MOVING! AHHHH!!!

This is our spare room. We're moving in a very short number of days, and the pile of boxes, which is directly behind where I sit here at the computer, has actually grown considerably since this photo was taken (now we have to carefully inch our way to the computer). Somebody recently told me they have heard of an easier method for moving.... rather than gathering lots of boxes you simply get a book of matches. At times in the packing process I have to agree with that statement. However, in going through everything we own, I have found some interesting and valuable things, including:

*$70 in cash/gift cards from our 3-years-ago wedding showers -- Wii Fit, once I find you, you will be mine!

*several old journals -- one from my freshman year of college and around the time Jason and I started dating, one from my first year after college, the first year we were married... very fun and interesting to read my past thoughts

*a collection of baby shower decorations that I saved because I knew I'd use again, but couldn't find when I needed them 2 months ago and bought all new ones

*all the supplies to scrapbook our honeymoon in Greece... again, 3 years ago

*a brand new, never-been-worn sweater (that fits, no less!)

*many pairs of forgotten shoes that I haven't been able to wear in my current standing-or-crawling-on-the-floor-all-day profession

*a lovely wooden salad bowl, which was hidden in a mystery box at the bottom back corner of a closet

*a coupon for free Chik-fil-A

*a notebook with lots of notes about work, including many "reports" to give parents at the end of the day on my 3-years-ago students... wow! that was quite a year!

I'm Blogging!!!

I've been inspired recently to start writing on my blog again... I have several good ideas of things to write, I just need to find some time to write them.

But here's one for starters... To celebrate my last week as a preschool teacher, I am updating my list that I started on this blog several years ago. Here goes:

You might be a preschool teacher if...


*you have ever found yourself asking another adult if they need to "go potty."

*you think that stories about who did what in my class today are actually interesting.

*you can tell the difference between an intentional pants-peeing and a genuine "accident."

*you think you know how parents should raise their children, even though you have none of your own.
*your job itself is a good reminder to take the pill.

*your clothing is used as Kleenex on a regular basis.

*you know that "beanie weenie" is in its own food group.

*rather than using the "S-word" (as in shut up), you tell someone to "put a bubble in it."

*you know what I mean when I describe someone being "criss-cross applesauce."

*you often speak in song or rhyme.

*you think that caring for only 6 four-year-olds at once is practically a vacation.

*the rims of your fingernails are often green or purple.

*you have walked through the grocery store after work with several sparkle stickers on your shirt.

*it's not uncommon to have glitter in your hair.

That's all I have time for right at the moment. If anybody reads this and has anything to add, I'd love to hear it!

I LOVE this picture... and I swear, I didn't make them pose like this!

It's about time...

I don't actually know why I really have this blog, since I never put anything on it... Anyway... in honor of my return to blogging after a long, pathetic absence, I want to play a game... it's called "Guess Melissa's Favorite Movies" -- YAY!!! So, here are some quotes from 3 of my favorite movies (in no particular order), which I have been watching lately:

Favorite Movie #1:

*"Next time you talk to yourself... tell yourself you're single, and end the conversation."

*"You and me... Saturday night... I got Ice-capades..."

*"...what?!?!? I love black underwears"

*"...because... it's not good for the BABY!!!"


OK... I think that was an easy one.... now here's #2:

*"You're talkin' gibberish..."

*"Cap'n Geetch and the Shrimp Shack Shooters"


And finally, this will be a tough one... #3:

* "I wonder what grass tastes like..."

Last night before I left work, I heard what was quite possibly one of the cutest/funniest conversations ever... It was between two adorable 4-year-olds named Allison and Katya while they were playing with Barbies...

Katya: I just got married... I have a baby in my tummy.

Allison: Come to the hospital and I'll get it out for you... It won't hurt. But it doesn't come out of your tummy... it comes out your butt.

Katya: OK.... so where's my baby?

Allison: It's just a pretend one... Here you go... Now you can take it home and sleep with it with your prince.


Oh, to be 4 years old again. =)

I Heart Fall

This year seemed sometimes like the summer that would never end. But the past week or so has been very much fall-like, as it should be, which has reminded me of all the things I truly love about this season. Here are a few of them:

*my birthday (big 2-3, woohoo)
*wearing corduroy
*the sound of leaves crunching when I walk outside
*enjoying a whole pot of tea on a cool Saturday morning
*driving in my car without suffocating in the heat
*baking things to warm up our apartment
*beautiful colors on trees (we spent today at Matthiesen State Park and Starved Rock -- incredible)
*"falling back" for daylight savings
*baked pumpkin seeds
*fresh-picked apples/caramel apples/apple cider

That's all I can think of right now, but may the list continue as we enjoy the season more every day...

Today's the day!!

I decided that my blog shouldn't only be me complaining and talking about hating my job. In light of this decision, today I am sharing my "high" of the week...

Today is a day I have been looking forward to quite a bit. Actually, probably my most-anticipated thing in a long, long time (aside from, of course, my wedding =) ). Today is the release of Switchfoot's new album "Nothing is Sound"!!!!!!! I have seriously been completely, ridiculously excited about this all summer. I have been checking their website almost every day, reading about all the songs, listening to samples over and over and over... I was even tempted to mark the date on my kitchen calendar.

Anyway, I have been saving a Berean Bookstore gift card that I got at graduation just for this day and, even though I have an extremely short time to get home and eat dinner before small group tonight, I am stopping on my way home to get it. I know, I know, could this day be any more exciting??

WOOHOO!!!! =)

The List

You might be a preschool teacher if...


* you have ever found yourself asking another adult if they need to "go potty."

* you think that stories about who did what in my class today are actually interesting.

* you can tell the difference between an intentional pants-peeing and a genuine "accident."

* you think you know how parents should raise their children, even though you have none of your own.

*your job itself is a good reminder to take the pill.

I'm jumping on board this blogging ship

What can I say?? I like to do what the cool kids do. Actually, I have been reading various blogs for some time now and decided that I need my own. Whether anyone ever reads it or not, I don't really care. I just need some place to rant and rave sometimes or just to have fun. Since I often go to the library on my lunch break to use the computer, you can expect that my posts might often be about work and therefore may be very full of frustration and the occasional funny story. Also, in honor of my blog's title, I'm starting a list called "You might be a preschool teacher if..." Let me know if you have anything to add. =)