{AND THINGS CHANGE}

All Things Pretty: Part Un

2011-06-15T19:02:00.000-04:00

I'm kicking off the summer celebrating all things pretty. Sounds like fun, right?

I recently gathered with some very lovely ladies and we had a "Pretty Party" hosted by the super-cute and talented, Anna Sanders. We played with all Mary Kay products, of course. Fun {and prettiness} was had by all.

Here are some shots with everyone loving their new looks, along with pictures of the beautiful set up Anna put together. I want to be her when I grow up, btw.

Miss Anna

Anna, the sister-in-law

April - doesn't she scream Zooey Deschanel?

Beth, the mother-in-law

Kate, the sister-in-law

Yes, please!

2011-05-16T22:14:00.002-04:00

L.O.V.E. this movie. For reals. I laughed SO much! It's been a looong time since I last saw a romantic comedy that I enjoyed this much. I totally have a girl crush on Ginnifer Goodwin {already did, but now it's official}. The story is a good one, but the writing is great. I will definitely read the book this summer.

Two words: John. Krasinski. All of the actors were great, and of course, the movie wouldn't have been as magical without Ginnifer's fantasticly cute delivery, BUT. I never thought I'd meet a John Krasinski character I loved more than Jim. There. I said it. And I supposed there's plenty of Jim in this new character, but he was Hhhhysterical!

It must be said that there is a moral dilemma presented that I know would turn some viewers off. I thought it was handled honestly. Making the right choice isn't automatically easier because you're a believer. Being a believer just makes it easier to see what the "right" choice is. The characters in the movie probably don't always make the right choices, but it doesn't negate the truth behind the writing and the fact that everyone struggles to make decisions when she knows they will impact the people around her. For good or bad.

Well, there it is. I fully support watching this movie. Over and over. Have you seen it?? Are you going to see it??? Share your thoughts, ladies!!

P.S. I totally want to do this dance with a friend. I think Mary Ellen, given her penchant for cool dance moves, would be a great option.

P.P.S This is next on my list!

So many things!

2011-05-05T12:56:00.001-04:00

For all three of you who regularly check this thing, I have so much to say!! Here are my thoughts in absolutely no order whatsoever:

I turned 30. I wanted a surprise party and didn't get one. Adam has now declared that we are going to celebrate my 30th birthday every year. I like this plan.
I only have twelve days left with my kids at school. It's incredibly bittersweet. I broke down crying in 5th period last week b/c it was my last time teaching a particular scene in Romeo and Juliet. The kids are not happy that I'm leaving and they want me to stay. Of course, I remind them that they wouldn't have me for 10th grade, but that doesn't seem to matter... Other kids are fighting over who will get to babysit our kids when we start having babies. I don't even know what to do with that.

I participated in a high school girls-only spa night called "Glow" - I did facials for the girls and we read through some scripture and talked about purity. It was AWESOME. I loved being able to serve in a way that incorporate three of my favorite things: Jesus, teenagers, and Mary Kay!
Speaking of Mary Kay, I have some of the most incredible women on my team!! I'm so blessed and really trusting God's timing on all of this, and he has provided perfectly.
I'm going on target this month to earn the use of my first free car w/ MK - how crazy is that?!?
I was allowed the rare privilege of teaching at our weekly Mary Kay meeting this past Monday. All the teaching is normally done by our Directors. I co-taught with my director, Meg, and it was SO much fun!

I, like my friend, Kate, am obsessed and can't get enough of the royals! I definitely woke up at 5:30 last Friday morning {even though I had taken the day off and could have slept in forever} to watch the whole thing. I sat on the couch in the dark with my laptop as the sun rose outside and watch the fairytale wedding unfold. And OH! I couldn't get over the choir - the music was AH-mazing!! I absolutely cried. I love, love, love weddings. Adam thought I needed my head checked. It was awesome. Oh, and I might as well confess I spent some time checking out cheap versions of her engagement ring...it is beautiful!

So, why did I take that day off? Well, it wasn't actually to practice my royal wave. I drove to Savannah {after the wedding festivities, of course} to lead worship for an all-girls weekend retreat. It was so much fun! One of the girls, as it turns out, will be going toMilligan in the fall. Naturally, this girl became my instant favorite {Go Buffs!}. We had worship on the beach Saturday night. It had been a long time since I last worshiped under the stars. God is so good - all the time!

H&M has an improved website where you can now navigate all of their new products and it tells you the cost of each item. It used to drive me crazy that you couldn't search their site for their new stuff {still drives me crazy that you can't just order from the site, but whatever}. H&M always has cute and affordable items. I'm pretty spoiled living twenty minutes from the nearest location. I wish Anthropolgie were that close to me . . . then again, that would only be trouble . . . Anyhow, here's my favorite pick today from H&M:

I got an iPad. 1st generation, used. My brother-in-law, who is a professional cool kid, upgraded to and iPad 2, so we were able to afford-ably purchase his first one. And not for nothing, b/c my laptop has basically crapped out, so we were in need of a relatively easy fix. I have no clue how to work it, but it's fun to play with! {twss, for all you Office fans out there}

And finally, I have to say that I'm super excited about this coming Friday night - LeAnne and I are going to PF Chang's for dinner {she's never been!} and then we're going to see Something Borrowed. It should be the perfect girls night! I will let you know what we thought of the movie. The first time I ever went to a PF Chang's was actually in Oklahoma when I was visiting my friend,Josh. We, along with his parents, were going out for dinner on my first night there, and they all let me order first since I was the guest. Well, the waitress asked for my drink order and I very naturally started, "Oh, Sweet ... I mean, uh.... Diet Coke?" Totally forgot I wasn't in sweet tea land anymore. And I have to share one more story - I love going to movies with LeAnne. My absolute FAVORITE moment with her was when we went to see The Holiday a few years back. We were both ridiculously single, so we always counted on each other as a date for the latest romantic comedy. Well, in the first five minutes of the movie we meet Rose, who is hopelessly in love with a man who, of course, does not love her back. She goes home, alone, after finding out the man she loves is engaged to someone else and she's sobbing her little heart out when LeAnne announces in the theatre, "I did NOT pay to come watch my own life in a movie!!" I about died. It was so funny! Well, it's fun to look back on now that we're both happily married to great guys.

Well, I'm sure I'll have plenty say after the next few weeks. Pray I handle the transition of leaving teaching well. It's gonna be tough!

Celebrate healthy skin with me!!

2011-03-02T21:55:00.000-05:00

As you know, I am a Mary Kay consultant. Well, I am one MK consultant who LOVES birthdays!! My 30th birthday is March 3rd, and I've decided to share the celebration and give discounts on some of my most favorite skin care products! GET EXCITED!!!

March 1-10 only - receive 30% off ANY of the following products:

Timewise Cleanser
Timewise Moisturizer
Timewise Day Solution or Night Solution
Timewise Microdermabrasion Set (my favorite and a GREAT deal!!)
Timewise Firming Eye Cream
Timewise Even Complexion Mask or Essence
Timewise Replenishing Serum+C
Timewise Targeted Action Toning Lotion (LOVE the way this smells and makes my skin feel!)

These products offer 11 age-defying benefits in one skin care regimen: cleanse, exfoliate, freshen, energize, hydrate, smooth, firm, soften, protect, rebuild and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It even works with sensitive skin.

To order online, visit www.marykay.com/laurasue
To receive this special discount, enter "BIRTH30" in the comments section.

You're welcome

2011-02-25T23:36:00.000-05:00

If you trust me, click here.

You're welcome.

Have a great day.

I might have to get married all over again

2011-02-19T12:49:00.000-05:00

One word.

Anthropologie.

I have LOVED this store since 2001. How many times have I actually been able to afford buying something? Hmm. Probably 5. And it was a sale every time. But I still love it.

Well, guess who just launched their bridal line on Valentine's?

Exactly.

Loved my wedding. Loved my dress. Still adore my husband. But I wouldn't mind doing it all over again if it meant I could wear some of this . . .

If I were ever a bridesmaid again, THIS is the dress I'd want to wear!!

All of these items were found at www.bhldn.com

Sigh. Swoon. And Sigh.

Dang, you're old

2011-01-30T17:03:00.001-05:00

It was Greg's birthday. Fun was had by all.

