The Getaway

We left a little after 10 on Saturday morning and stopped at a gun range in OKC so Zach could play with a gun. He shot a few rounds and we were on our way. (He couldn't get me to do it so I sat back and watched through a nice super glared window!) He seemed to have a lot of fun though!

Look reeeeeal close! lol.Our next stop was the mall, but it was so crowded I didn't even want to look around so we left and found my favoritest store in the whole world! We do NOT I repeat we do NOT have a TARGET here in Lawton so going to one is like the best thing EVER! Zach bought a nice smelling candle and I got two shirts which were majorly on sale! Woo!
We checked into the hotel and watched the FSU/UF game and a little bit of the Miami/USF game. Both of the teams I was cheering for lost, but it was expected. FSU's QB is a Freshman who has started like 3 games and UF has "God" aka Tebow. I am SO happy I will never have to see him standing in The Swamp again. Seriously excites me!

Anyway, we left for our early dinner and had an amazing time! The drinks and dinner were fantastic and we just enjoyed each others company!

I started out with a margarita, but then Z told me to get the Love Martini so I did..

and they were both great!

Deciding what to order... hmmm!

Zach looking at his food/cooking it!

Super yummy!

We got the Turtle Chocolate... it was on fire! :)

The next morning for breakfast we stopped here and picked up a DELISH donut!
Of course our trip to OKC ended at Moe's and it was so yummy, of course! I think I could not eat for the next week and be totally okay with it....

I gave Z my camera to take to Ga/Fl with him and I also gave him my charger. The charger is now MIA and my fully working camera is dead. My favorite camera still works, but the LCD screen is totally blacked out because I dropped it. Sooo we do have a camera, but with no view finder the pics aren't the best quality! I either need a new charger or a new screen. Hmmm!

Last week of student teaching!! YIPPPEEE!!

-Ashley

I'm SO Ready to...

Watch my NOLES play those stupid Gators!

Have this for dessert... after an AMAZING dinner just seconds before!

AND

...fall asleep next to my love on a super comfy bed!

It has been way too long since I left this little city we live in and I told Z at some point I needto get AWAY! (yes, we're moving in like 2 weeks, but that's irrevelant!) Zach had his two weeks in GA/FL so he told me last night he'd take me for a mini-day/night getaway! :) He made reservations at The Melting Pot for dinner, got us a hotel for the night! Who knows what the day will have in store, except for the NOLES game, of course... and the UGA game after dinner, but I'm ready for it! I better go get ready - EEEK! Have a nice weekend!

-Ashley

Ashley Died of Typhoid

... and Zach drowned!! I found a totally cool website where you can play the elementary school style Oregon Trail. I didn't make it to Oregon and my poor passengers all got sick and died, or in Zach's case drowned, but it was very amusing. I tried to caulk the wagon and float across, but I definitely didn't make it. Zach wasn't happy he didn't make it longer than 2minutes in the game, but I found it pretty funny. Great way to spend my Thanksgiving night!

This is the third post in one day... I don't know if that means I have a lot going on in my life... or I don't have one at all! Siiigh!

-Ashley

Thanksgiving 2009!

I'm stuffed, Z is napping, and our lunch today was nothing short of FANTASTIC! Zach roasted a super juicy 12.6 lb. turkey (in a bag!), made homemade mashed potatoes, and cooked his "family's secret recipe" green bean casserole! I did the (boxed Stovetop) stuffing, gravy (with the turkey "droppings"), and I put the rolls in the oven! lol. I also "baked" Mrs. Paul's pumpkin pie! He definitely did all of the hard work, but I did help as much as I could, or as much as he'd let me! Of course, my rolls turned out burned on the bottom, but thankfully he didn't complain! hehe. We have SO much leftover... but that just means we know what's for dinner for the next 5 days! lol.

Bright and early!

With his "masterpiece!"

The whole sha-bang!

Felt like I was at Disney World! lol. Excited the popper finally POPPED!
Sitting at the table together.
Proud of my "packet" gravy!
Finished!

Somehow had room for dessert...

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

-Ashley

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!! I'm so thankful I am able to spend today with a happy, healthy husband! Three years ago on Thanksgiving Zach was working a 12-hr day shift so the turkey was post-poned, two years ago he was in Cuba, and last year he had just had back surgery the week before so he was able to eat, but wasn't too much help in the kitchen and not in very happy spirits! (Thanks to Zach's Meem for being there last year to help us - or our house probably wouldn't be standing! haha). Anyway, I'm also thankful for my family, friends, the food I'm going to be able to consume later today, the roof over my head, and the experiences I've been given in my wonderful life... and I can't forget all of the mass texts I've already received/I'm going to receive! hehe - I actually really do appreciate them!

