The Happiest Place on Earth!!!

"It's the most wonderful time of the year" and "the happiest place on earth"...what a perfect combination???


I am SO excited!!!

Mickey, here we come!!!

Congratulations!!!

Last night my best friend in the whole-wide-world got engaged!!! I am so excited! Kristina and I have been through everything together:

*went to Rogersville elementary, middle, and high school ( & scheduled as many classes together as possible)
* played on the same volleyball team for 10 years! (7th grade - college)
*college roommates
*lived about 5 minutes from each other
*took turns spending teh night at each others house as often as possible growing up
*church camps
*sports camps
* Special Ed. tutoring together (funniest memories of my life)
*laughed and laughed and laughed
*cried a little
* etc etc etc

She is the nicest person I know and one of the only people in my life have been able to trust with anything and everything. God blessed me beyond what I can even described when he gave her to me as a best friend! I honestly cannot remember fighting with her once over the past 15 or so years! I can't imagine what my life would have been without Kristina. (Not nearly as fun!)

We always joked that she would marry my brother Chad, just so we could be related, even though he was a little young for her. (And it would be totally weird because it would be like she was marrying her own brother...) Anyway she may not be marrying my Chad, but the Chad she is marrying is such a great guy and they are perfect for each other! I have never seen her so happy!

So...Congratulations guys!!! Two nicer people couldn't have been put together! I am SO excited for you!!!

Cooking Class

Sunday afternoon I had the BEST time learning new recipes and tricks in a small cooking "class." It was a few hours of delicious food and great friends! Who knew cooking could be so much fun?!

On the menu:
Sticky Beef
Chicken Pot Pie
Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Sauce
Super tacos
Potato Soup

And...now I have a freezer full of dinners!

Any other good cooks that want to teach?? Sign me up!

...YU-HUM!!!!

Griswolds of Springfield

2000 E. Cambridge Springfield, MO


You should check it out!!!

These people have two yards COMPLETELY covered in lights, Every blow up imaginable, and a radio station you turn to so you can hear music that the lights flash on and off too! A little over board, but fun to see!

(PS.... I looked up Griswold and yes, even though I think it looks funny, it has an O not A)

A New Favorite

Christmas time is full of traditions. We have our favorite foods, songs, places to go, etc. Well, I got this book for my birthday (Thanks Mandy and Brad!) and it is so fun! I had been wanting it for a while and I'm so excited to bring it out for many years to come!!!

Here's the story in a nutshell...

You see, Santa is far too busy to be every where during the holiday season checking if we are being "naughty or nice." So...he hires hundreds of little elves to help him. Hence the name The Elf on the Shelf, parents (secretly) bring the elf out each year on December 1st and place him on a shelf. He is Santa's eye's and ears until Christmas. He watches if you're good or bad and also takes your Christmas wishes back to Santa. He travels back to the North Pole each night and is found in a new place/shelf each morning! And...on Christmas morning he is gone! Back to the North Pole until next December 1st. Oh, and you can't touch him or he loses his magic! Anyway....the actual story is much cuter and more intriguing than the rendition I just gave, but you get the idea.

How fun?!

So long 22....

December 4th I will say goodbye to 22 and welcome the new age of 23.
Here are 22 things I have done/ experienced this year...in no particular order:

1. Graduated from Evangel.
2. Planned my wedding/ got married....and attended 8 more weddings!!!
3. Visited the Boschens in Sunny San Diego.
4. Honeymooned in Hawaii
5. Completed my student teaching
6. Coached 7th grade volleyball for Rog
7. Moved into our first home (and attempted to decorate it)
8. Missed my brother's high school graduation... :o( sorry Chad! (we were still in Hawaii)
9. Drove a convertible for the first time
10. Started teaching four year olds at church....quite an experience!
11. Saw John Mayer and Colbie Caillat (sp?) in concert
12. Rode in a Helicopter for the first time
13. Had my first flat tire...make that two flat tires and a muffler that fell off!
14. Got a Wii
15.Made my first Key Lime Pie
16. Learned how to play Rummikub
17. Met Max and Linus
18. Changed my last name :o)
19. Started a blog...
20. Been indescribably HAPPY.
21. Ate at Oceans Zen, 5 Spice, Cravin Pizza, Aris Pizza, Wannagetta Pizza, and a few others for the first time
22. Wondered and excited about what another year will bring!!!

Corn on the Cob????

This is my contribution to our first Thanksgiving. I'm no Natalie, but I tried :-)!!!

Thankful

So...this is a little early, but I will be out of town on Thanksgiving.

I am so incredibly thankful for many things in my life and I love Thanksgiving!!! We have this tradition (probably like most families) to go around the table before we eat and tell what we are thankful for...I always get nervous and want to keep it simple and quick so I usually use the typical, "I'm thankful for my family and friends." I am definitely thankful for my family and friends, but such a common answer really doesn't reflect all that I am truly thankful for, so think of this as my detailed "right before the BIG meal" answer.

What am I thankful for???

