Don't get excited. I'm not about to announce MY pregnancy. I'm about to discuss my sister's. Yup. You read me right. She called to tell me today that she was pregnant. Needless to say, she is not excited...
Let's have some background information....
My sister moved to North Dakota about 3 months ago. Her "new" boyfriend lived there, and worked as a pipeline driver for the oil/gas company she leased for. She introduced us to him back in September. He seems nice. He's young. But he has a job, and can take care of himself (a HUGE plus when it comes to men the sister dates!!). He also has a 5 year old daughter who lives in Alaska. Sister said she was in love with boyfriend, and that she could see herself marrying him. UMMM, EXCUSE ME? My sister has NEVER EVER EVER wanted to get married. She has never wanted children. This life changing philosophy was quite shocking, but it made me happy. So, Chris and I spent a fun weekend hosting the happy couple and showing off Tulsa.
Fast-forward to last Thursday......
I received a text from the boyfriend telling me he had something to show me. It was sister's engagement ring. He planned on asking her on NYE, however, he was afraid she had overheard him talking to his buddy about it, so he was pushing it back to her birthday (February). He then told me she was pregnant. Insert stomach dropping and heart stopping. I texted him back saying "excuse me?" He proceeded to tell me he was joking, and that they truly wanted to wait until I got pregnant. Well, thanks for taking my feelings into consideration...
Now jump to today.....
Sister calls me on her way to work, completely upset. She's mad. She's scared. She says she's moving home....because... She's pregnant. She doesn't know what to tell my parents. She thinks my mom will be more upset than my dad (keep dreaming, sister). She says that boyfriend told her they should go get married now. Sister said NO. She told me she thought they may get married someday, but she wasn't ready. I was the good big sister, and told her congrats, and that she shouldn't get too upset now. I also lectured her on responsibility, and asked why she never thought preventative measures were necessary. When I got off the phone, I felt awful. My sister will be 30 in February. She is not like me or my friends. She's still a baby. She can't take care of a dog. How is she supposed to take care of a baby? I hate this for her. I hate that I also have selfish reasons for not wanting her to be pregnant. I'm the first born child. I'm supposed to have the first born grandchild, at least on my side (Chris is the youngest, and already has 2 nephews). I, selfishly, am upset that that title won't go to my baby. I know I should happy. And I know I will get there. I also know how my Aunt Jackie must have felt when my mom, who got married a year after her, got pregnant first. I've been reassured by many friends, that are first borns, that my feelings are ok. I think I'm just scared for my little baby sister. We are 13 months apart, but when you've met us both, you would think it was 13 years. Our parents pushed responsibility and self-control on me. They babied Sister. I don't blame them. They lost our sister, Tessa, after 3 days of life. She was the baby, 13 months younger than Sister. They also miscarried a boy when I was 9. They so wanted another baby, but never got the chance. So Sister received so much attention. I was certainly not neglected, please don't think that. I love both my parents, and I don't regret how I treated differently from Sister, in fact, I'm much happier that I was raised my way, as opposed to Sister's way. But I'm part of the problem. I've babied her too. Because I still look at this girl, on the cusp of her 30s, as a baby.
Please say a prayer for my family. This is going to get super ugly before it gets pretty. My mother dislikes the boyfriend. My father seems to be ok with him, but his unmarried, baby girl is about to break his heart.
Thanks for reading, and hopefully, not thinking too badly of me. I know if a few months, I'll be a happy, excited, soon-to-be aunt. I want to be excited! I want to shower a baby with all sorts of love! It will come, won't it?
Later, loves.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Let's try this blogging thing one more time...
Ok. So, epic fail when it comes to blogging. Yes, I know. But maybe the third time will be the charm...right?
