The First Day of School

anticipation
excitement
new beginnings
preparation
bulletin boards
seating charts
lesson plans
...a ringing bell...
smiling faces
eager students
desks and tables
rules and procedures
get-to-know you activities
shiny, sharpened pencils
crisp, clean paper
books galore
lots of learning
lunch and recess
friendships
...a ringing bell...
dismissal
busy
buses
car riders
AYC
homework
papers to sign
stories to tell
lesson plans to review
relax
reflect
feeling of accomplishment
SUCCESSFUL!!

Wonderful Wednesday

Today is what I like to call "Wonderful Wednesday!" What makes today wonderful? Well, to start with the good Lord is allowing me another day on Earth, my temporary home. I am healthy. I was kissed this morning by a wonderful husband whom I love, adore and respect. I was also greeted by a beautiful little princess who bid me a sleepy-eyed "Good Morning, Mama!" I am thankful and feel blessed for 3 wonderful friendships I have developed over the summer that I know are going to last for a lifetime!!! The dress I put on this morning fit exactly the way I wanted it to. My hair cooperated with the style I was trying to achieve. :) I was able to enjoy my daily quiet time with my new devotional book Women Touched By Jesus. I was able to worship and spend time in prayer as I drove to work this morning by listening to my new Laura Story CD. I had a productive day at work as I met with the CGS Learning Team and we prepared for our breakout sessions for tomorrow morning. My Arbonne makeup products arrived. I feel blessed to live across the street from my wonderful aunt and her family who come to my rescue no matter what I need from a babysitter to 1/3 cup of worcestershire sauce! The Lord showered the area with much needed rain this morning, but allowed the sun to come out this afternoon and smile upon us! And the list could go on.... Today I claim the verse Psalm 118:24: " This is the day that the Lord hath made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." I will not let my happiness depend upon the circumstances of life. I will be glad throughout the day because my joy comes from the Lord!!!!!!

A Little More About Me!

Since starting this blog I thought it would be fun to let you know a little more about the person behind the scenes-- me!!
So, here it goes....

*Nicknames? Lana Dawn, Lana Lou, Chista
*Favorite drink? sweet tea (esp. Ms. Tina's). However, right now I am only drinking water, milk, juice, lemonade, etc. I am trying to stay away from caffeine and carbonation! :)
*Tattoo? no
*Body piercings? My ears (I would love a tiny nose ring! Betcha didn't know that!)
*How much do you love your job? A lot...but please pray as I continue to discover the Lord's purpose in my life and which career path He would have me to pursue!
*Birthplace? Spartanburg, SC
*Favorite vacation spot? Aruba (I have only been there once, but would love to go back!)
*Ever eaten cookies for dinner? oh yes
*Ever been on TV? Yes. I was on the news when they did an educational segment on looping.
*Ever been in a car accident? yes
*Drive a 2-door or 4-door vehicle? 4 door
*Favorite salad dressing? Ranch
*Favorite pie? I'm not really a pie fan, but if I have to choose a fave it would be apple pie.
*Favorite number?3
*Favorite movie? Save the Last Dance, Step Up, Hitch
*Favorite holiday? Christmas
*Favorite dessert? Cookies, brownies....just about anything sweet!!!
*Favorite food? Mexican (I am SOOO excited I can eat it again and not get sick!)
*Favorite day of the week? Thursday......I like to call it Friday Eve.
*What do you do to relax? Read, surf the web, take a bubble bath.
*Favorite toothpaste? Crest
*Favorite smell? Mickey when he wears cologne! ;)
*What month were you born in? January
*Favorite music? Contemporary Christian, Praise and Worship
*Favorite Candle Scent? Anything fresh, except in fall and I like yummy warm scents.
*How do you see yourself in 10 years? 10 years older
*Favorite season? Fall
*Favorite color? I really don't have a favorite color, but right now I am loving the color green.
*Favorite NFL team? The Chicago Bears
* Favorite kitchen item? The crockpot
* Favorite magazine? Family Fun, Quick and Simple, and Home Life
* Favorite websites? Fly Lady, Proteacher, Todays Christian Woman ... and the list goes on!!
* Favorite flower? Tulip.

Until next time..... :)

Sloan Crew BBQ

Today was the Sloan Crew BBQ in Gastonia, NC! Pop-O, Coach Richardson, Mackaylan and myself went up to Mickey's office to "cater" this appreciation luncheon. The crew feasted on Pop-O's BBQ, hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, potato salad, baked beans, cold slaw and cookies. Mickey is very fortunate to work for such a wonderful company!

Mackaylan was very excited to be able to go to daddy's work. Once she arrived Mickey was no longer the boss (note: the pointed finger!) :) She enjoyed playing in his office and meeting all of his friends!

Here's a pic of Mickey enjoying Pop-O's BBQ and a cold cup of lemonade!

This is Kevin Reed, Mickey's boss. Kevin is the type of leader who values his workers and lets them know often how much they are appreciated!

And last, but not least, here's a picture of me with my wonderful husband. I can never say enough how much I love this man!!!!!!

Summer Fun Photo Contest

I am entering this picture in the Summer Fun Photo Contest for a chance to win $500! Yes, the money would be nice, but I more or less just want to show off our adorable daughter! She is the light of our lives! I do, however, think this picture captures this spirit of summer perfectly--FUN!!!!

Sister Day!

Today my sister, Lori, and I spent the day doing our favorite thing---SHOPPING!! We left Landrum, SC at 9:00 am and returned around 4:30 pm. Our first stop was at Wilson's 5 and Dime in Greer, SC. If you have never been to this place I suggest you hop in your car and go...NOW! They have everything from garden flags to bulletin board paper at unbelievably cheap prices! It is every teacher's dream! We were in that store alone for an hour and a half and could have stayed longer! After that, we ventured into several consignment stores on Highway 29 and found a few treasures. For lunch we ate at Monterrey's Mexican Restaurant. We enjoyed fast service, delicious food and mi hermana was able to freshen up her espanol before school gets back into session. Before heading home we stopped by Target for Sissy to make a return and, of course, we did a little more shopping. Don't you just love that store?! I can always find just what I need at just the right price! Needless to say, Sister Day was a huges success. Not only did I get to do one of my favorite things--shopping, but got to do it with one of my favorite people---my sister!

Welcome!

Welcome! I am now an official BLOGGER!!! Many of my friends accuse me of being an "internet queen" so I decided to put my time on the web to good use...to start a blog! It has been something I have been wanting to do for many months, but have never made the time to sit down and get one going. I hope to use this site to journal family happenings and to express random thoughts and interesting ideas I gain from reading, surfing the web and daily experiences! Thanks for stopping by!