Check it Out!

So, I love a deal. Who doesn't?? What? It costs $50 but I can save $2? And I didn't even need or want it in the first place? Yup, that's me!!

Here are two new fun links that I learned about this week. Check them out.

Social Dish

This is a new "groupon" type thing, except you earn points and credits for your purchases and the purchases of your friends who sign up! Deals start in March.

The Birchbox

I heard about this from KKITM (Kidd Kraddock in the Morning...duh!), and then my sister emailed me about it this week, too! Apparently, for $10, you get a fun box of high-end beauty samples customized to your preferences! It sounds like a fun gift for someone who needs a pick-me-up or just a fun way to pamper yourself. And, who doesn't LOVE getting mail??

Anyone have any other fun ones?

Stacey

From the Heart

So, I teach blind kids.

When I tell people about my job, I always get the typical responses.

"You must be such a saint!" Doubtful.

"You must be so patient!" Occassionally.

"Is't that just heartbreaking?" Rarely.

"What a rewarding job!" Yes, when I take the time to remember that.

This morning was a little frustrating. I felt like every student was on another planet....HELLO!! Anyone in there??? Later, one student started crying when I told him it was time to come work on Braille. I know, playdough is hard to compete with sometimes.

Funny how your perspective can turn on a dime....because out of nowhere today, I had this conversation with one of my 5 year old students while working a puzzle:

Student: Mrs. Chambers, I can't see with my eyes.

Me: (gulp) Yes, that is right.

Student: Mrs. Chambers, I don't see with my eyes....but I see with my heart.

Me: (speechless)

Student: Would you like me to teach you how?



SERIOUSLY?!!!

Well, little guy....you teach me that more and more everyday.

Rewarding? What do you think?

Stacey

A Walk Down Memory Lane...

This weekend Paige, Sara, and I headed Southbound 35 to Baylor Sing. I haven't had many opportunities to go back to Waco since graduation, so it's always such a nostalgic and fun time when I do.

There are too many memories to count on Baylor's campus, but here are a couple of my favorites:

• Meeting and falling in love with that cute KOT (don't worry, that's Jared)
• Aloha to Summer and Mistletoga parties at our duplex on Wood
• Performing Wizard of Oz in Sing
• The countless pranks that we played on our friends....no one was spared!
• Becoming the best of friends with people I will have in my life forever. Love y'all!

Here are a few highlights from yesterday's walk down memory lane:

Ninfa's!!!

Pat Neff

Judge!

Sic 'Em!

Stacey

Baby Bump

I'm officially 16 weeks pregnant today, which made this conversation with my PreK student particularly fitting:

(Student is sitting on my lap reading a book)

Student: Mrs. Chambers, is your baby coming out today?

Me: No...not for a long, long more time!

Student (with his hand on my tummy): But Mrs. Chambers, your stomach is so much bigger!!!

Well, yes, I guess it is...

Have a great weekend!

Stacey

V-Day

Jared and I celebrated V-day by spending the day together on Sunday. We went to brunch atDream Cafe (FAVE!), took a walk in the 70 degree weather and fed the ducks by our pond (they apparently are not interested in 100% whole wheat), and we had dinner with my parents (LOVE!).

So that brings me to yesterday, Valentine's Day, which turned out to be the perfect trifecta of three of my favorite things...pink, sugar, and Pioneer Woman.

One of my students decided to bring me a Valentine's Day gift, which was so sweet, and what was sweeter was how excited he was to give it to me. It went a little something like this:

Student: Mrs. Chambers, I know how much you love cupcakes.

Me (decked out in pink, despite the fact that my students can't see that): YES (score!)

Student: I also remember how you do not like the frosting on cupcakes.

Me: Great memory!!

Student: So, for Valentimes (yes, he says it with an "m"), I licked the icing off this cupcake and brought it just for you.

There are no words.

After school, Paige and I zipped over to Borders to meet one of our favorite bloggers, Ree Drummond aka Pioneer Woman. We got there an hour early only to find out there were 400 people in line before us!!!! (I told you she is awesome!) Needless to say, we stayed for her Q & A and then jetted. It was SO fun, though, and we're glad we went!

Even Marlboro Man was there! :)

Then, Paige and I got some Pinkberry (blood orange is to die for), and she brought me home just in time for my sugar high (sans cupcake) to crash and to yell at the TV during the Bachelor. Whew!