I have officially been married a little over 7 months now. It's crazy how some people still refer to me as a "newlywed". I certainly don't feel that way. I suppose that's what happens when you have lived with your husband for 4 years now, and been together for 5. I can't believe I've been Mrs. Murray for 7 months though. It is still strange to be called that. (side story: last night was my staff Christmas party. Chris said it was weird to hear people say "Murray" and refer to me and not him! It was so sweet! He said he loved it though. <sigh> He's such a keeper...) I still find myself referring to myself as "THill" or "Miss Hill". Will that ever stop? I suppose after 30 years of being Tiffany Hill, it is hard to just one day wake up and be called something different. I can see why some women choose to keep their maiden names. Never the less, I love being Mrs. Murray (cue gushy, lovey dovey eyes and music now).
I've been really inspired lately at all these TeachersPayTeachers sites and blogs. In the last 30 minutes, I've followed 17 blogs/stores. I feel like I'm not really working because I'm just taking everyone else's stuff. My bad. Pinterest also helps me so much too. My poor students have the complete TPT/Pinterest teacher! I've had so many people tell me to open my own TPT store. I'll start the blog first. I seriously doubt I have any useful teaching advice or information. Check pinterest or tpt, that's my advice. Or Flocabulary. That's my favorite education site right now. I wish someone would buy me a subscription to it! They take all content areas' subject matter, and make raps out of them. KIDS LOVE IT!!! It is so fun to get kids pumped about a topic! It is also a great way for them to remember things like story elements (plot, character, conflict, theme...setting....yes these are the 5 things....).
A little update on my current teaching gig:
I no longer work for Tulsa Public Schools. This summer I was hired for my dream job at my dream district: 5th grade Science teacher for Owasso Public Schools. I AM IN HEAVEN! I love my job, my students, and life! I am truly blessed with all this good fortune. My job is still challenging, but in different ways then before. I'm still under a lot of pressure for my students to perform big on these sh!ts@st!c state tests. But I feel much more in my element. I know what I'm doing. I have a lot of support from my team members AND ADMINISTRATION!! I just thank God daily for allowing me this opportunity to showcase my abilities.
In future news:
No baby news. So please, don't ask or get suspicious. I know recently I made a pin board on pinterest that said "And Baby Makes 3", but that's planning for the future. We are planning to stop taking "the pill" in April. However, I am planning on starting to sell Thirty-One bags and accessories! I'm really excited! Mainly because I'm going to get their bags! But also because I would love to make a little extra money. I will only be doing internet parties, unless someone just absolutely needs me to come to their house and have a party. If you are interested, just let me know! I wish I would have started sooner to grab those holiday shoppers, but I'm a teacher, and well, we aren't paid like doctors, that's for sure!
Ok, that's enough for one night. Let's ease back into this blogging thing! :) Hopefully I'll use this more as a Thirty-One sales place and teacher stuff. Maybe even vent out frustrations every once in a while! Thanks for staying with me! Later!
I have officially been married a little over 7 months now. It's crazy how some people still refer to me as a "newlywed". I certainly don't feel that way. I suppose that's what happens when you have lived with your husband for 4 years now, and been together for 5. I can't believe I've been Mrs. Murray for 7 months though. It is still strange to be called that. (side story: last night was my staff Christmas party. Chris said it was weird to hear people say "Murray" and refer to me and not him! It was so sweet! He said he loved it though. <sigh> He's such a keeper...) I still find myself referring to myself as "THill" or "Miss Hill". Will that ever stop? I suppose after 30 years of being Tiffany Hill, it is hard to just one day wake up and be called something different. I can see why some women choose to keep their maiden names. Never the less, I love being Mrs. Murray (cue gushy, lovey dovey eyes and music now).
I've been really inspired lately at all these TeachersPayTeachers sites and blogs. In the last 30 minutes, I've followed 17 blogs/stores. I feel like I'm not really working because I'm just taking everyone else's stuff. My bad. Pinterest also helps me so much too. My poor students have the complete TPT/Pinterest teacher! I've had so many people tell me to open my own TPT store. I'll start the blog first. I seriously doubt I have any useful teaching advice or information. Check pinterest or tpt, that's my advice. Or Flocabulary. That's my favorite education site right now. I wish someone would buy me a subscription to it! They take all content areas' subject matter, and make raps out of them. KIDS LOVE IT!!! It is so fun to get kids pumped about a topic! It is also a great way for them to remember things like story elements (plot, character, conflict, theme...setting....yes these are the 5 things....).
