Pics from the photoshoot

Here are two pics Courtney took of me and Miss Kinley:

Continuation

Ok, so last we met, I had told you all about me leaving Ohio, setting my wedding date, selecting my wedding party, and moving home. Let us continue, shall we?

5. The Arrival of Miss Kinley Snow and her Newborn Pics

So Courtney Allen was employed by Jennie Snow to take the newborn pictures of one, Miss Kinley Elise. Since I would be in town (this happened the same weekend as my surprise OK visit), Courtney elisted my expert assistance…i.e….I can follow directions and do what I’m told by the professional. My reward was gazing and cuddling on this precious baby girl! And eating Chic-fil-a. And eating one of their delicious cookies. It is so amazing to watch Courtney in action. She has such an eye for photography. This may come in handy when someone I know, no mention of names, will need pictures taken in the near future… Anyway, it was a ton of fun to help out, and coo over this little tiny miracle. I love Kinley so much! Afterwards, I attended Wild Brew of Tulsa with Chris and Adonis. It’s a charity event. Very posh. Because I’m so sophisticated (insert sophisticated agreement remark by Corey Shehl). That was a ton of fun as well. I love just going and sampling the best foods of Tulsa (oh yeah, and there are beers there too).

6. Preggo Secrets!

I was fortunate enough to be let in on two of my friends being pregnant! They are actually best friends, and two weeks apart. One recently announced her pregnancy on FB, and she’s having a girl! CONGRATS TESSA!!! I’m so happy for you and Geoff! Now you’ve got your legacy, so all our hard work at EN won’t be for nothing! Let’s be those alumnae who show up at initiation! ;) My other friend has yet to announce her pregnancy on FB, so I shall keep my lips zipped! Hehehehe

7. Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing (as told by me, NOT Judy Blume)

So yes, I now teach 4^th grade! (Shout out to Tessa Beauliu for graciously giving me all her 4^th grade materials…what a LIFESAVER. I am forever in her debt) And boy, let me tell you, there is a HUGE difference between it and Kindergarten! Geez louise! I am exhausted every night! There is no such thing as down time or brain break. They must have something to do at all time. The first two weeks really was just me assessing them, figuring out their math, reading, spelling, and phonics level. That stuff is finally done! And now it’s time to rearrange the 4^th grade classrooms. I’m sad to say I will be losing 4 of my precious babies, but I will be gaining 7 new ones. I will start teaching the higher level 4 graders. This is exciting because they are all on level or above. We will be pushing our limits! Learning new and exciting things that require more brain power and higher level critical thinking (hehehe, look at me using my higher level critical thinking skills!). I love my 19 so much, but the 4 that are leaving really will benefit more from a slower paced classroom. At least I will still get to see them every day! I guess I can start using my blog to write more about the happenings of 4^th grade. So, get ready! You’ll be hearing more about these kiddos soon!

8. Missy is HOME!

So when I wrote that yesterday, Missy hadn’t landed in the TX yet. But now, she has! And yes, ladies and gentlemen, Missy Protas IS HOME! ON AMERICAN SOIL! I’m so excited to have her back. I know she will miss Oz terribly, but what a life experience! (And Adam will be here soon!) I’m so totes jelly! I know CA, JS, and I can’t wait to host her and EW for a fun filled weekend! Welcome home, sister! LIOB!

That's it for now, my friends! What a treat! Two blogs in one week! Don't get used to it! I will really give it a college try though, and schedule some during the week that I can get typed up during the weekend. Laters babe! ;)

Fast Foward!

Well I suppose it is time for my every few month update. As I've been reminded by Mrs. Jennie Snow, some pretty big things have happened lately. Also, as per Mrs. Snow, I'm typing in the car on my iPad.
 
I think it was June where we last left off. Perhaps engagement blog? Maybe I need to read my own blog to check???????? Ok, just checked on my phone and indeed, the proposal story was the last. At least I post the important stuff!! ;)
 
Let's have an agenda so I'm sure to cover everything, I may even get two or three blogs out of this!
1. Wedding date/party finalized
2. Chris' Ohio visit
3. My surprise ok visit
4. New job/the move home
5. The arrival of Miss Kinley and her pics
6. Preggo secrets!
7. Tales of the 4th grade nothing (not by Judy Blume)
8. Missy is coming home!
 