LOVE,

Stacey

Keep It Loose

If there's one thing Nashville taught me, it's that nothing can quite top the experience of live music. There's something about being present in a moment with an artist who is sharing their passion and talent and letting yourself be moved by it all.

Artists let themselves become saw raw. They put themselves out there. If only we all could do that just a little bit more in our own lives.

Jared and I had the chance to catch Amos Lee live at the House of Blues on Thursday. We've seen him several times, and he never disappoints. He's a folksy singer/songwriter with a voice and lyrics that seriously just get me straight to the soul every time. LOVE.

The opener for Amos Lee this time was Vusi Mahlasela. Talk about PASSION. This guy was awesome. So different, but really really cool.

Every time we've been to an Amos Lee show, we meet the coolest people (due in part to my very sociable husband). The craziest thing happened this time...we were standing in line next to the SAME awesome couple we met in line at Amos Lee's Nashville show last year! What are the chances??

We had a great night. Check out the music. And Lastly, where are some other great places to catch live music in Dallas??

Stacey

One Hundred

So it's a big week! We've officially been in school for 100 days (dear Lord save me!) AND my baby is officially 100 days young this week (only 178 more days to go!) That's a lot of 100's, which means there's so much to be thankful for!

Here's a few:

1. SO thankful that my sweet little guys and their family had HEAT during Texas Blizzard 2011. Wohoo!

2. In disbelief that one of my students could NOT wait to surprise me with the fact that he read, wrote, and practiced his flashcards EVERY snow day. If that's not a miracle, I don't know what is.

3. So grateful that the Bachelor is on Mondays. Nothing can get you through the Monday blues like a cup of chocolate ice cream, Our Host Chris Harrison, and a little Bachelor drama....even if I DO spend have the time hiding behind a pillow.



4. Maternity pants. Seriously...it's like the pregnant woman's mullet. Business on bottom, party on top.

5. Angry Birds App. Not so much sure if this is actually something I should be thankful for or not, as it seems to keep me awake at night and distracted from conversations with Jared at home. Hmm...I'll work on that.

Stacey

Snow My Gosh!

Well, we've enjoyed an unprecedented FOUR snow days in a row this week, and I couldn't be more content.

I'm pleased to say I've locked myself in the house except for a short outing last night down the road to the Teng's house to celebrate the Chinese New Year. What a treat!!

Paige and Austin making Chinese dumplings!

Pretty place setting

Taking a break from the dumpling assembly line!

Back at the house, I've been reading, catching up on my Oprahs, and Jared and I have enjoyed playing some of our favorite games:

Monopoly Deal (It's a miracle we are still married after today's throw down)

Perudo - a Peruvian dice game (beware, Jared likes to talk in his conquistador voice while we play)

Lastly, a fun game- Where's Buddy? Can you find him?

All in all, I cannot complain one bit about cabin fever or the inevitable make up days. I could not be more thankful for this time I've had to rejuvenate and relax in the comfort of my home. I am thankful more than ever for that comfort, as my heart's a bit heavy in prayer for my two sweet students who didn't have heat in their home as of Monday, knowing there is a space heater in my trunk that I was set to deliver to them Tuesday morning before our Texas-sized ice storm hit.

That being said, I am trusting that the Lord is providing, as He always does, and I hope you all take a moment to breathe this weekend, count your blessings, and enjoy those things that bring you comfort!!

Stacey

Snow Day!

Well, that's not actually my car or my house, and I have no clue what state that picture was taken in. It is pretty darn cold and icy here in Texas, and there was no way I was going out in the elements to snap a pic! In fact, I haven't left the comfort of my cozy house in 2 days! Big shout out to my school district for putting safety first and providing me with 2 nice days to be super productive around the house.

Ahem, did I say productive? Whoops. I did do a load of laundry, but when I heard about the energy shortage, I quickly sacrificed all house chores and opted for reading on the couch and sipping hot chocolate. Good citizen, yes, that's me.

I realized as I sit here, that I never really posted pics of the new house, and I've had some requests. So, alas... here you go!

Living Room

Dining Room

(We need some art...any suggestions?)

Kitchen

Upstairs Work/Play Area

(Snuck a pic with cute Jared in there working hard)

Guest Room

(Anyone want to come visit?)

Buddy's Bedroom...I mean our Bedroom

(I want some drapes and a mirror)

Master Bath

The baby's room is our catch-all right now, which is why there are no pics posted yet. Also, I didn't capture our boring other bathrooms...I seriously need some inspiration for those, so all thoughts are much appreciated!

Well, now back to my busy schedule.

Stacey