15 movies, 15 minutes

Rules: Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen movies you've seen that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes. !

1. A Knight's Tale
2. One Night With The King
3. 13 Going On 30
4. Hitch
5. Harry Potter Series
6. Crash
7. A Lot Like Love
8. Serendipity
9. The Village
10. Primal Fear
11. AVP
12. Back to the Future Trilogy
13. Star Wars Trilogy - Originals
14. x-Men
15. Life As A House

10 of My Favorite Things

In no particular order (because what kind of favorites would they be if one was less of a favorite than another)....

Pedicures



This pick is multi reasoned.
First, I abhor painting my own toenails.
Second, It is a wonderful thing to get an hour long foot massage for only $30.

iPhone



Now, I know there are lots of great phones out there that do the same things, but I don't own those. I own the iPhone and am paying credit where it is due. I have always been the "free phone" kind of gal because I just needed my phone to be a phone. But then I saw the beauty in iPods. And then, a step even further, they found a way to shove an iPod into my phone so that I don't have to update, charge, and carry both around. Genius! If the iPod in a phone business isn't enough, the iPhone also has a maps application that lets me search for places on the fly without having to have a separate GPS mounted with cords dangling everywhere or running home to print off directions from Mapquest. I could ramble on and on, but the fact is, you're either an iPhone fan or your not, so I won't bore you any longer with my thoughts on it.

Snow



At the first sight of snow each year, the six year old inside of my comes out to play. There is nothing I like more than making snowmen and snow ice cream and setting Khak Dog out to romp in the white fluff. I have never been and will never be a summer person, but give me a few feet of snow and I am in utter bliss.


Pictures



As most people know, I am not overly sentimental. (I do not think this is a bad thing, by the way.)However, the one keepsake that I am adamant about keeping is pictures of family. As with all things, I try my best to take a million pictures of everything, but I do occasionally fall off the bandwagon.

Wallflowers



I love walking into my house and smelling warm, rich, baking smells. It has taken years of trial and error, but I think I have finally found the perfect way (for me) to do that. I used to spend gobs of money on candles and different plug-ins and they never seemed to give that whole-house aroma that I was looking for. However, as a wedding gift someone gave me my first ever Bath & Body Wallflower Plug-In and it was love at first smell. My favorite scents: Kitchen Spice, Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, and Cinnamon & Clove.

Tassimo



Ever since my Nanny first started serving me milk with a drop of coffee and a ton of sweetner, I have been addicted to dessert style coffees. I love A CUP of coffee in the morning and especially love A CUP of coffee with dessert on a rare night, but have never been one to make an entire pot. As a congratulations gift to self last year, I bought a Tassimo one-cup-coffee maker which can whip up anything from a cup of decaf to an impressive latte to a cup of hot tea. It has saved my students from seeing a very cranky version of Mrs. J.

Books



Oh! Books! I just love buying, holding, and sometimes even reading them. I love them all. YA, adult, children's, you name it. I started my first year of teaching with only a dozen or so YA books to put on the shelves in my classroom. Now, going into my second year of teaching, I have 8 shelves packed to the brim and even had to take some by to Half Price to sell back. Speaking of Half Price, I can't decide if it is a God-send or exactly the opposite. Luckily, the books are cheap or otherwise I'd be broke.

Stationary



Stationary holds the same intoxicating appeal as books for me. I can hardly resist buying beautiful journals, intricate handmade cards, and brightly patterned post-its. Rarely do I have the need for such luxuries, but they sure are nice to look at sitting atop my desk.

New Clothes



Maybe this came to mind since it is back to school time, or maybe I'm just that shallow. Either way, I love to buy new clothes. It doesn't matter how cheap or how plain, it just feels great to wear something new.

Music Mixes



I doesn't matter to me if you make your own, use Pandora, create a Genius playlist, or simply turn on the radio in the late evening hours. I am a sucker for music mixes. They can be simple and sophisticated or jock-jam style. I won't complain. Just let me listen.