Greg is blessed to have such an awesome wife. Great job, Jess!

I miss this show

2011-01-28T22:53:00.000-05:00

I doubt any of you will know what this is, but there was this show I LOVED to watch back in the fall of '03. It was only on for a few months, but I would hurry home on Fridays to watch this show (kinda sad admitting that, but it's true).

The Brendan Leonard Show started out as a cable access show put together by, you guessed it, Brendan Leonard and an interesting collection of friends he'd grown up with. It appeared to me that they were all around the same age - seniors in high school. Their quirkiness and appreciation for simple (not crass) humor was something I really enjoyed, and their gimmicks reminded me a lot of the ridiculous skits and such we would put together for Young Life clubs each week.

If you've got a few minutes, enjoy the clips. I hope they brighten your day in a very childlike way. :)

I wouldn't mind doing these grades

2011-01-26T18:04:00.000-05:00

Any teacher (especially an English teacher!) can tell you how hard it is to keep up with grading. It is a never-ending task that teacher rarely have the time to do during actual school hours.

I read an article on CNN today about Florida teachers grading parents. Now, ultimately, the teachers are really only offering their opinions, but I cannot deny that if I were given the chance to let parents know, constructively speaking, how well (or poor) they are doing, I would not turn it down!

Check out this video. What do YOU think about something like this??

Yes, please!

2011-01-22T11:21:00.002-05:00

I am SO excited about these new foundation options! I've already got my Timewise Luminous Wear Foundation and am loving it! I was skeptical about the primer, but it really does make a difference! And finally, I hate putting makeup on using my fingers, so I typically use a sponge, but we all know that a sponge also soaks up some of that product everytime I use it - what a waste! Now I've got the Liquid Foundation Brush and it's perfect because I use very little product and get a flawless finish every time.

No woman wants to look like she's wearing lots of foundation and makeup - these products are linked to great skincare habits and highlight your natural beauty. The Luminous-Wear Foundation is best for normal/dry skin, and the Matte-Wear Foundation is best for combination/oily skin. Who knew you could take care of your skin with makeup?!

These products will NOT be available on my website for ordering until February 1st, BUT if you order any of these with me BEFORE FEB. 1ST I will give you 25% off of these new products (get yours before everyone else!). If I have matched your foudation shade in the past, you don't need to worry about figuring out your color for these new foundations - I already know which one is the perfect match for you!

Call or email for your special order today :)

Aslan is near

2011-01-20T09:52:00.000-05:00

I felt like these words tied in well with the theme of this blog, so I wanted to share them with you. I hope that if you're in the middle of your own personal winter that you will trust that it won't be winter forever. This, of course, reminds me of the Chronicles of Narnia, and how it was always winter, but never Christmas . . .

Be patient. Aslan is near. Even if you can't feel him yet . . .

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Nature of Faith

By Winn Colliers

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."

Psalm 1:3 ESV

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A CHANGE OF SEASON is about as routine as it gets. Best I know, it has happened four times a year, like clockwork, as long as humans have been able to keep track of such things. But each time winter yields to spring, each time summer whispers to us that fall will soon arrive, nature is telling us a story. Nature is telling us the story of a God who is always creating, always remaking, forever crafting new beginnings. No matter how dry the sultry dog days of summer, no matter how bitter the winter death, new beauty, new life is always coming. It is only a matter of time.

The psalmist echoes the story nature tells. He does not live in denial of the hardship or the scarcity enmeshed with human experience. No collection of writings takes pain and disillusionment more seriously than the Psalms. However, the psalmist knows something else, something more dependable than the certainty of human turmoil. The psalmist knows God; the psalmist knows God's story, that God is always creating, always remaking, forever crafting new beginnings. With God and God's people, there will always be a new season, where life is infused and fruit blossoms. With God, there is always a fresh beginning.

quiet time

2011-01-17T22:01:00.000-05:00

I can finally see
That you're right there beside me

I am not my own
FOR I HAVE BEEN MADE NEW
Please don't let me go

I desperately need you!

LOVE this idea!

2011-01-13T18:30:00.000-05:00

Oh wow. I feel inspired. I LOVE the idea of the wrapstation featured above. It's an old headboard that's been painted and hung on the wall. I'm definitely going to add this to my list of "someday, this would be cool" for my "someday, i'll have a house" thoughts.

Just thought I'd share!

it snowed. a lot.

2011-01-12T22:48:00.002-05:00

WEATHER ALERT!! Snow Sale :)

2011-01-11T11:00:00.001-05:00

"Baby it's cold outside!" and I'm here to offer some savings you can access from the warmth of your home! I hope you enjoy the sale, and if you have any questions please call, text, email or Facebook!

Helpful items this time of the year:

TimeWise Microdermabrasion, Satin Hands Set, Satin Hands Hand lotion,

Satin Lips, and Satin Lips set and Satin Lips Lip Balm!

Mary Kay® Personal Beauty Profiler - this thing is amazing!

2011-01-08T18:52:00.003-05:00

Ever wonder what skin care products really are the absolute best just for you?
Ever wanted to know what colors are great for you or how to best apply eye makeup?
Does your skin have special needs, and you're not sure which products would really help address the problem?

Mary Kay just added what we're calling a "Personal Beauty Profiler" and it will help you find the answers to all of these questions! I can't deny it - it's really helpful!

I've played with it and even learned some for myself. With just a few clicks you can find out what products are best for your needs. I encourage you to try it out. As always, if you would like to try any of these products, let me know!

old furies revisited

2011-01-05T21:14:00.000-05:00

I have a habit (unhealthy, probably) of checking the Chatham County Sheriff's website for jail bookings. I confess I'm looking for former students. Sometimes I'm able to reach out and have open dialogue and even try to encourage them. It's sad, but it's one way I try to stay connected.

Today, however, I saw someone's picture that just pissed me off.

This is Phillip Mitchell. In order to follow the rest of my blog, you will first need to read this article, which was published in July of 2004.

The rest of this blog is my response to this article. I originally wrote this in 2004 as a letter to the editor. It was much shorter. The paper, naturally, did not publish it because I basically told them their article was total crap. Seeing Phillip's picture today brought back these feelings of rage. He paved his road. I don't feel sorry for him at all. I hope he figures out how to be responsible someday. Mostly, I just want him to figure out that he's beyond all this - God has made him for something better.

There are two sides to every story. Unfortunately, some journalists choose to report only one side of a story. In this case, very few facts were used, and in their place, opinions took precedence. The article “Cast Out” is incredibly narrow-minded and false, and this is my response to such an indolent attempt at journalism.

No one argues that the transition from middle school to high school is an easy one, but most ninth graders do not realize how challenging high school can be. In a letter to next year's freshmen, one of this year's student's wrote, "During the next four years you will be responsible for yourself. For this reason the following phrases will not work: 'I didn't know,' 'I was not here,' and 'You didn't tell me.' It will be your responsibility . . ."

Phillip Mitchell, featured in the article "Cast Out", is not a victim of the system. Phillip did not fail the ninth grade due to a ten-day suspension or because he is a black male. Phillip failed because he was irresponsible- and long before he was suspended. I am one of his ninth grade teachers, and I actually love having Phillip in class. He is polite and has a great sense of humor, but he is also immature and irresponsible. Phillip’s failure is direct result of his own irresponsibility.

One of the biggest issues with this article is the assumption that race has anything to do with failure. The color of one’s skin does not determine success or failure in life. It’s the culture in which one is raised and to which one chooses to ascribe that determines success or failure. When are we going to stop blaming race and circumstances for our problems and dilemmas? It only further alienates us from each other instead of encouraging us all to work together. If this article had been written well, it would focus on the statistics of ALL struggling students in our system instead of just black males. No student should be more important than the other.

Before students reach high school they should own some responsibility for their education and decisions that impact their grades. Does it frustrate teachers when a student misses class due to a suspension? Absolutely. Kids are not being taught at home, however, that when they miss school it is their responsibility to work with the teacher and complete makeup work. I agree that without instruction it is often difficult for the student to keep up. It is also unfair, however, to the twenty-nine other students in the class to lose their valuable instruction time because of another student's misbehavior (which does not apply to Phillip, but to many suspension cases). It disgusts me to suggest that a student failed the entire ninth grade - all six classes - because he was out for ten days. To suggest that none of Phillip’s teachers were interested in helping him improve his grades is beyond absurd. The problem lies, however, in a suspended student’s interest in catching up on work. I had a chronically ill student in the same course as Phillip who missed well over ten days. That same student worked and studied diligently, came to tutorials, completed extra credit, and passed the class on her own effort. She assiduously took advantage of the help offered. There was nothing hindering Phillip from doing the same but himself.

