:00

My friend Ashley had her baby. She was only 25 weeks along, but praise the Lord he is doing well. He weighed in at 1lb. 11oz. and is 12 3/4 inches long.A tiny little boy, but a big fat miracle. Ashley is doing great! Everyone is so over joyed that he is thriving as well as he is right now. Continue to pray for the team of nurses and doctors that will be seeing after him for the next 10 weeks while he is in NICU. Pray for Ashley and Todd as they ready themselves for bringing home a sweet baby boy

Just a few visitors that came by...Aunt Amber, Great Aunt T, and good friend Caitlyn.

Below is a picture of me. I happened to be in the right place at the right time, and was able to go up and see that sweet baby. When they said we could touch him, I was so excited. He was precious, and little, and fragile. The expression on my face was one of fear not disgust. I have never touched such a little human. We are just praying he continues to surprise and WOW us, by this morning 2/21 he was off the vent. Keep praying.

Black and Yellow

2011-02-20T20:16:00.003-06:00

Oh no, he isn't a Steelers fan, he is a Pontotoc Warrior fan. Woop! Woop! It took me since 2004 to convert him, but after three years almost as a Pontotocian he has finally donned his first ever Pontotoc Warrior shirt. He says he wore a tennis shirt, but that was tennis tournament shirt and that doesn't count. When I saw him strut this golden yellow shirt down the stairs last night, my heart leapt with joy. Oh yeah it won't be long before he does a tomahawk chop at the next game. It's official his Warrior Pride is Alive. GET FIRED UP!

Praying

2011-02-19T17:40:00.000-06:00

Please friends pray for Ashley Weaver! She has been my friend since highschool and is right now in the hospital at 25 weeks pregnant trying to keep from delivering her baby boy! She has been in labor for the last 24 hours bless her heart! In your spare time lift her up and the doctors taking care of her!

My Valentine

2011-02-15T04:32:00.000-06:00

He gets what he asks for... He asked for chocolate- and I served him up a little Death by Chocolate! He got everything he loves! And while I would have been like gag me- he was giddy! Boys- that y chromosome makes them just plain weird-

However because we have no reasons we can't eat out whenever, because I buy for myself like everyday is Valentine's we had a memorable night last night- yep I chose to eat at Chickfila- I jut thought it would be good and since my biggest loser diet was pretty much shot the last week we went! It was romantic- we talked over waffle fries- oh and had I not needed to be in bed by 7:30 my sweet hubby was going to take me to the movie I've been dying to see-- Never Say Never-- oh yeah it would have been fantastic buy I love sleep more than Justin Bieber- and I love Cullen enough not to make him sit through that!

Great Day on the Greens

2011-02-13T14:52:00.002-06:00

Well, let me start by saying that Golf is not my sport. Oh how I would love for it to be. Cullen loves it, he enjoys walking the course...yeah carrying bag and all...DOES THAT NOT SOUND LIKE TORTURE? Okay so anyway, I guess I played three times last year. I want to be so good. I want it to be one of those moments that you just start something and have a natural knack for it. So far God hasn't revealed that in me yet. Maybe I should be more patient.
So today when we walked across to church Cullen said he was going to play today. I thought hmm. I should go. Since I spent all of the day in my sewing room yesterday and he hung out in his man cave..the sunshine on the Valentine's weekend would do us good. Now I must say that golf requires me to think of all the things I might need to be good. After my first time last year I went immediately to Tupelo and got a pink golf glove. I need it to be good, and to be taken more seriously.
All I'm good for is about three good holes and then I start getting extremely upset. I have yet to throw a club, but I see how it happens all the time. Okay so since you'd be bored with my rehashing of the score I'll list out now all the things I need to play golf...