1. Jeff- I am so thankful that God chose me to be your wife. You love me unconditionally and support me in all I do. You work so hard to provide for me and never complain. You encourage me to stay in the Word and pray for me daily. Thank you for being the best husband a girl could ask for :-)

2. Mom- I am so thankful that God gave me a mother that has also become my best friend! By example you have shown me what it means to be a Godly wife and mother. You have sacrificed many things in your life to make sure I had everything I could need or want. You are the first person I call when I'm excited with good news, or the shoulder I can cry on when things get tough. I love you so much!

3. Dad- I am blessed with a father that has worked countless hours and then some to provide for me. You went with out things you needed/wanted so I could play on certain sports teams, have nice clothes, a car when I turned 16, attend the college I wanted, and gave me the wedding of my dreams. I never remember hearing you complain or letting it interfere with you being my BIGGEST fan! You can make me smile on my worst day and I love you so much!

4. Chad- I am so thankful you are my brother! I wouldn't want to grow up with anyone else. Thank you for bringing so much joy to my life! You can always make me laugh and I love listening to your view on things....you never hold back!

5. Kristina- I am so blessed to have you as my best friend! You have been by my side since elementary school. I am so thankful we chose the same college! Playing volleyball with you for 10 years and being your roommate for four has left me with some of the best memories of my life! You have been the bright spot in my day and one of my greatest supporters for as long as I can remember! Thank you Marge!

6. Rick and Jan- I am so thankful to have you in my life! You have made me feel loved and welcomed from the day I met you! I am so glad I married someone who was raised in a a strong Christian home. I have so much fun during the time we spend together and I look forward to sharing many years and memories with you!

7. Mandy and Brad- It is so fun having a brother and sister-in-law that I don't just consider family, but great friends!!! You are both so fun to be around and I am excited about our future as a family! You are both the type that if Jeff and I ever needed anything, it would probably be done before we even asked! Thank you for loving me!

8. Grandma (Joanna) Yates- I am so blessed to have such a fun Grandma! I love how you are always on-the-go and ready to try new things. If the saying "you're only as old as you think you are" is true, then grandma, I think you're younger than me! I am also very thankful that God has given you a companion to keep you company and have fun with! I love you!

9. Grandma Opal and Grandpa Lloyd- I love spending time with you both! Grandpa, I think you have been the funniest most entertaining person in my life...you are so funny! And if you can't already tell ALL of your grandkids love you so much! Grandma, you are an amazing cook and Thanksgiving wouldn't be Thanksgiving without all your good food! I have always loved coming up to St. Louis to visit you! I love you!

10. Grandma Tootie and Leola- I am so thankful to have gained you as Grandmas this year! You are both so sweet and loving! Tootie, your Monday night dinners are delicious and I am so excited about Disney World! Leola, over the past six months you have sent Jeff and I some of the sweetest cards and I have loved getting to see you at the weddings!!! Thank you!

11. Stanley and Shannon, Steve and Melissa, and Lisa and David (my aunts and uncles)- They say it takes a village to raise a child....you have been my village! Thank you for all the prayers, birthday gifts, cards, phone calls, cheering at my games, and loving me! It means more than you'll ever know!

12. Jami, Mandy, Matt, Luke, Erin, Ben, Courtney, and Kayla (my cousins)- I had so much fun growing up with you!!! Even though I never lived near any of you, we still managed to be very close! You have been my partners in crime, children, students, (while playing), etc. We have SO many good memories and its been fun watching everyone "grow up." Love you all!

13. Jeff's Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Spouses (you know who you are)- Again, I am so thankful to have been married into such a WONDERFUL family! You all have been more than kind to me! From modeling for Jellybeans as a little girl to asking for advice when planning my wedding you have shown me so much love and kindness! Thank you for having us over for dinner, movie/ game nights, etc. You have all treated me like I've always been a part of the family! Thank you!! Oh, and all the little kids are great too!

14. High Street- I couldn't have been raised in a better church. I have had so many loving Sunday School teachers, Counselors, Pastors, and "fellow members." When I walk in the doors on Sunday mornings it feels like home and the smiling faces in the hall are a reflection of God's presence. Thank you if you are one of those faces!


I'm sure as soon as I post this I will remember someone else....
Chances are if you read this....I'm Thankful for you too!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Beasley

We had such a fun weekend in Minnesota celebrating my cousin Matt's wedding!!! It is MUCH cooler up there! Welcome to the family Lindsay!

Mall of America

Road Trip

We finally made it....
Drove to St. Louis last night, woke up at 4:30 AM, climbed into a bed on my grandparents RV, and arrived at Minneapolis, MN around 2:30pm.

Aside from flying, riding in an RV may very well be the best way to travel! My grandparents just got a new one with all the bells and whistles!!!

1. We traveled about 9 hours COMFORTABLY with 11, yes 11, of my family members.
2. We had a cozy bed to sleep in the majority of the way there.
3. There was a microwave and refrigerator on board, and tons of snacks.
4. Bunk beds with personal flip-down DVD players.
5. A table to eat at and couch to lounge on.
6. A 27inch flat screen playing movies throughout the trip.
7. Bathroom
8. Enough room to walk around and stretch.