A little update on my current teaching gig:
I no longer work for Tulsa Public Schools. This summer I was hired for my dream job at my dream district: 5th grade Science teacher for Owasso Public Schools. I AM IN HEAVEN! I love my job, my students, and life! I am truly blessed with all this good fortune. My job is still challenging, but in different ways then before. I'm still under a lot of pressure for my students to perform big on these sh!ts@st!c state tests. But I feel much more in my element. I know what I'm doing. I have a lot of support from my team members AND ADMINISTRATION!! I just thank God daily for allowing me this opportunity to showcase my abilities.
In future news:
No baby news. So please, don't ask or get suspicious. I know recently I made a pin board on pinterest that said "And Baby Makes 3", but that's planning for the future. We are planning to stop taking "the pill" in April. However, I am planning on starting to sell Thirty-One bags and accessories! I'm really excited! Mainly because I'm going to get their bags! But also because I would love to make a little extra money. I will only be doing internet parties, unless someone just absolutely needs me to come to their house and have a party. If you are interested, just let me know! I wish I would have started sooner to grab those holiday shoppers, but I'm a teacher, and well, we aren't paid like doctors, that's for sure!
Ok, that's enough for one night. Let's ease back into this blogging thing! :) Hopefully I'll use this more as a Thirty-One sales place and teacher stuff. Maybe even vent out frustrations every once in a while! Thanks for staying with me! Later!
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Monday, February 18, 2013
T-Minus 2 months
Everyone will think that this post should be a happy one. And it is, somewhat. However, the last week or two, I've been very...I don't know...down. I shouldn't be down, right? I should be on cloud 9, anticipating my big day. And I am. I seriously get giddy when I start to think and talk about it. But something is nagging me at the back of my mind.
I got to put my wedding dress on today, with my veil that my grandma made me. I need it (the dress) taken in. That's exciting! And my veil was perfect! I can wait for Chris to see me! Plus, I got to see the pics from my bestie Staci's wedding today, and it reminded me how much I can't wait for that day to be mine!
So why am I in such a funk? Why are little tiny things really bothering me? Everyone keeps telling me not to worry about stuff, and to just take the attitude "it's my day, I can do what I want". But it's proving rather hard. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but I also don't want to look back on this upcoming April day with any regrets. What to do...
Work is stressful too. My poor babes are going to be assessed 4 times this semester with high-stakes tests. Most will only get 3, but I have about 9 who will be assessed 4 times between now and the end of April. This makes teaching a testing grade so frustrating! When am I supposed to actually teach my kids? When can I let them take a break and not push them with test prep? I can't! Because our system believes that if my students can't pass a high-stakes test, then I shouldn't be a teacher. They don't account for the child's lifestyle. They don't account for whether or not my student may be starving or not rested or worried about where they might sleep tonight. All they want is data proving that these children are progressing at the rate that people, who have never spent one day inside a classroom, have determined they should progress at. Friends, please take education seriously. Teachers do the very best they can with this extremely flawed and NONWORKING system.
Ok, that rant made me feel a bit better. I'm going to try better at not being so blah.
I can assure everyone that I had the very best time possible on Saturday! I am so thankful that I have such wonderful friends who care so much about me to do this! THANK YOU! I really want to display my banner in my classroom! :) And I already broke out my Ninja blender because, well, I couldn't wait! It makes THE BEST smoothies possible! NO LUMPS!!!
I always promise to make more updates, but we all know I come up so very short to this promise. But I'm hoping my next post will be much more brighter! Maybe even include some pics! Laters!
I got to put my wedding dress on today, with my veil that my grandma made me. I need it (the dress) taken in. That's exciting! And my veil was perfect! I can wait for Chris to see me! Plus, I got to see the pics from my bestie Staci's wedding today, and it reminded me how much I can't wait for that day to be mine!