-golf shoes- they would def. help

-a new putter- mine as Cullen said after three holes that he really had never had any luck with it... yep, he gets the nice stuff

-I really want a golf skirt- for the warmer weather of course

-some new club covers...mine look skanky- you know considering I bought my pink golf bag complete with 27 clubs for five dollars...at the School of Ed. Yard Sale

- a book about what all those woods and irons are for--Cullen just gives me a number...and says it really doesn't matter since I can't consistently hit the ball.

-golf lessons- from someone that is unbiased

-golf ball retriever- it would keep Cullen from stepping into the water hazard I didn't quite clear and quickly became the last whole I played-

After the first hole I realized that I shouldn't get so frustrated with my inability to play...I should be grateful that I have the opportunity to get better. So to even out my wants, let me give some things I am glad I had on the course today

-1 box of Thin Mints...greatly helped-I'm a stress eater

-New Sunglasses from Christmas- def improved my game

-camera phone to capture the moments of my humiliation-

-1 box of Lemon Girl Scout Cookies to also aid in my frustration

Ice Road Rage and Humility???

2011-02-13T14:13:00.005-06:00

As promised the post I know all of two people are waiting on...the account of my ice road trucker story.

My friend, Sharolyn, and I left Jackson early for two reason...1 the weather was to be bad...2 we needed one more stop by Target. We hit Target and then headed home. We laughed, sang, talked theology, life experiences, and just caught up the way only two women can do...

About Grenada it started spitting snow..nothing more than a few flakes. I called my dad to check in and get the weather report...he watches the Weather Channel a lot.

He said it wasn't that bad and we had plenty of time...

Pops has been wrong a lot lately with his weather predictions...and guess what...he was wrong...by the time we were at Batesville, the roads were getting white. From the Batesville ramp to Oxford we saw about 7 cars off the road. At this time my stress level was rising. Not for fear of not getting home just knowing I was responsible for another person.

Instantly Shar starts calling her family-making sure everyone was safe and at home...yeah not one person had called me to check on me...So we continue on the road..keeping a distance from others and just past the Oxford red light on 6 like right before the Coliseum Exit sign...all traffic stops.

My stress turns to absolute panic. The snow if coming down and a trailer had jack knifed...stopping four lanes of traffic. Lots and lots of things raced through my mind.

-why has my mom not called?

-where could I stay in Oxford?

-How could i possibly get up an exit ramp?

In the midst of these thoughts the car to the front left of us...slides off the road...

we scream and grab hands...why like that would help. Checking my surroundings I look in the rearview mirror...guess what the GMC truck behind..quickly moves to the side of the road...yep stopping right off the road...I look to the right..and there is a ravine. So as we sit I think to myself..hmm maybe we should have stopped in Grenada to potty.

I want to throw my hands in the air in despair...but no I should really keep them on the wheel was my next thought. Okay so to add to the stress...Sharolyn's phone is blowing up... my phone has begun to blow up and we are still in the snow..inching forward..

But we were passed on the right by MDOT trucks and a wrecker...yep the wrecker slid off the road...so then as the road clears and traffic begins moving we have been put beside and somehow behind an 18 wheeler that can not get traction...so the cab is going back and forth the wheels are spinning and the trailer itself is swaying..and guess what the ravine is till on the side...ahhhhahhhahha..

A sweet little police officer skates across the ice to see me..and my panic. .. he says he'll drive me home...to Pontotoc...he laughs and says don't worry...I worry, I panicked...I almost cried but didn't. My girl Sharolyn...she did what she knows works..she kept telling me your doing great...this good...and basically we creeped home. It was a four hour trip from Grenada to Pontotoc..I have also never had to potty for that long in my life...by the time I made it to the Thaxton Dollar General I left my car running and raced/slid into the store.

Once that was finished we finally made it to the roads that 'weren't that bad'. Cullen and Dennis, Shar's husband, had told us for four hours the roads on the other side of Oxford weren't bad at all...well guess what...it took 3.5 hours to get to them.

I went through every emotion. Anger for being stuck, Fear of a wreck, Stress from the situation, laughter at the potty predicament, joy for the Pontotoc County Sign in Sight, embarrassment for almost losing it in front of a coworker, and then assurance that again God saw me through a difficult situation.