Zach and Ash - Thanksgiving 2003

(Our first one together.. what was up with my hair? I obviously didn't have my Chi yet!)

-Ashley

Tis The Season...

... to give! Around here we have been very giving, especially Zach! I woke up this morning to my alarm at 6:15. I couldn't breathe, I was freezing under 3 millions blankets, coughing, and had the worst headache ever! Zach asked me if I was going to school and of course my answer was yes! I don't ever miss school - I'm known for being afraid to call in to anything or not show up for classes, but I took my temp and it was almost 101. Nothing too crazy, but enough for me to say I'm not going! I made the calls in my head a few times before I dialed each of the numbers: 1 to my mentor teacher, 1 to my supervisor, and 1 to my school. They were all very sympathetic and were okay with the fact I was staying home. My mentor teacher is one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met. She invited Z and I over for Thanksgiving dinner and she has showered me with many little gifts/ideas/compliments throughout the semester and she is just SO caring. I feel very blessed to have someone like her to turn to for help. (and no, she doesn't read this blog! lol). My supervisor knew I must've been sick to miss a fun day like "Party Day". We were going to have ice cream today and play (educational) games and it was going to be fun! Sadness.

I ended up taking two pretty long naps and a couple of doses of Tylenol. Right now everything feels okay except for my pounding head! Ughh. Anyway, thanks Z for your generous gift - I owe ya one! :)

Hoping I get better soon so I can enjoy the next FIVE days off!

-Ashley

Big Sick Baby!

My poor hubby is sick. VERY sick! How do I know?? He said no to these earlier today...

Yesterday he had a really sore throat/nasty cough, but today I thought I'd make him feel a little better by baking and giving him some of his favorite warm, fresh, chocolate chip cookies! .. and he told me NO! :( We got the thermometer out and it got up to 102 this afternoon. He has the muscle aches, a headache, the shivers, and just about everything known as a flu symptom... but we're keeping our fingers crossed it's not! Luckily he doesn't have anything planned for tomorrow so he can lay on the couch or in bed all day - but Tuesday he has a lot to do (including a dr. appt!)

Anyway, his mom mentioned going to the hospital and getting checked out and I told him I'd call my bff who is an RN and ask what she thought. He responded with "she works with little babies, not big ones!" Lol. She's a L&D nurse, so he was right on that one! haha. He is my big baby and I've gone to the store three times the past 2 days for him and his wants/needs! I'm trying to be a nice wifey, but he sure can make it tough! ;)

Get better soon Z!

-Ashley

Mexican Date Night!

Zach and I have been married for only three years, but we've been together for almost 7... and yes, I do have a point with this random information! lol. Last night was our FIRST time EVER in our almost 7 year relationship to get Mexican food (minus Moe's) out to eat by ourselves, like just the two of us on a date! I kid you not!! Now, we've been to Mexican together with his family before - they are all Mexican food lovers - but Z could really take it or leave it! When he picked me up from school yesterday afternoon I mentioned I really wanted Mexican food and as we were getting ready to decide what/where to eat later that night he mentioned a local favorite called Los Tres Amigos. I was so happy! I couldn't wait to load up on chips/queso/salsa.. and have a LARGE margarita! :)

It was so good! I got "The Lawton Dinner" which included 2 chicken enchiladas, one beef taco, some rice, and some beans... and of course we shared two baskets of the complimentary chips/salsa/queso, and each enjoyed the free cinnamon/sugar dessert baked good at the end. lol. I was pretty buzzed/full/happy on the car ride home. Hehe! He got two cheese enchiladas/rice/beans/etc. We both thought it was pretty good and I was rather surprised at how cheap our final bill was! It was no Outback or Chili's bill - that's for sure! lol. I do hope he will take me again soon, but if not it's Christmas with his family this year so I'm sure we'll do a "Mexican restaurant" at some point! :)




We also had planned on seeing The Blind Side, but we stopped before dinner to get our tickets (2hrs prior) and it was already sold out. I blame it on New Moon being sold out and everyone not having any other options! lol. We might try again this afternoon if Z is feeling up to it. He left this morning at 4am to get cough medicine from Wal-greens because he just couldn't stop! :( I have really bad cramps this morning and my throat is pretty sore as well. I hope this will all pass soon because we don't have time to be sick!