1. Wedding date/party finalized
Our wedding date has been set, Saturday, April 27, 2013 at 7pm. Please see the following website for all details: www.murrayhill.ourwedding.com. It will be in the Tulsa area, forcing both our families to travel. Our colors are charcoal, yellow, and (of course) Tiffany blue. (bahahaha). I have the privilege of having 6 bridesmaids and 2 honorary bridesmaids, along with Chris' 6 groomsmen and 2 honorary groomsmen. My girls include my sister, Staci, Jessica, Courtney, Missy, Corey, Jennie, and Erin! I feel so honored they have each agreed to take on this task and share in my special day. I'm sorry if someone feels like they were left out, I wish I could do a 27 dress like wedding, but that just wasn't possible.
 
2. Chris' Ohio visit
Well...maybe this shouldn’t have been a topic. Chris came to Ohio. We drove around Ohio and West Virginia. He met my coworkers. We shopped around Columbus.  We visited a sheetz (greatest. Gas. Station. Ever.)
 
3. Surprise OK visit
So Chris' visit was unplanned, but I had planned with his two besties, Adonis and Jonathan to come home and surprise Chris (and interview for 3 teaching jobs). So we had an elaborate plan, where Jonathan made plans to keep Chris home and Adonis planned on picking me up from the airport. Well, wouldn't know you know, united airlines (whom I've NEVER flown a non-complicated flight with, ever) canceled my Tulsa flight while I was in Houston (please insert the new Taylor Swift song, “We are Never Ever Ever…Getting Back Together here. That’s how I feel about United Airlines). Thanks to the quick thinking of Courtney Allen and Erin Weisz, I was able to bounce united and get on an American flight. Needless to say, I had to call Chris to come and get me, since I now got in at midnight and not 8. Also, this bouncing upset united and they canceled my return flights. They heard from me... A woman scorned...Never the less, my visit was so very successful! I got offered two jobs, which cemented my plans to MOVE home! Plus I got to meet Kinley Snow!
 
Which leads me to #4. The new job/the move home
So during my surprise visit, I was interviewed twice for teaching positions; one for preK and one for 4th grade (I had three scheduled, but after I confirmed one, I decided not to attend the other since they were for the same district). I accepted a 4th grade position. I went back to Ohio, gave them a week's notice (the school needed me to do a bunch of paperwork), and packed one of my sister's cars up (yup, she's got two....insert eye roll here) and drove the 16 hours home. I stopped in Terra Haute, Indiana, and ate at my first white castle burger (not impressed). I also stayed the night there, and got up early to make the last leg. The weather was great, except through Indianapolis, where it rained sideways so hard I had to pull over. Pulling in my driveway was the greatest feeling ever. I cried! Thus closes my Ohio chapter.
 
And this blog...for now. Told you I would get multiple. ;)

The Proposal

Well, I have a gap in work between meetings so I guess I’ll update my blog!

First, HOW ‘BOUT THEM THUNDER?!?!?!!! I hope so bad we go all the way!!

Second, I suppose I promised to blog about my engagement, so here it is. I’ve never had a candlelight, so all you Phi Mu’s start singing the song, and let it go around once, imagine me blowing the candle out, and continue reading….

Let’s see, as you already know, I got engaged to Mr. Murray while on holiday in Australia. We had a marvelous time (see prior blog to see a rundown of the events). I was hoping against all hope that he would pop that all important question on the trip. However, as the week progressed, I started believing I would be disappointed yet again. Actually, on the flight there, a nagging feeling kept telling me that it wasn’t going to happen, and to just get over it and enjoy yourself. So, I did (for the most part). I still hoped a bit, but I wasn’t going to let it shade my whole vacation.

If it was going to happen, I knew it would happen while we were in Cairns. I thought he would do it while diving or snorkeling around the reef. Well, in all actuality, that was the plan. He had the ring with him, he was ready to do it, until some shady looking hostel stayers boarded our ship. Three of them, from Sweden, looked half-baked and hung over. Plus, they smelled. Chris decided at the looks of them, he wasn’t going to be giving me this beautiful rock, and then have me put it in my bag while going back out into the water. So he scratched proposal at the reef. That night (this is Wednesday, by the way), we went to a fancy dinner, on a pier, but it was raining, and dark, and I made him visit this Night Market which made the Swedish dudes look nice. So scratch Cairns all together.

Thursday we arrived back in Sydney. We went to the wildlife park, but I was busy feeding kangaroos and koalas. My hands were disgusting. So no proposal at the park. Later that night, we were with Missy, and Chris is rather private, so he wanted to be alone. Moving on to Friday….