Teachers send notes, letters, and progress reports home and also make phone calls out of concern for their students throughout the school year. It is questionable that concerned and involved parents who are familiar with progress reports and report cards would be surprised at the end of the school year by a failing grade if they are actively communicating with their child and teachers. I sent a letter home informing Phillip's mother of his failing grades in hopes that he would make an effort to improve. All teachers at Windsor hold regular tutorials and have tutorial times posted for the students' convenience. Several struggling students, Phillip included, never attend tutorials even though they know they should go.

The lack of vigilance and concern does not reside in the teacher’s lounge or principal’s office. At some point, a student has to look in the mirror and admit that his grades are a reflection of his character and effort. I did not choose to teach because I had nothing better to do. I am a teacher because I love kids. I reject any suggestion that I’ve done anything opposite of reaching out to my students time and time again to help them succeed.

Here’s the real problem: apathy is a silent killer in today’s classrooms. It is a bacteria which grows underneath desktops, inside of lockers, and on old books. This disease continues to claim our kids' hopes of having healthy, successful, and happy lives. For many young black males, this apathy stems from dreams of making money pimpin' rides, selling drugs, and touring with Lil' Wayne and Jay Z. But this apathy is not just a problem with these boys. What about the other 2/3 of suspensions? ALL of these kids matter regardless of the color of their skin. The truth is that most of these kids have no grip on reality, and no understanding of the value of education. Sure, they are teenagers, but what value system, if any, is being taught in the home?

I wish I had the answers. I am writing because I do not agree with people who blame teachers and administrators for a student's irresponsibility and a parent’s detachment from reality. At some point, students and parents alike need to accept responsibility for their decisions and realize that they cannot blame other people for their mistakes and negligence. More importantly, I do care, contrary to what this petty article suggests, and more than you can imagine.

New Year's Treats

2011-01-01T14:13:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

Isn't it exciting to start fresh? I always look forward to it myself.

Well, I've taken a look at all I have in stock with my Mary Kay products, and I've got some treats for you! These offers will run from January 1st-5th. Some of the items I'm offering are not offered by the company, so you will need to email or call me with your order so I can take care of you.

Let the shopping begin!!

This is the Cellu-Shape Contouring System. It's part of the Timewise product line in Mary Kay skincare. This set includes the Daytime Body Moisturizer and the Nighttime Body Gel. When used consistently, this set erases cellulite! In a 12-week clinical study, women saw firmer looking skin, and improvement in elasticity, and smoother-looking skin. This originally cost $55. ~~I only have 1 set left, and I'm offering it for $25~~. SOLD!!

I have an excess of some of my Mineral Eye Colors, so I'm going to share them with you! I am offering the following colors at $3.25: Navy Blue, Sienna, Golden Olive, Vintage Gold, and Sweet Pink. If you're not sure which color is best for you, let me know and I will help you make the best selection.

Do you prefer full-coverage with your foundation? I have 3 foundations that need a good home :). I have a 100, 104, and a 200. If you're not sure if any of these are your color, let me know and I can help you decide if it's for you. These are normally $14, but I'm offering them for $9.

Okay, email or call me if you want any of these items as your own!
laurasue@marykay.com or 678-507-4248

the past few days . . .

2010-12-26T23:03:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I don't always get worked up about the presents part, but I fully confess that this year, I got really excited. My mom bought me THE dress I really wanted (she didn't even know that out of the ones on my wishlist it was my #1 pick), so I was stoked about that. it came from shabby apple, who also teams with women in India to help them out, so purchasing is more than just getting something pretty.

adam got me a pair of beautiful earrings (which will go great w/ my new dress!) from ten thousand villages. he also replaced my copy of freedom writers b/c some kid at school stole my copy (i'm missing most of my best books b/c of this; i hope the kids who steal my books enjoy them!). it was a great Christmas with family. i'm so blessed - the reagans and the johnsons get along really well. we all had dinner together on Christmas eve and again on Christmas day. it's awesome having a bigger family! can't wait to add some little ones to the mix for brady, my niece, to play with.

here are some other thoughts . . .

yep. i found this on modcloth.com. this pretty much sums up what happens when i try DIY projects. that's okay though. i like being creative for the process. it's not always about the product...

tomorrow we are celebrating my father-in-law's birthday, so we're going to see this movie :

then, it's off to dinner at circa 1875 in downtown savannah, so that should be fun and yummy!

i hope you all have had a fun, restful, and blessed Christmas with your loved ones :).

I'll take one of each, please

2010-12-21T18:24:00.000-05:00

too bad i'm allergic to wool. wool coats/jackets/anything are great for cold weather.

happy anniversary

2010-12-21T00:18:00.000-05:00

Well, kids, it's officially been one year since Adam and I were married. I'm not gonna lie. It wasn't easy, and it wasn't always pretty. In fact, the last month or so has been particularily challenging. But it's been worth it.

We celebrated (oh, you fancy, huh?) with a weekend at Chateau Elan, just about 20 min from where we live. It's a winery. Or you could just look closely at the wall behind us. The food this weekend was amazing. We also treated ourselves to a massage - I highly recommend this! Neither of us had ever had one, so it was pretty cool
Since it was our first anniversary, we both went with gifts that were paper-based. I'm nerdy, and had seen this project on DesignSponge. It was simple, but cool. Here are a few shots of the cards I made for Adam. I even found the perfect card catalog box on Ebay.

Adam's gift was great. He framed our marriage certificate and license. He figured, if we bother to frame our college diplomas, shouldn't our marriage papers get a spot on the wall, too? I'm excited about hanging that up on the wall.

Last week was pretty exciting, too. We got to see Train in concert for free and got 1/2 price tickets for Cirque du Soleil, which was phenomenal! I'd post pics from those, but my camera sucks and didn't take good pics at the concert, and Cirque is super crazy about people taking pictures, so you'll have to trust me that it was cool.

We are headed for Savannah in a couple of days. I can't wait. I miss family. I miss Savannah. Should be a solid trip. Have a wonderful Christmas!!

my first bride!

2010-12-20T23:55:00.003-05:00

This past fall I had the privilege of doing makeup for a bride for her big day. It was so much fun! I was nervous, but it turned out perfectly. Here are a few of her shots. All photography was done by Brianne Marie Photography

Congratulations, Mrs. Shelby Hilley! Thanks again for letting me serve you :).

If you know any brides-to-be who would like their makeup done, send them my way!

Double Deal {Tuesday}

2010-12-06T22:10:00.000-05:00

My hands were NOT happy last night with all this cold wind! Satin Hands took care of them though :).

Today's Double Deal is for ANY SATIN HANDS set. Give friends and family a hand-softening gift that's like a spa treatment at home. Each set features a hand softner, hand scrub, and a hand cream that hydrates for up to 24 hours. The hand cream even lasts through multiple hand washings!

Remember - the Double Deal means you buy 1 and get the 2nd 1/2 off!

Order at www.marykay.com/laurasue through midnight tonight. As always, thanks for your business. When you take care of yourself and the people around you, you're also taking care of my family, and I am so grateful to have loyal customers like you. :)

12 Days of Christmas Bags

2010-12-06T00:21:00.005-05:00

This year I've put together one of the most awesome gifts for wives, moms, daughters - pretty much any special woman or girl in your life!

Monday, December 6th, is the LAST DAY these bags can be purchased with me that I can guarantee on-time delivery for December 14th.

Take a look at the details below. If you're interested in ordering one, send me an email by 6 PM on Monday (laurasue@marykay.com). Include your phone number and I will call you Monday evening to get your order processed for you. These bags are AWESOME!! Don't miss out on this fantastic gift for the holiday season!!

I will wrap 12 gifts and place them in a bag with a beautiful bow. The idea is that the girl who receives the bag gets to choose 1 gift out of the bag to open up during the 12 days (this is why you get it by the 14th) leading up to Christmas.