So why am I in such a funk? Why are little tiny things really bothering me? Everyone keeps telling me not to worry about stuff, and to just take the attitude "it's my day, I can do what I want". But it's proving rather hard. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but I also don't want to look back on this upcoming April day with any regrets. What to do...
Work is stressful too. My poor babes are going to be assessed 4 times this semester with high-stakes tests. Most will only get 3, but I have about 9 who will be assessed 4 times between now and the end of April. This makes teaching a testing grade so frustrating! When am I supposed to actually teach my kids? When can I let them take a break and not push them with test prep? I can't! Because our system believes that if my students can't pass a high-stakes test, then I shouldn't be a teacher. They don't account for the child's lifestyle. They don't account for whether or not my student may be starving or not rested or worried about where they might sleep tonight. All they want is data proving that these children are progressing at the rate that people, who have never spent one day inside a classroom, have determined they should progress at. Friends, please take education seriously. Teachers do the very best they can with this extremely flawed and NONWORKING system.
Ok, that rant made me feel a bit better. I'm going to try better at not being so blah.
I can assure everyone that I had the very best time possible on Saturday! I am so thankful that I have such wonderful friends who care so much about me to do this! THANK YOU! I really want to display my banner in my classroom! :) And I already broke out my Ninja blender because, well, I couldn't wait! It makes THE BEST smoothies possible! NO LUMPS!!!
I always promise to make more updates, but we all know I come up so very short to this promise. But I'm hoping my next post will be much more brighter! Maybe even include some pics! Laters!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Update while Dad's out!
Chris is in OKC tonight cheering our Thunder boys to victory, so Tyson and I are cuddled up on the couch, watching a marthon of the Big Bang Theory. Plus, I promised some ladies I would get better at doing this, so this is my attempt.
Fourth Grade is still fabulous, for the most part. I dealt with an absolute melt down of a student today, though. He was completely distraught because he lost his recess for not following hallway procedures. Life's tough, friend, but really? A complete melt down over recess? It's only 10 minutes long!!
On the wedding front, we are down to a little more than 5 months, people. I have a preacher now. I have selected (but not ordered yet) invitations. Our registries are done. I need a florist. The bridesmaids jewelry is all done. I just finished designing the guest book. I need to pick out suits for the boys. I talked to the caterer, and she invited me (and Chris, I suppose) to a tasting. I'm still trying to find cake designs I like. So, things are still movin' and shakin', I suppose.
And now for some bragging news...
Not many of you know this, but in January I started Weight Watchers with Jessica. I was sick of my clothes being tight. I was sick of feeling uncomfortable and, let's face it, FAT. I was just done with it. So, with Jessica's encouragement and help, I started WW. I got into working out everyday, and watching my food intake and points. I continued following WW while I worked in Ohio all summer. I started running for the first time since high school. I got a coworker hooked on doing WW. When I came back to Oklahoma, I kept on it. I inspired two friends to get on the WW train. My workout routine has fizzled, but I continue to watch my points. I have pretty much experienced a life style change. I understand food, portion control, and my needs better. I am happy to report, that after 10 months, I have lost....50 lbs. I have reached my goal weight, however, I have lowered it again by another 20. I hope to lose that 20 and start weight lifting by my wedding day. Now, I'm pretty realistic, so I'm not going to starve myself just to do it. I'm just going to continue with what I'm doing. I don't deprive myself. I don't punish myself. I simply control what I'm eating. You can ask some of my friends. I'm pretty picky these days, but I'm not a freak! I have never felt better. I don't get heart burn like I used to. All my clothes are too big. I wore tights as pants, to work, for the first time EVER! So, go me! (Ok, I'm done with my bragging)
This weekend I will be in Dallas celebrating my best friend from high school's bachelorette party! She is getting married in 2 weeks in El Reno. I'm really excited for her! The happy couple has been together since we were seniors in high school...so 11 years!!
Ok, that's enough! Later gators!!
Fourth Grade is still fabulous, for the most part. I dealt with an absolute melt down of a student today, though. He was completely distraught because he lost his recess for not following hallway procedures. Life's tough, friend, but really? A complete melt down over recess? It's only 10 minutes long!!