We toured the Opera House. This is it! He was going to do it here. Back up a tick…. Let me explain to you that this dialog is all coming from Chris after the matter. During this whole time, I am now 100% sure it is NOT going to happen. I am a bit bummed, but I was saving my frustrations for the flight home.  Ok, back to the story….Inside the opera house, during the tour. There is a spot, while touring, where you are in the front of the opera halls. The windows are floor to ceiling, the sunlight is beautiful, and no one is around. Perfect! Chris went to pull the ring out, I was turned around snapping pics, Chris is about to bend down, and BOOM. The tour guide walks around the corner with our other peeps. Chris shoves the ring back into his pocket. Afterwards, I’m anxious to meet up with Missy, and we spend the rest of the day goofing off.

Saturday morning dawns cloudy and rainy. We have the bridge climb. This is going to be the day! Haha. Poor guy. Adam takes us to Mosman Beach, and Chris thinks about doing it there, but decides no. Then we head to the Bridge Climb. Chris thinks and thinks, and decides, it’s getting done there. Except, when he’s pulling on his climb suit, he gets scared, and shoves the ring back into his backpack. Later on, during the climb, the climb guide tells us all how people propose up on top of the bridge. Chris feels like jumping off the bridge at this point. I think by now, Chris is having mild seizures. He keeps asking how long we are going to be here or there, what the plan is, when are we going somewhere…I don’t notice. We tour the city lights then head to the Kirribillie Club for dinner. After dinner, Chris tells me he wants to tour Luna Park. I say ok, and invite Missy and Adam along. However, Chris somehow, I thought rather rudely, excuses them from going. We walked around the Park, rode the ferris wheel, and left. I was ready to go back to Missy’s to start packing. But Chris had other plans. He wanted to walk around under the bridge, around the harbor. We stopped at a point where the lights from Luna Park are behind you, the bridge is to your right, and the opera house is all lit up across the harbor. He wraps his arms around me. I’m just staring at the lights, and this is our dialog:

Chris: It sure is pretty here.

Tiffany: Yes, it is. <sighs because it’s about time to go home>

Chris: Not as pretty as you.

Tiffany: <snorts very unlady-like> oh yeah?

Chris: I’m serious.

Tiffany: Ok. <rolls eyes, maybe snorts again, giggles, something not romantic>

Chris: I have something to give you. I’ve been meaning to give it to you for a few days now.

Tiffany: Oh yeah? What is it?

Chris: <stares at Tiffany. Maybe sending some sort of ESP messages, I don’t know>

Tiffany: Are you gonna give it to me?

Chris: <gets down on one knee, pulls out little white ring box, opens box, light comes on in box>

Tiffany: <tears start to pour down face, cannot look away from Chris>

Chris: Will you marry me?

Tiffany: Yes!!! <flings arms around Chris, who attempts to place the ring on her finger, but it’s too small>

And there you have it! We kissed like a movie scene, heard some people murmuring behind us, and headed back to Missy’s, where I barged into her bathroom while she was peeing just to show her. It was everything I could have asked for! So now begins the joy of wedding planning. Our date is somewhere between April 1 and June 1, 2013. Looks like my dirty 30 will be magical!!

Australian Holiday

So, I’ve been on a two month hiatus, and I apologize for that, not that anything interesting has happened, except for in the last week and especially the last 24 hours.

So last Friday, Chris and I left for Australia! Here is the rundown of each of our days:

Friday: Boarded airplane bound for Salt Lake City, then LA, then Australia.

Saturday: This day got lost somewhere in the Pacific Ocean

Sunday: Arrived in Sydney bright and early. Caught a cab to Missy’s. Showered. Ferried over to Circular Quay (pronounced “key”, Americans). We observed the sights and sounds of the Quay, including the Opera House, Aboriginal music, different sculptures and light displays, etc. Took a motor boat tour of the all the nooks and crannies of the harbor, ate some delicious pub food and beers!  

Monday: Chris and I took a ferry to Manly beach. BEAUTIFUL. We walked up down the streets there, stumbled upon a pub called Murray’s. They were closed though. Ate our first fish and chips (yummy, and I don’t typically like fish). Rode the ferry to Chinatown. Toured the Chinese gardens (sooo peaceful), and Chinatown. Had the best ever spring rolls and wontons I’ve ever eaten. Met Missy at home for some pizza.