Tomorrow we are going to the Mall of America and my cousin Matt gets married on Saturday....pictures to follow!

I voted....

Today I voted in a presidential election for the second time....that's all :-)

I'm a little nervous about the outcome?!?!

THANK YOU!

Thank you Rick and Jan for such a fun weekend!!!!
A list (in no particular order) of things I did...

1. Trick or Treating with the Burch kids a.k.a. Alice in Wonderland, The Queen of Hearts, The Mad Hatter, and The "I'm late" Bunny....so cute!
2. Roast, mashed potatoes, corn, orange salad, and delicious salad with spooky blueberry cheesecake for dessert...YU-HUM!
3.Relaxing
4. Really good pancakes and fried apples for breakfast.
5. Shopping
6. Good BBQ lunch
7. Helicopter rides....Ollie was in heaven at the airport :-)
8. Great church service
9. PFChangs
10. Watching Jeff FLIPOUT about the Longhorns game....so funny (not funny that they lost though)
11. Spending time with great family and friends!
12. Laughing
13. Planning and then unplanning a New Years Party.
14. Eating candy
15. Sleeping in
16. Watching the Cowboys lose AGAIN :-(
17. Playing with the Burch kids
18. FUN FUN FUN!!!!!

blast from Halloween past

Halloween 1991....

Rainbow Brite was my favorite costume EVER!!!! My Aunt Melissa (Amanda J's mom) made it for my oldest cousin Jami and we have all worn it over the years, all the way down to Izzy!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!! :-)

October 30th

happy birthday jeff!!!

i am so lucky to be able to call you my husband! you are my best friend and i can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you!!!

get your kleenex ready

how lucky am i?

today...out of the blue... jeff sent me these flowers, just to let me know he was proud of me for finishing school! i could go on for days on why, how much i love him, but i'll save that for another day...i told you i was a smitten britton!

:-)

handyman

a couple months ago i went to st. louis to visit my grandparents. (we had had several busy weeks in a row so jeff decided to stay home.) while i was gone jeff bought us a new flat screen tv to hang in our bedroom, something we had been wanting since we got married. he wanted it to be a surprise so he never mentioned it and when i got home that sunday night it was already in it's place :-)

fast-forward to last monday....i was having my 7th grade volleyball team over for dinner as a end-of-the-year party/ get together to reward them for working hard, etc. i was cleaning the house from top to bottom, like most people do before company comes over, when i had made it to our bedroom. well, you see, we have two pocket doors in our room, one to the bathroom and one to our closest (the tv hangs in between them). the door that goes to our closest it is rarely closed, simply because it is more convient to get in and out of that way. so....i go to shut the pocket door, with the intention of making the the room look BETTER, when i notice seven lovely holes have been drilled right through our closet door. remember that nice tv??? i guess when mr. britton drilled the holes to hang it up, he forgot to check what all he was drilling through....lets just say, the closet door may stay open for awhile! :-)

bittersweet

Today was my last day of Student Teaching... exciting because now I'm a "real" teacher, but sad because I have spent the last six weeks with 14 very unique students that I have become extremely attached to! I taught K-8 grade kids from all, and I do mean all, walks of life. Three of which were ESL (one from Vietnam, one from Ukraine, one from the Marshall Islands), one with a mother in prison, several from one-parent homes, many live in poverty, and these are all on the side of a Learning or Physical disability! 

I cried for about two hours when I got home my first day. These kids have lived through more struggles and hardships than I could ever imagine... and they are in elementary or middle school!!!

I could go on and on with funny stories, examples of how they taught me to be more grateful for what I have, etc... but maybe I'll save that for a day I can't think of anything to write.

BUT next time you pass by Hickory Hills, maybe on your way to church, or if you just happened to think of it...could you say a little prayer for Mrs. Sly's Special Ed class??? I know 14 students that could use a little help :-)

smitten

smitten- (according to Merriam Webster) to be captivated or taken by someone or something.

WARNING: the blogs you read on this page may not be the most eloquent or profound insights you have ever read.

I read the blogs daily and have often thought it would be fun to have my own, but have been entirely too busy and wondered who would actually want to read them???? Maybe no one, but I'll give it a try!

I actually think this first one will be the hardest...

Well, in the past six months I have-

1. Graduated from college
2. Gotten married :-)
3. Moved into my first home...Martha Stewart Wanna-be!
4. Been hired to teach and resigned within a month (see #4 for reasoning)
5. Been shocked to find that I was pregnant
6. Been terribly disappointed to have lost our baby
7. Completed 12 WONDERFUL weeks of student teaching!
8. Become an "official" licensed Special Ed. Teacher
9. Become a Sister-in-Law to one of the kindest people I know
10. Gained a WONDERFUL family (by getting married)
11. Gotten to be a Bridesmaid in the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen!
12. And many many more.
    

I am truly "smitten" with the life God has so graciously given me!