HAPPY WEEEEEKEND!

-Ashley

My Indian Taco

Oklahoma has a lot of Native Americans (which I think that is something everyone knows) ... anyway, two work at the school I'm currently Student Teaching at. Today they both made all the teachers "Indian Tacos". I had never even heard of them prior to yesterday, but I decided I should try one and I'm glad I did! It was pretty darn good! The bottom layer is a soft, fried bread called "frybread", next is a meat/bean mixture... and then lettuce, salsa/tomatoes, and cheese. I would have another one again sometime if given the chance! New places, new meals these days - that's for sure! lol. Thanks, Oklahoma, for the wonderful food experiences I've received! (briskett, CFS, and now an Indian Taco!)

Everything is going well here. Zach got back on Sunday and I was SO happy about that. The mice still suck, but we're dealing with it. I actually ended up crashing on a friend's couch because it got so bad at one point... I'm off to get some dinner and grade papers (Zach is stuck dropping me off/picking me up from school since he left his car in Tampa so when he's ready to pick me up - I have to leave school)!

-Ashley

Funny Moments in School - Part 1

I decided to start documenting all of the funny things my students say/do because I know one day I'll want to look back and remember... and not have a clue! Why not share with the whole world!? lol. Second graders are AMAZING!!

Anyway, today THREE things happened that made me laugh a little too much. The first one happened right before lunch. I haven't taken over Science class yet, but they have been doing a unit on the human body so my teacher went to the library to check out a bunch of different books to have for them to look at... A boy in the back row of desks was reading "The Body Atlas" book upside down. "N, do you know how I know that you're not reading?" I asked and he replied "I'm not reading - I'm just looking at the pictures." I had him turn the book around so I could see what he was so interested in and he quickly turned it around to show me. The whole class looked and it was a drawing of a baby in the womb. A boy in the front row yelled out "that's the heart!!" and another boy yelled "no it's not! there's a baby in there - that's the stomach!". Cracked me up!!

Laugh number two happened with the same student (and same book). N looked at the book a little longer and as we were lining up to lunch he walked up to me, pretty excited, and said "Look Mrs. S! We've been learning about this - it's the inTESTInes!" I looked down and saw the word TESTIS written real big right next to a picture of the whole male genitalia region. I smiled and said "Yep, you're absolutely right... now give me the book so we can go to lunch!". Needless to say.. that one is going back to the library! haha.

The INtestiNES! :) lol.

Let me just tell you how much fun I had googling "testis" for a visual for you! :)

The last one I didn't mean to laugh at, but I couldn't help it. The same girl who told me her eyes were slippery told my mentor teacher and I today that her grandmother would be having surgery soon. My teacher asked her what kind of surgery and she told us "she's having surgery on her heart... they are taking it out." Now I know heart surgery is no laughing matter, but I just could not help but put my head down and chuckle/"cough" at the thought of her thinking that was the whole procedure. I hope those doctors know what they're doing to D's poor grandma! Mrs. H told her that her grandma couldn't have her heart, but that she hoped it went well for her.

Bye, bye heart!

Kids say the darndest things and they truly bring so much happiness into my life! :)

-Ashley

My First Gift

Yesterday at school, after I took role and lunch count, I made my way back to my desk. I noticed there was a little green box sitting on it, but there wasn't a note so I was a little confused. One of my male students yelled from his seat "it's from me Mrs. S... open it!" I looked inside and saw this:

I told him how much I appreciated it and I instantly pinned it to my sweater. He had a grin from ear to ear and so did I! He was so excited for me to open it and even more excited that I liked it and that I was wearing it. D told me his mom had won it at BINGO and he just knew that I'd love it! :) I've gotten many cards/drawings, but this is my first actual gift! It made me feel special! hehe. Thanks D!!

-Ashley

Thank You!!

To all the veterans who have served and who are currently serving: THANK YOU for your service and for everything you do to keep America safe!

Happy Veteran's Day!

"This nation will remain the land of the free...only so long as it is the home of the brave!"

A special shout-out to my husband, my soldier, my hero, my EVERYTHING!!

I am SO proud of you Zachary! Love you always! xoxo.

-Ashley

Heaven in a Bottle!