On the wedding front, we are down to a little more than 5 months, people. I have a preacher now. I have selected (but not ordered yet) invitations. Our registries are done. I need a florist. The bridesmaids jewelry is all done. I just finished designing the guest book. I need to pick out suits for the boys. I talked to the caterer, and she invited me (and Chris, I suppose) to a tasting. I'm still trying to find cake designs I like. So, things are still movin' and shakin', I suppose.
And now for some bragging news...
Not many of you know this, but in January I started Weight Watchers with Jessica. I was sick of my clothes being tight. I was sick of feeling uncomfortable and, let's face it, FAT. I was just done with it. So, with Jessica's encouragement and help, I started WW. I got into working out everyday, and watching my food intake and points. I continued following WW while I worked in Ohio all summer. I started running for the first time since high school. I got a coworker hooked on doing WW. When I came back to Oklahoma, I kept on it. I inspired two friends to get on the WW train. My workout routine has fizzled, but I continue to watch my points. I have pretty much experienced a life style change. I understand food, portion control, and my needs better. I am happy to report, that after 10 months, I have lost....50 lbs. I have reached my goal weight, however, I have lowered it again by another 20. I hope to lose that 20 and start weight lifting by my wedding day. Now, I'm pretty realistic, so I'm not going to starve myself just to do it. I'm just going to continue with what I'm doing. I don't deprive myself. I don't punish myself. I simply control what I'm eating. You can ask some of my friends. I'm pretty picky these days, but I'm not a freak! I have never felt better. I don't get heart burn like I used to. All my clothes are too big. I wore tights as pants, to work, for the first time EVER! So, go me! (Ok, I'm done with my bragging)
This weekend I will be in Dallas celebrating my best friend from high school's bachelorette party! She is getting married in 2 weeks in El Reno. I'm really excited for her! The happy couple has been together since we were seniors in high school...so 11 years!!
Ok, that's enough! Later gators!!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
My ponderings...
As I lay here in bed on this Sunday evening, I have several things on my mind. How will I ever accomplish them? Well, I suppose making a list is a good starting place.....
1. Get stuff for Staci's bachelorette party in two weeks.
2. Order wedding invitations.
3. Order save the dates (still up in the air on this one)
4. Find cake server and knife and toasting flutes
5. Lesson plan
6. Change my core curriculum standards around
7. Ugh, I forgot to change my class's line order!
8. Start Christmas shopping
9. Continue losing weight. Perhaps I need to suck it up and wake up at 4:30 and get back to working out...
10. Reduce my invite list
11. Order engagement pictures
12. Decide what to get my class for their "holiday" present
13. Get my eye brows waxed
14. Get opinions on bikini waxes...maybe
15. Get wedding gift for Chris and staci. Yeah, three of my besties are with Chris'...
16. Schedule my Caterer's "tasting" meeting...oh I can't wait!
17. stop adding things to this list.
No wonder I never sleep with a lick!! I shall leave you with the wonderfully flattering shot my dear fiancée took of me last night. Love him...
1. Get stuff for Staci's bachelorette party in two weeks.
2. Order wedding invitations.
3. Order save the dates (still up in the air on this one)
4. Find cake server and knife and toasting flutes
5. Lesson plan
6. Change my core curriculum standards around
7. Ugh, I forgot to change my class's line order!
8. Start Christmas shopping
9. Continue losing weight. Perhaps I need to suck it up and wake up at 4:30 and get back to working out...
10. Reduce my invite list
11. Order engagement pictures
12. Decide what to get my class for their "holiday" present
13. Get my eye brows waxed
14. Get opinions on bikini waxes...maybe
15. Get wedding gift for Chris and staci. Yeah, three of my besties are with Chris'...
16. Schedule my Caterer's "tasting" meeting...oh I can't wait!
17. stop adding things to this list.
No wonder I never sleep with a lick!! I shall leave you with the wonderfully flattering shot my dear fiancée took of me last night. Love him...
Friday, September 7, 2012
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