Summer Reading Reviews

The only thing I love more than reading a good book is getting to talk about it. Thus, my fascination with posting book reviews. However, since I have only reviewed a few of the books I have read so far this summer, I decided to just make a simple statement about the rest of them to get caught up. So... (in order by favorite)

#1 The Help by Kathryn Stockett: Two thumbs up for this story which details the (fictional) lives of African-American maids during the 1960's. Warning: It's a real tear-jerker. Be prepared. This book is a must read for youth and adults alike.



#2 - # 5 Sookie Stackhouse Novels by Charlaine Harris: This adult vampire series is just that: adult! The stories are captivating but would be most appropriate for audiences already numbed to the provocative tales of vampires. I have read the first 4 in a series of 9 and find each one equally compelling to read.

Dead Until Dark


Living Dead in Dallas


Club Dead


Dead to the World


#6 - #9 Pretty Little Liars Novels by Sara Shepard:Mystery series revolving around the lives of 4 ex-best friends. This series would be interesting for adults who like chick lit and for high school girls. The only reason I liked this series less that the Sookie Stackhouse is that the content of both is rather adult, but Pretty Little Liars is marketed for teens which seems a little irresponsible in my opinion.

Pretty Little Liars


Flawless


Perfect


#10 The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs: I was drawn in the by the captioning on the front cover of this book that claimed it was a New York version of Steel Magnolias. For me, it fell flat. The idea behind the story was great, but there were so many mini stories being told that I never made a significant connection to the characters. I would only recommend this book to avid readers who have read all the other "best-sellers" out there.

4 Years of Wedded Bliss

Ben and I just recently celebrated our 4th Wedding Anniversary. We took a trip to Avila Beach, CA and stayed at the most beautiful resort, Avila La Fonda. Here are pics grouped by day. Just a warning: Picture Overload Commencing!!!

Day One: We flew from Dallas to LA and then caught a prop plane to San Luis Obispo. Because of last minute decisions to make the trip, Ben and I ended up having to fly first class. It was tough, but we did it. :) It was a real treat for both of us. We arrived in Avila at noon after eating at In-N-Out Burger on the way. We spent our first day and evening browsing the local shops and ate dinner in Pismo Beach (another local beach town).















Day Two: On our second day, we got up and walked 5 miles on the Bob Jones City to Sea trail and took in the beauty that is California. Then, to further convince ourselves of the need to relocate, we drove up Highway 1 stopping periodically to take in the costal views. We passed by the legendary Hearst Castle and laughed at the Elephant Seals in San Simeon.









Day Three: We couldn't forget to check out a few wineries! We visited Cass, Falcon Nest, Rio Seco, and Pomar Junction on day three. We actually met the owners of Pomar Junction at our hotel on the first night so they agreed to give us a private tour of their up and coming winery. The couple's family has been farming in CA for 8 generations and they sell grapes from their fields to reknown wineries such as Kendall Jackson. We also stopped by Firestone Brewery for Ben to try out the local beers. I skipped that one. :) That evening we went to Sycamore Springs resort and relaxed in a natural hot spring tub. Our's was called "Twilight," which I was THRILLED about (see previous post).











Day Four: We also spent a day laying around on the beach and then hitting a local farmer's market in SLO.











Day Five: Our last day was dominated by our flight home... since we lost 2 hours with the time change and had a layover in LA, but that didn't stop us from a couple final stops. On our way to the SLO airport, we stopped by Claiborne & Churchhill winery and Salisbury winery for a few final momentos.








Other than a few minor set-backs with plane weight balance, mustard, and applebutter, it was a fabulous trip! We can back rejuvenated and relaxed. It was everthing a vacation is meant to be.

Twilight Review

So Holly and Loyce are my heroes (heroines to be exact, but that just sounds weird). Why? You ask. Because they introduced me to Twilight.