Tuesday: Chris and I had a pork roll for breakfast. It was a bit much for me, so I only ate half. Then we boarded the plane for Cairns and Great Barrier Reef. Arrived in Cairns and got a cab tour of the town. Ate dinner, and went to bed early because we had an early start the next day.

Wednesday: 7am pick up for the Great Barrier Reef. We ate breakfast aboard the ship. We had an awesome crew telling us about the reef’s ecosystem, wildlife, how to snorkel and scuba dive, etc. We snorkeled and I took a zillion pictures! We ate lunch aboard too. Snorkeled some more then had wine and cheese and crackers on our way back. We ate a super nice dinner on the harbor of Cairns. Shopped the Night Market (do not recommend…scary).

Thursday: Arrived back in Sydney. Took the train, then a bus to Featherdale Wildlife Park. Played with some wallabies, fed some kangaroos, petted some koalas and goats, watched a dingo getting fed, and saw a million birds. Chris fell in love with wombats. We met Missy back for some Thai food. I tried duck for the first time. LOVED IT.

Friday: Opera House Tour. Then met Missy for lunch at Darling Harbor. We shopped then headed to her old stomping grounds, Chatswood. Purchased my opal ring! Got a lot of souvenir gifts, including tam tams and chicken salt. Also had some delicious sushi, ice cream, and sugar cane juice. Then we met Adam for dinner at a Mexican restaurant, with real Mexican working it (take that, Ohio!)! Their drinks were a little weak, but the food was great!

Saturday: Went to Mosman Beach, the climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge! That was amazing!!!! It was raining a bit, so that was a downer, but we had a great time anyway. Walked around the Ciruclar Quay that evening to observe the Vivid Sydney festival. All the buildings had great lighting designs, even the Opera house. Then ate dinner. Adam and Missy went back to her apartment, while Chris and I explored Luna Park. Then looked out over the harbor and the bridge and the opera house and the skyline. And THEN CHRIS ASKED ME TO MARRY HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ll leave that story for the next blog. J

Sunday: Left Australia for home. L I almost cried on my way down the lift at Missy’s. Except, I kept looking at my ENGAGEMENT RING. I still cannot believe it.

All in all: BEST HOLIDAY/VACATION EVER! I will never forget this dream vacation. I loved every minute of it. Thanks to Courtney and Jennie and Missy for helping me plan events, Missy for letting us crash on your floor, and Adam for being the tour guide to us crazy Americans!  

More pictures will be posted on FB! Soon, hopefully! I have like 500 though...

I need to get on the blogging ball!

Well, I’m starting my third work here in Ohio. Not much has changed. It has gotten warmer, but it rains every day, still. I think I need to get used to this. Oh well.

I say third week since last week I got to spend it blissfully in Oklahoma, at home! It was wonderful. I just love that feeling of jumping into Chris’ arms when I walk through the door, not to mention the spaz-stic behavior Tyson exhibited when I breezed in after a two week absence. He wanted to sit in the bathroom while I showered, but that weirded me out, so I put him on the bed, where I think he sat the entire time, waiting!

Monday, I got home, to hurricane like rain. That weather continued on Tuesday. My neighborhood and surrounding roads were flooding. I spent Tuesday inside, reading and moving some work files. Tuesday night some friends of ours met us for dinner at the new Sushi bar in Owasso. (Akira=delicious!!!)

Wednesday , I went and visited my bestie, Staci. We talked wedding plans and got some lunch. She showed me the changes she’s made to the bridesmaids’ dresses, the fabric sample, etc. She’s getting them specially made, which ended up being cheaper than simply having us pick something out at a bridal store (we won't have to get them altered, he going to fit them straight to us). I love the dress! It is totally wearable again! It is one shouldered, above the knee, and so flattering. I can’t wait to wear it on her big day!

Thursday and Friday I worked some more. Friday afternoon I spent with Courtney and Jennie doing our Froyo thing! Camden was present, as well as the future little girl Snowflake! I love that my friends have or are having children. I can live vicariously through them! I still don’t know that I’ll ever be a mom to more than Tyson, but I can certainly play and spoil everyone else’s kiddos!