Last night at Wal-mart I picked up this coffee creamer and used it this morning! My oh my it was delicious! :) I almost wanted to just drink it straight from the bottle! lol. I was debating between Pumpkin Spice, Gingerbread, and this one (Peppermint Mocha)... but after already having so many PSL's from Starbucks this holiday season I decided to pick this one and maybe next time try the Gingerbread (but I think I've found my love)! Anyway, you should go get it like yesterday and enjoy!

-Ashley

Exceeds Expectations!

I think I'm going to buy myself this shirt. (totally kidding!). I just wanted to share my excitement! My FINAL evaluation was today... I got ALL 3's (which means I exceeded expectations in all twenty areas observed). It went so well and my second graders are absolutely amazing! They make me smile and they are so eager to learn and please me! I couldn't have asked for a better group!!

We had a really nice Veteran's Day ceremony today at school. A lot of parents showed up in their uniform and a lot of grandparents were there to be honored. Each grade learned the sign language to America, The Beautful and they sang it so cutely! They also knew the Star Spangled Banner and a few spoke on what it was like to be a military child. Living in a military town means a lot of students are moving in/out all the time and it was nice for them to be recognized too!

Tomorrow the students are off, but the teachers have to be there for meetings... what a perfect day! ;) haha.

-Ashley

My Eyes Are Slippery!!

Kids say the darndest things! The other day I was in the middle of teaching a math lesson and I had a girl with her head down and her eyes were slowly shutting. So I enthusiastically said to her "D! Math is exciting... open those eyes of yours so you can learn!" ... she looked at me, kind of pouting, and replied "But Mrs. S my eyes are just SO slippery I can't keep them open!" Haha. I couldn't help but laugh. It was quite comical. I had her get up and get a drink of water and she managed to keep her eyes from slipping closed the rest of the day! hehe!!



Tomrrow I have my FINAL supervisor evaluation. I can't wait for it to be over with! :) 15 class days left in second grade... and then I will be a REAL teacher!!! Woooo!

I'm hoping it goes like this...

-Ashley

1-7!

GO BUCS!!!!

We ended up beating the Packers today and will NOT go undefeated this season! I'm so happy Z went to a game that gave TB a big and exciting W! :)


-Ashley

1-7?

... that is the record the TB Buccaneers are hoping for after todays game against the GB Packers, but it isn't really likely! Most people predict an 0-16 season! Yikes!! Anyway, I'll still root for the home team, and so will Zach!! He is at the game right now with one of my good friends Krystal (you're welcome for getting you the hook-up, hunny.. I know I'm amazing!) hehe.

It is "throw-back" day at the game and the players/coaches will be in the hideous orange uniforms/outfits, along with many of the fans! They have done up the field as well, so it's a pretty cool game to be at. He has been looking forward to going and I hope they have a great time! I don't even get to watch it on TV, but I'll keep myself updated through ESPN and can't wait to see highlights!

The hubbs in his UGLY orange!!

Krystal!!

(One of the few girls Z is allowed to go on a date with!)

The field.

Hard to see, but it's outlined with throwback lettering/color! EW! lol.
(click to enlarge!)

GO BUCS!!

-Ashley

Mice AND Lice.. Oh my!

I apologize for the gross picture, but these little dudes were present around school today! Yesterday two sisters went home with lice... and today two sisters did as well! (one of them being my second grade student)! Ew! I have never had lice, and don't plan on ever having it - so keeping my hair pulled back from now on is the plan! I couldn't stop itching ALL day long after my teacher told me what had happened. Lice seem to be the least of my worries these days though...

The mice are still here and I don't think they plan on leaving. :( With Z and the dogs gone I hear EVERYTHING!! Right now I'm in my bedroom, with a towel blocking the bottom of my door, because I'm afraid one will attack me in the night. Thank you SO much Fort Sill for doing NOTHING about it. I'm sure you received the message my husband left two days ago... and it's just so nice of you to completely ignore the problem. I put a countdown at the bottom of the page to remind me that in only 33 days we'll be out of here! I am going to miss some parts ok OK living! (like a select few people I've met along the way...)

On the other hand - I did like the CFS last night (THANKS HOLLY!)! I had so much fun hanging out with Cody and her! I was sad her little boy was spending the night with his grandparents, but then again I definitely enjoyed having adult conversations for the first time in awhile! :) We watched Grey's and she helped me get "in the know" with Private Practice because I don't usually watch it. Holly wants to do dinner again before we leave, but with Z this time - so I'm looking forward to that! I think him and Cody would get along nicely! lol.