$159: Satin Lips lip balm, Satin Lips lip mask, Indulge Soothing Eye Gel, MK Compact, $13 Gift Card, Mascara, Mint Bliss Energizing Lotion, Satin Hands hand cream, Warm Amber Body Lotion, Warm Amber Shower Gel, Tinted Lip balm, Oil-free Eye Makeup remover

$199: Satin Lips Set, Indulge Soothing Eye gel, Baked Powder cheek color, Mascara, Mint Bliss Energizing Lotion, Satin Hands Hand cream, Nourishine Lip gloss, $13 Gift Card, Oil-Free Makeup Remover, Eyesicles Eye Color, MK Brush Collection, Forever Orchid Shower Gel

$249: Satin Hands Set, Forever Orchid Shower Gel, Forever Orchid Body Lotion, Brush Collection, Indulge Soothing Eye Gel, Mascara, Mint Bliss Energizing Lotion, Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover, Travel Roll-up Bag, Satin Lips Set, MK Compact, $13 Gift Card

$299: Satin Hands Set, MK Brush Collection, Warm Amber Showerl Gel, Warm Amber Body Lotion, Indulge Soothing Eye Gel, Mascara, Mint Bliss Energizing Lotion, Travel Roll-up Bag, Satin Lips Set, Trial Size Miracle set, MK Compact Pro, $25 Gift certificate

Just so you know, she can use the gift card to choose her own colors for her compact. With each woman in mind, I will make adjustments to fit her needs and personality. If she's not completely happy with one of the items, she can exchange it or even get a refund - Mary Kay offers 100% guarantee on all purchases. And remember, I'll wrap each one for you.

Double Deal {Thursday}

2010-12-02T10:33:00.001-05:00

Happy Double Deal {Thursday}!!!

I'm so sorry I didn't get this deal out on Tuesday. My computer has crashed, so I'm working on getting that fixed. I didn't want to leave you hanging though, so I've moved this week's Double Deal today!

As usual, this is a "Buy 1, get 1 1/2 off" deal. Today's special is for all Fragrance products! This includes eau de parfum, eau de toilette, shower gels, scented body lotions, and sugar scrubs!!

If you have been craving the new "Thinking of You" scent - now's your chance to get it twice at a great price!! When it comes to the eau de toilette collection, my personal favorites are Warm Amber and Forever Orchid. (*Sadly, the "Thinking of You" body lotion has already sold out - this stuff smells sooooo good!!)

These items make FANTASTIC stocking stuffers!!! I always offer free gift wrapping and shipping, so let me help you get some of your holiday shopping taken care of!!

If ordering online, use this code in the comment section: DDeal12

THIS OFFER IS ONLY AVAILABLE TODAY. Give me a call or order online.

As always, thanks for supporting my business. You don't know how much I appreciate you! Feel free to share this deal with friends!!

let the rejoicing begin

2010-11-25T19:55:00.000-05:00

DOUBLE DEAL TUESDAY IS HERE!!!

2010-11-23T13:03:00.002-05:00

Okay! Here we go!!

A few days ago, I let you know that the Travel-roll up bag was going to be today's Double Deal.

BUT!

I've decided to help you kick off the holiday shopping season the right way.

SO.

Today, ONLY TODAY, ALL Mary Kay products are BUY ONE GET ONE 1/2 OFF!!!

So, what do YOU want?!?!

One lucky shopper will get your 1/2 off item for FREE, but to qualify, you need to leave me a comment telling me what you want for free once you've placed your order.

Today's Double Deal will run until MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. So, share this AMAZING deal with your friends on Facebook, texts, email, etc.!!

Not sure where to start? Use the Personal Beauty Profiler :)

When you're ready to check out online, simply put the code "DoubleDeal001" in the comments section of your order. I will apply your discount when I process your order. Thanks so much!!

By the way, with each purchase you make, you're helping me with two goals:

I am saving money to buy a new bed. I've been sleeping on a mattress and box spring on the floor for 8 years. It's time. :)
I'm putting together Travel-roll up bags (filled with products!) to donate to Women's Shelters here in Atlanta for the holiday season. Everyone in my unit is super excited about this opportunity to serve!!

yes, please

2010-11-20T17:18:00.000-05:00

i would like to dine here every night. you're welcome to join me. adam will cook for us. greg will bring the jokes. josh will take great pictures. and paul will bring his guitar.

double deal - it's coming!!

2010-11-20T16:49:00.001-05:00

okay, so i know that many of my readers are also fans of Mary Kay products (if you're not, you will be soon!). i've decided to hook up my readers with special deals, once a week. i'm going ahead and giving you a heads up about this, so get excited, ya'll!!

starting this tuesday, i'm going to feature a different product each week that if you buy 1, you get the 2nd half off. every week, i will feature a different product. if you have suggestions, don't hesitate to leave comments on the blog - i love hearing from you and want to give YOU want YOU want!

if "double deal tuesday" gets enough business, i'll be able to do a FREE drawing each week for my readers! how awesome is that?!?!

so, spread the word. tell your girlfriends, mom, aunt, sister, cousin - you get the idea. oh, and b/c i love you this much, i'll go ahead and tell you what this week's item is. are you ready?? it's going to be the travel roll-up bag!! i LOVE this bag, and if you haven't seen it before, i'm telling you, you'll want one!

okay, so, check back here on tuesday and you'll get to order your travel roll-up bag, plus get one 1/2 off for a friend!

i heart this video

2010-11-19T17:52:00.000-05:00

you may not know keri hilson, and that's okay. i feel like today's kids don't know much about the people who came before them. i love how this video pays tribute to the beautiful women who entertained crowds before keri's day. the lyrics? eh. some of them are maybe a little questionable, but if she truly is promoting that each woman realizes for herself just how beautiful she is, then i can get on board with that.

Tomorrow!

2010-11-13T12:21:00.001-05:00

i am SUPER excited about this! just so you know, if you can't make it, i'm also offering 10% off ALL ONLINE ORDERS and phone orders for the day!!

ps - i'm making these for yummy treats!!

faith in change

2010-11-11T09:47:00.000-05:00

okay, so this entry is actually brought to you by relevant magazine. i get a daily email with a short thought for devotion, and this one in particular really spoke to me. you know, the title of my blog is "and things change" for a reason. i'm at a point in life where i feel like things are not only always changing, but there are really big changes being made. and i'm kinda scared by a lot of them. to be honest, maybe i've always trusted God b/c i thought i had ______ [insert whatever situation i'm ever in] figured out. in other words, i don't think i've ever had to trust God as much as i am currently . . . b/c i'm a control freak . . . and a planner . . . and i've always got things figured out . . .

so, i thought i'd share this one with you. it spoke to me, and maybe it will speak to you. thanks for checking in from time to time :).

the classics

2010-11-07T20:28:00.000-05:00

i.am.a.nerd.

and i already knew this. and all of my students knew this. but i hit a new low about two weeks ago.

i have had a very long love affair with the story, les miserables. back in high school, i was claire danes, so when she starred in the movie production of les mis, i fell in love with it. it is, by far, my most favorite book in the world.

well, i think it's really important for kids to find books that they can actually enjoy, so once a week we have "reading day" (which has transitioned into "readddddinngggg tiiiiiiiiiiiime" inspired by jersey shore) when the kids read any book they want to. i try to read occasionally in each class as well because a lot of my students rarely see an adult reading. i've been working my way through les miserables, and two weeks ago, i finished it at the end of 4th period. during class changes, two former students came in to visit me before heading to their next class, and they immediately became concerned because i was crying. well, i admit it, i was crying because i finished the book. all 1200 pages of super tiny print that i had been reading off and on for the past few years. CRYING. why? hmmmm. because the story was over. and it was beautiful. and i was attached to the characters. i didn't matter that i knew what was going to happen to all of them. it didn't matter that i knew i was reaching the end of the book and it would end.

i can't really explain it, but i was attached.

there's a ridiculous assortment of "classics" that for one reason or another, i've never read, so i'm working on it.

i've moved on to little women. even though the 1995 movie is one of my favorites and i've watched it a million times, i've never read the book. naturally, i'm loving it. oh, and I AM jo march. no doubt.

so, what book have you never read that you would like to read? happy page turning . . .