I hesitate to tell you more than the title of this book for fear you'll doubt it as much as I did when I first heard about it, but I PROMISE you'd be pleasantly surprised if you decided to read it. It is wonderful. So here goes a quick and dirty description of the book.

The book is young adult fiction (like Harry Potter, but better.) Twilight is about a young girl who falls in love... with a vampire. (Yes! I know that is weird. That's why I hesitated.) It's hard to explain, but the vampire aspect of this book isn't what makes it so outstanding. It's the simplicity and sweetness of their new love. I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear while I read it. I have started the second in the series called New Moon and it is equally great but in different ways.

Please. I am begging all women who read this blog. Please read this book. Read the series. Pre-order your copy of the fourth and final book in the series due to be out on August 2nd. It is just too great. I love it!

Weekend Fun

Things continue to be busy for us Joneses. We had antoher great weekend celebrating Farron's 50th Birthday and picnicing with Bobbie for Mother's Day. Here are a few pics.

For Farron's Birthday, Bobbie set up a surprise dinner at Cristina's. He was such a good sport and wore his "Old Fart" hat and pin proudly!


Mark & Holly


Ben & Me


Mark showing off some more of the "Old Fart" decorations


Ben & Bobbie


Britt WEARING some of the table decorations. :)


This pic isn't great but it was a LOT of work so I just had to include it. Along with the fam in this picture are a couple of Farron's good friends from work who came to help us surprise him.


Our picnic was also great fun. We only took a few pics because I was more facinated by the massive group forming close by. I don't think I even KNOW half the number of people this family brought with them to celebrate on Mother's Day. :)

This is what we did... played and lazed around.











Here's what hardcore picnicers do... They bring their own grill, volleyball net, and enough food for an army... Wait, I think they were a bigger group than an army. :)


We hope you all had as great of a weekend as we did!

Music for the Heart

It is strange how music can mean so many different things. God used this song to touch my heart and bring me joy and peace today. I hope He touches you today too!

Pocketful of Sunshine
by Natasha Beddingfield

[Interlude:]
I got a pocket,
Got a pocket full of sunshine
I got a love that knows that it’s all mine
Oh.oh, oh
Do what you want,
But you never gonna break me,
Sticks and stone are never gonna shake me
Oh, oh, oh

[Chorus:]
Take me away (take me away)
A secret place (a secret place)
A sweet escape (a sweet escape)
Take me away (take me away)
Take me away (take me away
To better days (to better days)
Take me away (take me away)

[Interlude]

I got pocket,
Got a pocket full of sunshine
I got a love that knows that it’s all mine
Oh, oh, oh

Wish that you could,
But you ain’t gonna own me
Do anything you can to control me
[ Pocketful Of Sunshine song text brought to you by LyricsYouLove ]
Oh, oh, oh

[chorus]

[Hook:]
When the slaves that are go
Where nobody knows
And I call it home
When there’s no more lies
And darkness is light
And nobody cries
There’s only butterflies

[Chorus x2]

[Chorus & Interlude]

The sun’s on my side
Wave me for a ride
I smile up to the sky
I know I’ll be alright

The sun’s on my side
Wave me for a ride
I smile up to the sky
I know I’ll be alright’

Picnic Fun

Ben went all out in planning a picnic for us to go to the Arboretum. Sadly, we were rained out, but no worry. We had an amazing picinic at the Jones' Arboretum instead.



I was highly impressed with Ben's professional sandwich building/wrapping skills:



My LadyBug Birthday Cake for 2:



I felt a little guilty cutting into something so cute....



And then I got over it! :)



There was quite an array of vegetation. Here are a few of our favorites:







The wildlife proved to be tame:



After an afternoon of eating, relaxing, and taking in all the spectacular scenery, Ben and I stopped for a rest near one of the "park benches."



It was a splendid day at the Jones' Arboretum!

Another Year Older

As always, I had a fabulous Birthday this year. The celebrations started with a delectable dinner at The Melting Pot with Bobbie, Farron, Mark and Holly. Tell me. What can really beat fondue? Unfortunately my camera died on me so I can only upload one pic. Luckily it was a good one!