I just realized I left next weeks lesson plans sitting on my desk... along with the Reading book I need to write my formal lesson plan! Errr. This means I'm going to have to do the WHOLE thing Monday night, at the library, after school. BUMMER! I planned on starting it today and finishing it tomorrow. Oh well... I have another quick assignment I'll finish today instead.

Anyway, have a nice weekend! I'll be in bed most of it finishing Lovely Bones!

-Ashley

Chicken Fried Steak & Grey's!

I'm so very excited about tonight! Holly (http://codyandhollythrasher.blogspot.com/), my favoritest first grade teacher, has invited me over for dinner! I met her at my last placement and one morning we were talking and she mentioned something about chicken fried steak. I politely told her that I'd never had it and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't figure out what the heck it was! lol. She explained what it was and told me that before I left OK she'd have me over for dinner... and tonight is the night!! After dinner we're going to watch Grey's - yay! I missed a few episodes last season, but I've seen each one this season and I'm all caught up! Exciting!!!

Thanks for saving me from boredom tonight, Holly ... I owe ya one! :)

-Ashley

The Lovely Bones

Last night I started reading The Lovely Bones and although it's pretty sad so far - I'm really enjoying it! I called my BFF Heather to help me pick out a good one and she suggested it. It's not new by any means, but it is being released on Dec. 11 as a movie so we will be able to go see that once I move back to Tampa. (YIPPPEEEE!) I think I'll get through it by next Sunday so I'm going to have to buy another one before Z comes back to get me through next week. Any suggestions?!

My observation went super well today! I got 2 2's (meets expectations) and the rest 3's (exceeds expectations) on my sheet! Yay for me :). I can't wait for next Tuesday to be over and done with so I can stop worrying about writing the formal lesson plan, which ends up being 2-3 pages!!! Crazy, I know! :)

Anyway, being by myself isn't as bad as I thought it would be... minus the fact my house is STILL mouse infested. EWWWW! I can't even sit in the living room without being freaked out that one might be around. It isn't sanitary so I'm making Z call the pest control people tomorrow to see if they can do anything (which is probably a NO). LA and J suggested "Great Stuff", but Z didn't buy any before he left and I surely wouldn't know what to do with it. :( I'd rather live on the streets at this point.

Well, I'm off to put some grades into the grade book... then read... then hit the hay!

-Ashley

Les Miserable(s)

I am "The Miserable" one this morning. Zach, Scott, Lace, and Lua left at 4am this morning to make it to Georgia tonight. I can imagine the dogs aren't too thrilled about the long car ride, but they are on some medication to calm them down/put them to sleep. Lace isn't a good car rider because it makes her nervous and she pants heavily and walks back and forth from the front to the back of the car the whole time (pretty annoying!)... and Lua gets car sick. I'm kinda glad I'm not there for the 15 hour drive, but I would rather be with them then here! It's so weird not having a dog follow me around the house, and it's so dang quiet.. too quiet actually! It has only been about 4 hours since I woke up, but I'm already feeling the loneliness! Zach won't be back for two weeks. Thankfully during the week I'll be busy at school, but eating dinner alone every night and going to bed alone will NOT be fun! I have no family/friends that I could invite over so I guess I'll just throw myself a pity party until the 15th rolls around. Sigh. lol.

Anyway, second grade has been going pretty well! My teacher is SUPER organized and the class is SO structured. I am enjoying myself though! Friday we had a Halloween/Fall ice cream party and it was a lot of fun for the students. They had so much to eat and got a lot of goodies! I started doing a few things throughout the day, and math. This next week I'll do math and a few little things... and then on Friday I start taking over reading. My next two final observations are already scheduled. One on Tues the 3rd, and then another one Tues. the 10th. Hopefully they will go well. I'll be doing a lesson on ordinal numbers for the first one and I have a fun activity planned for that. I'm going to be heading up to the library in a few hours when it opens because I have a reflection to write and print for the week, the formal lesson plan to write for the observation, and another assignment due for class tomorrow. Then I need to run to Wal-Mart because we have zero food, as usual and Zach said I could buy a book! I FINALLY finished reading Firefly Lane a few weeks ago. I really enjoyed it! At least that will keep me busy at night/next weekend...

Well, I'm done being Debbie Downer! lol. :) I guess I'll go eat lunch and find something productive to do!

-Ashley