9 months

2010-09-19T14:29:00.001-04:00

today marks 9 months of wedded bliss.

adam = awesome.

God = even more awesome.

Isn't he cuuuuuuuute??? I'm one lucky girl!

makes me miss Savannah...

2010-08-31T21:31:00.000-04:00

#20

2010-08-29T16:18:00.000-04:00

we had our first football game on friday night. it was awesome. our team is hoping to have an exciting season.
we won, and it was amazing.

when i went to the game that night, i didn't know i would yell at a little kid or end up directing traffic. here's what happened...

i had to "keep the gate" that night. all the teachers take turns selling tickets at games so that we can keep all the proceeds. i was sitting at a table near an open space where smaller kids often congregate and play during football games. the kids are mostly upper elementary grades. at least, that's my guess. well, the boys were all playing together. i had been pretty distracted w/ selling tickets, but most people had arrived, so i was just watching the kids for entertainment. we can't see the game from where we are, so there's really not much else to do. well, i suddenly put together that one boy, wearing a football jersey w/ the #20 on it, was screaming at another child. i listened closely, and i couldn't believe it.

#20 was white, stocky, and about 9 years old. he had a small, plastic megaphone in his hand that he was using to magnify his screams. the second child was hispanic, had a friend on either side, and was doing his best to walk away as #20 screamed, "YOU MEXICAN RETARD!! GO AWAY, MEXICAN RETARD!!!"

i gasped and then acted. i yelled at him, calling him by number. "hey! #20!! COME HERE."

one could tell immediately by his expression and body language that he knew better. he sheepishly walked over to my table. at this point, i was fuming. i honestly don't remember exactly what i said to him. i just know i gave him the most horrible "dale" look i could summon. i wanted him to remember this moment for years, if not the rest of his life. i did't care that i didn't know this kid. if his parents were actually teaching him to hate others, i honestly feel it's my right to point out that they're wrong and that, contrary to what he believes, he does not have the right to yell anything like that at another human being. i really don't care what the constitution says about free speech. no human being should have the right to yell such awful things at another human being. anyhow, i didn't repeat what he said, but made him admit what he said and repeat it himself. then i asked him if he thought it was okay to say things like that, and he said no. part of me wanted to find his parents and tell them what he did, but chances are, where i live, that if a little kid was talking like that, he probably learned it from his parents.

you know how 15 minutes after the opportunity, you think of what you would have liked to have said? the only think i regret is not making him apologize... the other kid was long gone though, so i don't know how i could have done that anyhow...

as if this wasn't exciting enough for one night, 3 minutes before the end of the game there was a lightening delay. the weather turned quickly, and people basically lost their minds. running everywhere. we got to our car only to sit in traffic for a solid 5 or 6 minutes and watch no one go anywhere. adam asked me what i wanted to do. i told him i either wanted to punch someone in the face or direct traffic. he parked the car, and we ran up to the front of the traffic line and started telling everyone where to go.

i felt much better.

our children will probably learn at an early age to fear their mother.

stone mountain on a rainy day...

2010-08-22T21:04:00.000-04:00

we went to stone mountain this past saturday. it was awesome. we ate a yummy lunch and hiked a nature trail. it was very simple, but perfect.

ls: you look pensive.
a: damn. i was going for thoughtful.

watch out for the tiger

we each made a yawp in the woods. if you're not a walt whitman or dead poets fan, don't worry about it. (apparently i can't flip videos on my computer like i can pics, so sideways video will have to do.)

Cali Swag District - Teach Me How To Dougie (Official Video)

2010-08-14T12:29:00.000-04:00

I can't lie. I love this song. And in my humble opinion, this song and video is way better in its original form. I'd be friends w/ all the people in this video. jermaine dupri is okay and all, but I think he got it wrong w/ his remix....

grieving. still.

2010-08-08T21:57:00.000-04:00

Trey

Some of you remember me talking about Trey a few years ago. Trey was a student of mine in Savannah. In the summer of 2006, he went to the beach with a group of friends. Sadly, Trey drowned. I couldn't go to the funeral because I was teaching summer school. I went to the visitation. It's very unnatural to see the lifeless body of a teenager.

I had just run into him a couple of weeks before...he wanted to be someone...

(L to R) Penn and Chelsea

A couple of days after my birthday this past March, news came of Penn's death. Penn had cancer. He was one of my Young Life kids from Savannah. Penn knew his Maker. That doesn't make his death any easier to deal with, but there's a lot more comfort. As you can tell from the picture, he was the goofy type. The very first night I met Penn he had me laughing.

Omar

A few weeks later there was a terrible car accident. It claimed the life of Omar. He was just 16. I had taught him the year before as a 9th grader. His smile says it all. Gosh, I loved that smile! We would go back and forth making fun of each other's mom, having, of course, never had met each other's mother. It was around Easter. We all wore pink to the funeral because it was his favorite color (he was a cholo, so he was allowed to pick pink as his favorite color...)
I'll never forget his abuela at the funeral. I've never heard a grownup cry like that....

(L to R) Zach and Zychias

This summer we've been all over the place. A few weeks ago we were in Savannah. I was watching the news with my mom and saw a news report about a young man being shot and killed near the school where I used to teach. The next day I found out that it was Zychias. I taught Zychias and his brother, Zach, my very first year of teaching. They were my first set of twins. It was very clear to me from the start that Zychias was not on the right path in life. Nevertheless, we'd talk and talk about music.
His body was found around 10 pm. It had been dropped on the street for someone - anyone - to find. Police think it was drug related. The reporter from the newspaper put his name down as "Zachias." When I contacted the reporter and asked him to fix the error, he said something about getting his info from the police....code for, "I don't really give a damn, and this is what the police gave me..."
It's now weeks later. No one has been arrested. And the newspaper continues to call him "Zachias"...

I've cried a lot today. Mostly for Zychias. Did he die instantly, or slowly? Was he already dead when his body was dumped, or did he die there, alone? How could someone so smart and FULL of potential end up like this?? I confess that I wasn't shocked at all that this is where his life ended. That doesn't make it easier though. This has been harder than the others. I feel like there was no way to know that Trey, Penn, and Omar were going to die this way. But Zychias... there are SO many what ifs.....

I love all teenagers on sight. I love hard. I doubt that Zychias, Omar, Penn, or Trey knew just how much they were loved. Teaching English has always been secondary for me. I just want my kids to feel loved. Tomorrow begins my 8th school year. No matter how it goes, I just want to love on kids. I want kids to feel God's love through me.

this is for every teacher who has ever been asked...

2010-08-01T20:05:00.001-04:00

Did I Miss Anything?

Tom Wayman

Nothing. When we realized you weren’t here
we sat with our hands folded on our desks
in silence, for the full two hours

     Everything. I gave an exam worth
     40 percent of the grade for this term
     and assigned some reading due today
     on which I’m about to hand out a quiz
     worth 50 percent

Nothing. None of the content of this course
has value or meaning
Take as many days off as you like:
any activities we undertake as a class
I assure you will not matter either to you or me
and are without purpose

     Everything. A few minutes after we began last time
     a shaft of light suddenly descended and an angel
     or other heavenly being appeared
     and revealed to us what each woman or man must do
     to attain divine wisdom in this life and
     the hereafter
     This is the last time the class will meet
     before we disperse to bring the good news to all people
          on earth.

Nothing. When you are not present
how could something significant occur?

     Everything. Contained in this classroom
     is a microcosm of human experience
     assembled for you to query and examine and ponder
     This is not the only place such an opportunity has been
          gathered

but it was one place

And you weren’t here

BACK TO SCHOOL SALE woohoo :)

2010-07-31T19:04:00.000-04:00

BACK TO SCHOOL SALE

You are Invited to

My Exclusive Back to School Sale!

NOW-September 1, 2010

*Attention Husbands & Boyfriends – There might be something on here for your special someone!

All Pencils (Lip, Eye, or Brow)…Buy 1 Get 2^nd at ½ price !

Erasers (Foundations, Concealers & ALL Timewise anti-aging/anti-wrinkle products)…..20% off!

Paints (Cheek & Eye Colors)…..Buy 1, Get 2^nd at ½ Price!

Crayons (Lip Colors)…Buy 1, Get 2^nd at ½ price!

Backpacks and Carrying Cases . . .