Saturday, Chris and I both got pedicures, then got some happy hour drinks. (I wish I could upload the pics of Chris getting his done. I texted them to Courtney and Erin, laughing the whole time. I was specifically forbidden to post any pictures of him on facebook. I had to delete them from my phone too :( ) We made friends with the Red Robin bartender, Mandy, and we ended up spending 3 hours there. They have a skinny Absolut vodka freckled lemonade and it is divine! 80 calories for a whole glass? Yes please.

Sunday was house work and lawn work day. Then it was Monday again, and I was packing to leave. Jessica and I met for lunch, and I got to love all over Alexander.  He’s such a flirt! My sister showed up, spent the night, and bright and early yesterday (Tuesday) morning, we left to come back to West Virgina (for those I confuse; Stephanie lives on the WV/OH border. She lives in WV, but we work in OH).

Now I’m at work, waiting for my sister to return to take me back to her place. I’m done for the day. I am currently on the hunt for a Vera Bradley Get Carried Away Tote in Suzani. I need a bag that fits my big a$$ laptop in. And I’m done with carrying my purse and work bag. So a bigger bag = less baggage for me! Lol.

Ok, that’s it for now! I get to come back home in a week from tomorrow!!!!! I’m flying this time, and will return on the following Monday.

PS-I believe everyone should get a lifeproof iPhone case. Its amazing! I can’t wait to take it to Australia (which has been decided, we will be visiting from May 25 to June 2!!!!)  and take amazing pictures, UNDERWATER, with it. I convinced Courtney! They’re great!!   

One week down...

Ok, I’ve been here for one week now. Here are some of the things I’ve come across.

1.      It takes forever to get anywhere in this part of the country. Everything is far apart, up (or down) a winding road, through a mountain and forest region. Maybe when spring is finally sprung, it will look pretty. And there are dead animals all over the road. And lots of Chinese take-out….ick.

2.      There are Dairy Queens everywhere. It makes me continually want a dip cone.

3.      People here think Oklahoma must be somewhere near Japan. I constantly get asked how long the plane ride is (uhhhh, 3 hours, duhh).

4.      Everyone talks funny. And I know funny! They talk really slow too. It’s almost like a slow, southern accent with flares of the East.  

5.      You must specify country gravy or else you get brown or chicken gravy. Those two DO NOT taste good on French fries or chicken strips.

6.      It rains a lot. And it lasts all days.

7.      There are Amish people all over the place. And they interest the hell out of me.

8.      Facetime is the best invention ever. I’ve gotten to talk to Courtney Allen, Corey Shelh, and Chris Murray! It’s fabulous!

9.      Brick houses are not the norm here. Mostly just wood paneled or modular type. Every so often you’ll see a brick house, and I always think, you’re the one everyone runs to when those twisters hit, right?

10.   There are not enough Targets in this area. And Mexican food is not authentic if you don’t have a Hispanic person working for you. Sorry, Charlie. There is just something about little old Hispanic ladies making my tortillas that just makes it that much better.

11.   I never have cell phone reception when I’m out on the job. Dang those Amish for not letting ATT put a tower on their land!!! What if I break down? Will you all even know how to help me? Please don’t kidnap me! Or try to recruit me as new breeding stock. I’m not a future Mrs. Yoder, that’s for sure.

So, surprisingly, I’ve survived my first week. I’ve seen a LOT of pretty buildings and country side. I can’t wait for the Amish to open up for the spring and summer season so I can purchase their goods. They literally have road side stands that you can order bread from on Monday, and pick up on Tuesday. It is also cheaper to have your house built by the Amish (thus the lack of stone or brick houses).

The worse part, other than being away from Chris, all my friends, and my family, is that the people here live in a totally different socioeconomic culture than I do. Say what you will about Oil and Gas Companies. These people need these oil leases. BAD. I went to into one client’s house, and it was a beautiful 100+ year old farm house. It was last updated in 1950s, minus the oven range from 1982. These people are hard factory type workers, and I pray that they receive the benefits from signing these gas leases. They definitely need it. It has certainly humbled me.  

Now for some good news: I get to come home for a week next week! I should arrive back in T-Town sometime Monday. YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!! I can’t wait. My poor dog was sick all last week. Chris said he thought it was because Tyson was so focused on waiting for me to come home. Every time he would hear a car door slam or a horn honk, he would perk up and stare at the front door. Apparently he wouldn’t sleep in the bedroom with Chris, but he slept on the couch, waiting. That broke my heart into a million pictures.

Well, that’s enough for now. I’ll update more later. Thanks for everyone being so supportive about me coming out here! I appreciate your love and kind words!!