On a spiritual note, God has really been working on me lately about being obedient. I am just not a person that likes to be told what to do, or told how to do something. I am more of an independent person. I love my way- I would say that in the last six months God has used my prayer life as a way to call me into obedience. And as I have listened to his call and his will I must say that I have begun to see the blessings that are waiting.

In the midst of my mental breakdown on HWY 6, I felt God saying... Okay Felicia ask for my help...Call upon me and have faith... that of course was between the curse words I was thinking and wanting to blurt out...oh you see he works on me with those thoughts, too. As you can see God has his hands full with me. But God was faithful to us and he brought us home safely...and he even blessed me with the next day off which I needed to deal with the Post Traumatic Stress the drive gave me. Hope you could laugh with this or be worried the next time the roads ice up- don't worry I will NOT be on the road Good Lord willing.

Oh Happy Day

2011-02-11T05:45:00.000-06:00

It may seem odd to non teachers but today will be the wildest day of the school year! Why, you might say-- because we are having our Valentine's Day party! Crazier than Halloween more exciting than Christmas! Love will be in the air and it will be visible in the candy induced smiles of my eight year old babies! I can't wait! Since I haven't worked a day this week because of a conference in Jackson and the snow day yesterday, today will be fun! I'm thinking art projects, cupcakes, and of course the Valentine Exchange-- woo hoo!
If you want to pray for our day go ahead, if you want to come by and share in the fun drop on by the school, but if you want to talk to me when it is all over call before 8:30 after that I'll be in the bed resting! Happy Friday!

With the Snow

2011-02-10T15:42:00.001-06:00

Pollyanna gets to come inside and becomes the most entitled animal ever.

Mom comes over to stay so she can make it to work, she brings us dinner, and makes me laugh with looks like this...

Icicles that look like this...

This view from my front door...

Meemaw's Banana Bread

2011-02-10T15:17:00.000-06:00

Meemaw refers to Mrs. Rachel Johnstone, Leslie's grandmother. For a number of years she taught math at Pontotoc. I knew her through Leslie but also as a diligent walker at the Wellness Center in my more faithful years. She passed away in the spring of 2007 just before Leslie's wedding. This is one of my favorite recipes that Leslie has ever shared. I hope you enjoy. I cooked this with each snow we had this year. It is wonderful with cream cheese icing! Enjoy!

Summer Read 2011

2011-02-10T10:17:00.000-06:00

I know with snow on the ground you aren't thinking about Summer Reading, but I started and finished this book in about three hours! It is a wonderful glimpse at what child like faith means. While I borrowed this book from a friend I will most certainly go buy my own copy very soon! Add this book to your beach reads if you can wait that long-- if not-- maybe for your snowy weekend reads!

Story to Follow

2011-02-10T07:21:00.000-06:00

This picture has a story behind it-- I can't decide which direction to go- God's Grace
Thriller
Suspense
Comedy-- it really could go either way-so when I can get my words out get some tissue ready-- you could be in tears-- from laughing or crying-
(I know that my mother in law is the only person that will read this and the religiously check back just to see when I post the story- thank you Ms Debi;)

To Infinity...

2011-02-08T13:53:00.000-06:00

And Beyond--- Haha
I'm in Jackson at a technology conference and it has been a lot of fun- as you can see! I've also had a lot of time to workout along with my fearless sidekicks- we have to save the world- gotta fly ;)

28

2011-02-08T11:08:00.000-06:00

Cullen turned 28 Superbowl Sunday- I feel the need to give his stats for the year much like someone would when a child is six months old--
*Cullen has really enjoyed grilling this year, trying out new BBQ sauces, recipes, and techniques.
*He decided this year to be a ref for soccer- he almost froze a couple times but he made it through the season.
* He sold 'Big Blue'
* Golf became his summer past time
He is just so precious! Love him!