Compact, Compact Pro, & Traveling Roll-

up bag 25% off!

After Gym Class, hit the showers with Our

Body Care Collection at 20% off!

Satin Hands Pampering Set… $28(peach

scented) or $24(unscented) (Reg. $34 or

$30)

All Fragrance Items (Women & Men)...25% off

School Survival . . . Mary Kay Brush Collection

$38 (Reg. $48)

Laura Sue Johnson

678.507.4248 email: laurasue@marykay.com

shop online at www.marykay.com/laurasue

In addition to being a high school teacher, I am proud to say that I am a Senior Consultant with Mary Kay. I would love to take care of all of your skin’s needs – consider me your personal shopper! Also, if the Mary Kay opportunity is something that interests you, I am happy to answer any questions you have. J

*If you are interested in hosting a Back to School Party, let me know! Earn $100 FREE in products when you party with me!!!

just so you know...

2010-07-28T13:54:00.001-04:00

i have nothing interesting to say

2010-07-26T20:11:00.008-04:00

well, the summer is almost gone. i feel like it just started. i have to admit, i'm kinda bored. i distract myself with scrapbooking (a very cheap version, none of this fancy pants stuff) and making fun of adam, but my life needs some action. and no, do not insert your "that's what she

said" comment here.

anyhow. here's what i have been up to. sort of.

mexico beach, florida. just south of wiwahitchka. right....

we got all fancy for a wedding in savannah...
celebrated our seven month anniversary picnic style...in our living room...adam is an awesome chef, btw. too bad you weren't there for the grub....
we made soup together. i almost killed him. with a carrot.
we went to new orleans. it was for work-related training. who knew there was a place on earth as humid as savannah?!?!

i want to eat these forever. yes, please.

Danny Gokey - My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me

2010-07-08T07:40:00.000-04:00

i love this song and video. i plan on making signs from a lot of these phrases to hang up in my classroom and in my "office" area at home. watch it! let it encourage you. God never promised us an easy life, but even on hard days attitude is always a choice. i continue to challenge myself to choose joy...

did you do something to your face?

2010-07-05T20:01:00.003-04:00

"did you do something to your face?"

this is a question my friend josh asked me after not seeing me for a month. i had decided i was going to get healthier and lose some weight, and i did. i lost almost 30 pounds in the first two months of this particular cycle of "i want to get fit"....

it's definitely time again.

here's me on my 20th bday ----->

i would really like to be near this weight again. (don't worry, adam. as much as i loved it, i'm not going to back to red hair)

i miss feeling healthy. i miss feeling comfortable in my own skin.

a new school year is around the corner, so it's a good time to start something new.

here's to another 30 pounds off... wish me luck.

who knew?

2010-06-11T22:20:00.002-04:00

I am so blessed. I am building my own business - something I never thought I'd be doing - and I'm loving it.

I used to be a total Mary Kay hater. No lie. Whenever I met a woman who said she sold Mary Kay, or I saw one of those pink cars, I thought it was the most superficial, vain thing ever for a woman to do.

So God's teaching me a lesson. And we all know teachers are some of the worst students.

I now consider Mary Kay Ash to be one of my heroes, and I hope I can be more like her. And there are lots of women who feel that way. There are also lots of people who don't understand it, and that's okay. The real truth is this - Mary Kay loved God. She did her best to live her life as a follower of Christ. I think any time someone does that, people are naturally drawn to that person and admire her. Even if they don't understand why, people enjoy being around that person.

Mary Kay, Inc. is based on a simple principle: God first, family second, and career third. I am so thankful to be associated with this company, and I am hoping that this is just the beginning of my Mary Kay career.

I'm learning (again) how to love on people and put others first. Of course I'm excited when I make a sale, but that comes second to helping a woman feel good about herself. Let's be honest - when we feel good about the way we look, we feel better about ourselves and feel more confident. I did a facial and a makeover for a woman a few days ago, and she just couldn't get over it. It instantly boosted her self-esteem, and it felt good knowing that I was able to help her believe that she was (and is!) beautiful.

I hope I'm able to do this for a long time.

SWAGGER WAGON

2010-05-18T17:20:00.000-04:00

this will be us someday...(cause i'm so G i'm almost H)....

happy mother's day

2010-05-09T17:44:00.011-04:00

happy mother's day to the most wonderful woman i know! and thanks for guiding me...based on my expression in this picture, i've always needed guidance and clarification....

AND happy mother's day and to my mom-friends and mothers-to-be!!

our first apartment

2010-05-07T17:08:00.018-04:00

so here are before and after pics of our first apartment. you should come over for dinner. adam can cook something fierce...

currently funny...no, not me....

2010-03-22T14:16:00.003-04:00

These are currently my favorite 3 commercials. I like sarcasm. I like things that are ridiculous. And I like being a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. :)

almost 30...

2010-03-09T21:06:00.002-05:00

it is pretty wild to think how much my life has changed in the last two years. i distinctly remember my birthday two years ago. there's a phone conversation that has stuck with me.

at the time, i was living in savannah. i went downtown to do a little birthday shopping. there was a new jewelry store, so i went in to explore. while there, the phone rang. it was adam, this guy i worked with. he was calling to wish me a happy birthday...even though he had been next door to me all day...*ahem*... i remember he said he was in the grocery store, stocking up with dinner items. i remember wondering why he had really called, that i thought he was cute, and that i would never date him.

well, it's two years later, and adam and i have been married for almost three months. the past few months have been amazing. yes, there have been tears. yes, there has been frustration. yes, i've wanted to kick him in the shin a few times. however, i'm learning. i'm growing. and God is good.

recently i've focused on defining my relationship with God both within our marriage, and as an individual. adam and i have worked together very hard to grow spiritually as a couple. it has been an adjustment to find my own quiet space and time with God, but i'm slowly figuring it out.

we've joined a small group at church, and God's timing is perfect! we're in a newly weds group with two couples and two mentor couples. we really like everyone. i've spent so much time with teenagers i feel like i've forgotten how to relate to adults; i feel socially awkward, but i'm enjoying the group.

jaclyn gave me one of her sewing machines, so i'm soon going to be a domestic quilt-making goddess. right. i'm going to try, anyhow. i've decided to make a t-shirt quilt as my first project. we'll see how that goes...

mary kay. well, i'm trying to stay positive, but i've felt very discouraged with my mary kay business. still praying for that.

well, this past saturday was great. adam had talked about taking me out for a special dinner for my birthday. when we arrived at the restaurant, my good friends greg and jessica were there! i was so surprised and excited - it was a perfect gift. i'm used to planning my own birthday; adam did a fantastic job of making my birthday special.

it has been decided. i'm going to apply for grad school at uga. i hope to start summer of 2011. that's pretty exciting.

last week i was made department head of the English department at school. i def. didn't want it, so please don't congratulate. i haven't finished processing how i feel about this.

back to not grading papers...

2010-02-17T17:59:00.001-05:00

I didn't realize this video of me dancing had gotten out. I'm the one in the back row.

right.

i used to

2010-02-13T12:00:00.002-05:00

i used to be a lot of things.

when i was 15 i was really good at loving people. i was really thoughtful. i went out of my way to do special things for lots of people in my life. i cried with people when they needed to cry. i made people laugh when they were upset. i created gifts from the heart and hoped that person would treasure them as much as i did. i was not so concerned with myself.

i used to be cool. "cool" means different things for everyone; for me it means that i'm not like others. today, sitting at starbucks across from a mall, i feel like everybody else. somehow, i feel like i've lost sight of God's thumbprint on me, telling me that i actually am different from everyone else. i used to feel like i had something to offer the world...something that no one else could give. i am not doubting God's unique design; i still firmly believe that we are all wonderfully and fearfully made... i just can't see my own at the moment.

i used to love God. it's not that i don't any more, but things have changed. what i mean to say is, i used to be really good at loving God (which made me good at loving people unselfishly). and i'm sure that if i still loved God that way and people that way, i'd realize that that isn't even my best offering to my Creator. i don't think that i was doing the best possible job of loving God, but i know i did it with a very honest heart, a very willing heart, a very (what was, for me at the time) sacrificial heart.