Throughout the week I received calls, cards, gifts, and flowers from all my friends and family. (I am especially set for lots of trips to La Madeleine!!!) It was so fun checking the mail each day.

Here's a pic of a bouquet of flowers I received from Mom & Lonnie. They are just so pretty that I have to share them with you.



Then, Ben finished up my Birthday celebration with delicious breakfast, an unforgetable picnic, and a excellent dinner out. (See next post for full picnic details!)

I'm off to buy all kinds of goodies with my gift cards. :) Thank you all!

Road to Teacher Certification

As many of you know, I have decided to pursue a career in education. I began an "alternative certification program" last fall. This type of program is for degreed professionals who would like to become teachers. In order to be admitted into the program, proof is required that an individual has already taken enough college level coursework in a particular subject to be considered competent and qualified to teach that subject.

Then upon admittance to the alternative certification program, a series of 10 educational modules must be completed and a state exam is to be taken and past. Once a student is admitted, completes the program coursework, and passes the state exam, they can begin looking for internship jobs. So, this is where I am at right now. I have begun attending a series of job fairs for local school districts. If I am hired, my first year will be considered an internship on a probationary certificate. If I am hired for this upcoming fall, it will most likely be at the end of the Summer as teachers with previous years of experience and those with a current license will have first pick at the available positions.

I will be certified for 4-8 English, Language Arts, and Reading. I am excited to begin any position in this range but ultimately hope to be able to teach at risk and underpriviledged students at the 6th - 8th grade levels. In order to do this, I may have to take a position with a district slightly further away from our house as most of the districts in the area are very affluent.

I will keep everyone updated on my certification and job hunt progress over the next several months. Please be praying that a job opening will come my way and that I will be prepared to teach my first year. I appreciate everyone's support!

Quarterly Update

I realize it has been forever since I have updated our blog. I will try to be brief so you all aren't scared away. :) There have just been so many great things going on lately!

January was Ben's 24th birthday. We had a great celebration here in Dallas with most of Ben's fam. We went to Dave and Busters for a fun dinner and games. While we were there Ben and I tried out the "Gene Machine" and have now vowed to never have children because of it. (Our future child could fly with that set of ears!)

Also in January, Ben took and passed his Series 7 exam for work. Ben just now finished his CFP exam and is scheduled to take his Series 66 in a few weeks. He won't know the results of his CFP exam for another 6 weeks but he'll find out the score for his Series 66 right away. He and I want to say a special thanks to all our supportive family who have sent him gifts, called, and prayed for him. We are so blessed to have such wonderful family.

Then, in February, Ben and I had a wonderful Valentines' Day together. He surprised me with a romantic dinner at home after a very long day. He even wrapped my gift in the prettiest bag that I had pointed out to him in passing quite awhile before. He's so thoughtful.

March saw the beginning of MANY showers to come. I have a couple of friends getting married and several having babies. I hosted a Bachelorette Party at my house at the end of March. In April, I am helping host 2 more wedding showers and 1 baby shower as well as being involved in 1 wedding. In May I will help host a bachelorette party and 1 additional baby shower. Crazy fun!!!

Ben and I headed to Lubbock over Easter for a fun, whirlwind weekend with Mom and Lonnie. We had a blast just hanging out and spending Easter Sunday at Aunt Diane and Uncle Sammy's where we had our annual adult's Easter egg hunt. Before heading home, Ben and I made sure to have our fill of all our old favorite restaraunts including Bless Your Heart, Rosa's, and Shogun. It was a beautiful weekend and we were sad for it to end so quickly.

Things just seem to be getting busier and busier but everything has gone smoothly and we are having a blast celebrating all of life's occasions with our friends and family.

Sadly, I don't have any pictures to add this time, but I will make a concerted effort to take pictures at more of our upcoming festivities.

Hope to see you all soon!