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!

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!!

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...

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!!