i know that in many ways i'm wiser and more mature now than i was at 15, but the 15-year-old me was smarter. loving God is simple. sure, it was probably easier for me to react to God with a child-like faith at 15 b/c i was not so far removed from my own childhood, but i think in recent years i've made my relationship with God too complicated (and perhaps even overly simplified at the same time, if that's possible). it was so easy as a teenager to fall at the feet of Jesus. now, however, even when i want to fall at his feet, i simultaneously feel worldly responsibilities pulling me in multiple directions, and the burdens that i carry pulling me backwards instead of allowing me to fall forward to the ground...prostrate...which is how i prefer to be in front of Jesus...

you know that cheesy church-camp question of, "if you could be anyone in the bible, who would you like to be?" ... my answer has always been the same: one of the children Jesus welcomed in his company.

i've never been one to remember my dreams very well. there are, however, two dreams i remember vividly from my childhood. the first was a nightmare. it involved characters from sesame street. don't ask me why it was scary; i loved that show, but the dream haunts me even today. the second dream i remember is one i will remember into my very old age. if i ever have alzheimer's, this dream is something i will still know and talk about. i was probably about 4. at the time, i didn't understand the difference between a dream and a memory, so the way i explained it to my mom was that i actually "remembered" this event; i remember believing that i had had this experience. maybe i did. the dream was very simple. it was spring-time sunny with beautiful clouds, a fantastically cool breeze, and i was on the greenest hillside i've ever known. i was surrounded by about a dozen or so other children. we were jumping around, giggling, chasing each other... it was lovely. and at the center of it all was jesus. and he was one of us. i mean, he was the grown-up-bearded with a white robe jesus, like the pictures i saw hanging on the wall in sunday school, but he was playing with us and loving it.

that's where i want to be. literally? sure. but figuratively as well. it's not that i've taken some drastically horrible turn in my life that's cut me off from God. it's just... i've lost sight of his thumbprint b/c i've lost sight of Him. the amazing and beautiful thing about God is that i don't have to do anything majorly different to change my focus. i know He's here. i know He knows what i'm thinking and feeling, and i know He welcomes my heart, and that is the most comforting thing.

lent is coming up. i don't always participate in giving up something. i only do it if i feel the need or call to. this year i feel both the need and the call. i've decided to give up all drinks except for water. john 4:13 - Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." this is from when Jesus was talking to the samaritan woman at the well. he knew she had been unfaithful to her husbands, but he welcomed her to be faithful to God. i need to be reminded of where my breath comes from and where i can find the reason to love people around me with God's love, which doesn't run out. i need to be reminded of not just my daily need for Jesus, but my hour to hour, my minute to minute need for Him.

if you've not experienced God's love, none of this will make sense to you. there's no way for you to know Him unless you allow Him to love you. and He's a gentleman. my ignoring God is a decision, and he will allow me to make those decisions; love is not love if it forced.

and so He waits. He waits on me. He waits on you. may we both answer the call.

the blindside...we've all got one

2009-11-21T17:31:00.006-05:00

if you know me you know i'm a sucker for true stories - especially when they involve teenagers. today adam treated me to a movie and we saw The Blindside. it has been a very long time since i've seen a movie that affected me as much as this one. i'm not going to go on and on about it, and i'm not going to write a movie review or anything like that. i just want to say that leigh ann tuohy is now one of my heroes, and i hope to be like her someday. i really appreciated that at the heart of this movie was a lesson on how to be more like jesus, and that's what i'm after. i know kids like michael oher, and i hope i'm brave enough to love them, love on them, and teach them to love.

my morning workout

2009-06-20T12:04:00.000-04:00

apparently this is what i'll be like as a mom...

2009-05-28T14:05:00.000-04:00

Brooke Shields in Playground Tales from Brooke Shields

i'm engaged (!!)

2009-04-18T10:03:00.004-04:00

"have a fun drive home. and don't worry. God's got someone in mind for you. i asked him to. " -greg, a note left to me on my car several years ago...

on march 28th, 2008 i went on a date with a boy named adam. i didn't really think it was going to go anywhere. i mean, he was cute and all, but seriously...

then we just kept dating. and i kinda tried to get rid of him a few times, but it didn't work. and i'm really glad it didn't work. really, really glad. you see, as much as i think i know what's best for me, i know that God knows better. and most of you know how long i've pined for romance, relationship, partnership, etc... there are about three or four of you who heard me say at one point or another, "i would never date adam johnson" or "i will not marry him"...

never say never.

God knows better than i do, and i'm thankful for that. i have fallen in love with a man who is wonderful. he's not perfect, but neither am i. and frankly, he seems willing to put up with me, so how can i say no to that? he's officially agreed to a "complicated order." we both love God, trust God, and rely on God for wisdom. this relationship has been deeply blessed, and in the last year i've learned a lot about the fruit of the spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control).

i'm absolutely convinced that it will take me a lifetime to truly understand this word "love" and i'm very happy to have found someone who's willing to take that journey with me.

adam probably first mentioned marriage some time around the end of last summer. i thought he was crazy. i wasn't convinced. as time went by, however, my heart changed. by christmas we agreed that we wanted to get married.

we looked at rings at the end of december. well, to be honest, i endured what felt like some form of cruel torture in the following months. we live five hours apart and see each other once every two to three weeks, so every time we see each other is exciting. add on top of that the "is he going to ask today" feeling and it was almost miserable sometimes. guys, don't torture girls like this. and adam certainly didn't mean to, but...dang...it was rough. it didn't help that four of my friends got engaged during the time period i was waiting for my turn... in the end though...it was worth it :)

we went out for dinner last thursday night to celebrate our one year anniversary. i had asked to go to the salt water grille because that was where we had our first date. he picked me up around 7. i had already convinced myself that he wasn't going to propose during spring break, so i didn't think it was going to happen. when we got out of the car though, i noticed something strange. i was walking with my left side close to the row of parked cars. despite the massive space on my right, adam wedged himself between the cars and me (for some reason my brain can't decide if that's grammatically correct...). then, when the waitress was seating us i was walking with my left side next to a wall, so i expected adam to join me on the right. he wasn't there! i glanced around my shoulder to find him walking single file, directly behind me as if we were kindergarteners on our way to the lunchroom. at this point i allowed myself to hope that he had a ring in his pocket and he was trying to hide it. i didn't dare say anything. after dinner he suggested we go down to the marina back at coffee bluff; i loved this idea, but wanted to change clothes first.

we headed back to my parents house. we got out of the car and made our way up the driveway. adam stopped me and hugged me. and then, quite to my surprise, he whispered in my ear, "will you marry me?" now, i had been waiting to hear that question for...oh...twenty something years...but i didn't want to feel dumb if for some reason this wasn't the official proposal, so i paused, thought it over for a second, and then casually said something like, "yeah. sure..." (this part's a bit blurry) adam then backed slightly away, got down on one knee, pulled out a ring, and repeated the question.

what??? are you serious? are you serious?? are you SERIOUS??? i said that about three or four times before it sank it that he really was asking me. i was expecting him to ask down at the marina, so he did manage to catch me off guard. i said yes!!! we hugged, kissed, and he placed the ring on my finger. funny side note about the ring - it was really dark and i couldn't see it :) it wasn't until we got up to the door and the flood light came on that i saw it - and it's gorrrrrrrrrgeous!

i asked if we could keep the news to ourselves for a night, and i'm glad we did. it was kinda fun to walk around with this great secret.

friday afternoon we shared the news with adam's parents and they were very excited. we went to dinner at my parents' house later that night. b/c we're a bit cruel, sick you might say, we didn't say anything to my family. we just waited for someone to notice the ridiculous ring on my finger. erik, my brother, noticed it first. nikkie, my sister-in-law was second. then the puns began. "how was dinner last night? icy?" "how's your bling break going?" it was hysterical. fun times.

after dinner we began the phone call party. it was a lot of fun.

and now, a week later, i'm still having lots of fun talking about it. my kids at school freaked out. now they're all confused about what to call me. mrs. reagan? mrs. johnson? so we had to have a little lesson on how that all works. a few kids were sad b/c they won't be able to call me LoSeR anymore. i told them they still could if they really wanted to.

we haven't set a date yet, but when we do, you'll know about it.

a special thanks to my close friends. i've driven some of you just about crazy talking about how i wanted to find "the right guy" and blah blah blah. you guys have loved me through this search, and i really appreciate it.

those of you who are married, adam and i welcome your advice and wisdom. i love you guys and can't wait to share this special day with you all.

love
laura sue

i forgot

2009-01-24T22:47:00.002-05:00

there were two other videos i meant to post yesterday.

these guys are just ridiculous. i used this video to teach my kids what an allusion is.

this is, without a doubt, my favorite erykah badu song. i've been listening to it for years, but recently re-discovered it when my ipod was on shuffle. :)

as of late

2009-01-23T19:01:00.005-05:00

well, there's always something going on, isn't there? i've started my second semester of teaching in north georgia, and it looks like i'm starting to figure it out. i love my school. i am very blessed to be able to say that, and i know it. i have my first honors class, and they're awesome. they're challenging, but in a different way from my other classes. i'm enjoying the new perspective. my other two classes are a lot of fun. i have some great kids this semester. also, i am trying to book invisible children to visit my school, so i'm really excited about the possibilites there.

i found out this week that one of my uncles has inoperable cancer. he lives in florida. i'm not sure if i will get a chance to see him or not. there are lots of things i could say, but i'm not sure where to start. it's not easy though. when i was little he lived on lake lanier. now that i'm up here, it makes me sad that he doesn't live up here anymore.

this week has been very interesting for me in terms of politics. those of you who know me, could probably never say you've had a conversation with me about politics. one reason for that may be that i hate discussing it. but i can't keep from commenting on this week's events. i thought that tuesday was a fantastic day. i want to believe that obama will make good choices for our country. i want to believe that he is an honest man, and that he believes he is making healthy decisions for us all. i couldn't help but feel hopeful on tuesday, watching the inauguration with my students...watching history take place. but i confess, as with every politician, i don't agree with everything obama plans on doing. i'm not going to go into specifics b/c that's not the point. i'm just going to be honest in saying that i know i'm not going to like everything he does, but i do pray that he is wise, steady, and honest.

here is some lighthearted entertainment to lighten the mood.

whenever i need a smile, i check out ps22 and their latest videos. this teacher is getting it right. i don't care who you are. music is the universal language.

don't inarupt. rude.

these next two videos are ridiculous. and no matter how you feel about obama, i think you'll get a kick out of them.

things you should watch

2008-11-18T20:31:00.002-05:00

i thought i'd share a few things i've watched lately.

i've already decided i want to adopt willie. he's the super tiny one with cornrows.

i really just love this last video b/c it shows TI getting "slide certified" at the ron clark academy (around the 6:30 mark)

i need warmth

2008-10-27T21:40:00.000-04:00

i tried writing a blog on oct. 11th, but never finished it. im having to start over now.

the past month has been kind of a blur. it started off with adam's birthday. he came up with his parents and we spent the weekend celebrating. his parents stayed with his brother, just around the corner from little five points. it was really hard for me to drive past several times and not hang out. greg - do you remember the time we went with dave, thomas, and justin? fun times. adam isnt a fan of his birthday, but i did my best to make a deal out of it b/c i love birthdays and think they should always be celebrated. it was a good weekend.

a few days later was one of the best experiences ive had in a while. jill came up for a few days and we went together to the catalyst conference. it was amazing. there were over 12,000 people there this year. i think that was a record. we heard some amazing people speak. there were many tears. God showed up. what can i say? as usual, im changed b/c of it. it was good to see jill, too, b/c we hadnt seen each other in almost a year. romeo was also glad to see her :).

the weekend after that i headed down to savannah to sing in a friend's wedding. it was great to be in savannah, even if for what seemed a moment. the wedding was great, and it was good to see such loving faces. i also celebrated my mom's 58th birthday. i used to think that was old, but if you know my mom, you know she's not old, so...

the weather started to change that weekend. now it's about a week later, and i've been sick ever since i left savannah. i don't remember ever being sick for this long. my head hurts. my ears are stopped up. i've sneezed so much i've probably started what will be a tsunami headed for goodness knows where.

this weekend sucked. i spent - and im not kidding - the entire weekend on the couch. i slept. i blew my nose. i took medicine. i slept again. it was awful. it didnt help that the moments i was awake, all i could think about was the awesome reunion a lot of my friends were having up at milligan. it was homecoming this weekend, and it was my five year reunion. there are so many hearts dear to me i wish i could have seen. oh, to hang out at sub7, hear chris sing, play games and drink shakes! i was really bummed that i couldnt be there. i dont deny that i cried about it.

i feel so weak. i know that no matter where i go in life, what my circumstances are, and who i'm with or without, that God should be enough. but he's not. if i'm really honest about how i feel (feel being an important word here), i dont think that he's enough. im struggling with lonliness a lot. it's been over a week since ive had a hug. don't misunderstand me. i know that God is enough. all im saying is that im in a spot where im struggling to believe that. i am so blessed, and i know it. i thank God for all that he's blessed me with, but i confess that im in a spot of weakness. i believe God wants me where i am, doing what im doing. that doesnt make it easy. and when i think of all the other places in the world God could call me, i recognize that i still have a very cushy life. the things im struggling with here are the same things i struggled with when i went to college for the first time and the things i struggled with when i lived in a foreign country for a summer. i crave warmth. i crave tangible love. i crave meaningful relationships. and i know these things do not magically appear, and that they are things that often take time. i dont feel bad in admitting that i struggle with this. i miss family. i miss the great friends that ive made over the years. i wish i didnt come home everyday by myself. that's all.

i beat anorexia, wait- i'm funny?, and poetry is...

2008-09-24T18:52:00.000-04:00

oh geez.

you just dont know.

here we go...

- my niece, brady (http://www.bradyfaith.net/) is doing so well! her site is my homepage, so each time i open a browser i check on her as well as her mom and dad (my brother and his wife). i got so excited last night b/c in her pictures she's starting to look like a little fat baby, and this is a good thing. she was so tiny, and now her little fingers look so cute and pudgy. it kinda made me think of this shirt...

she's come a long way, and i'm super excited to get to see her in october.

- speaking of october, a few exciting things are going to happen. adam is coming up next weekend to celebrate his birthday, so that will be fun. i'm going to get to spend more time with his family, so that will be fun. the week after that is the catalyst conference. this is going to be amazing. this will be my third time going, and it has twice melted my face off. jill sims will be attending with me, so that makes it super fun. and finally, in mid-october, i get to go home b/c i'm in a wedding. that will be awesome for several reasons.

- i've been checking out some dave ramsey stuff on money, and it's really good stuff. if you're not amazing at managing money, you should check him out. i ordered a few of his dvds, and they've been amazing so far. highly recommend that action right thur.

- um, suddenly i was funny in class last week. i mean, it wasn't the pity laugh the kids normally give, which usually amounts to a verbal equivalent of, "oh, ms. reagan. you're so lame. we pity your humorless soul." no, this one was more like, "bwahhahahahahah....stoppp!!!! i'm bout to pee my pants!!!!ahahoiwehahwoeihhahahah!" oh yeah. we were reading a short story called "checkouts" and i explained one of my favorite skits to each class, and all three classes thought it was the funniest thing. who knew. maybe i'm adjusting better than i thought... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA1BO5mjHiA

today we listened to bradley hathaway's poetry in class and discussed his use of imagery, alliteration, poem structure, and allusion. it was magical. www.myspace.com/bradleyhathaway

- chLC is coming to visit (i think) this weekend. she's one of "my girls" from when i did student ministries at savannah christian church as well as young life. she's just started college, so it will be fun to catch up with her and giggle for the weekend.

- last weekend mom came up to visit and it was great. greg and jessica came over for dinner on saturday night. we watched a little from the last season of the office.

- i've been listening to tunes by the following as of late: joshua radin. kate nash. old crow medicine show. fleet foxes. johnny flynn. jose gonzalez. tyga. and, as always, copeland.

- today in the faculty meeting we watched a video interview with this kid named brian. a year ago, brian had the normal life of your average 17-year-old boy. this past spring he was diagnosed with a very rare and aggressive form of cancer. in the video, i saw this bald-headed kid nervously rock back and forth in a big comfy chair and attempt to explain what he's gone through in the last few months. he misses school. he misses his friends. but there was nothing pathetic or needy about him. physically, he is so weak. but the voice i heard in the video was far from lacking in strength. he talked a lot about how God has carried him through all of this. when asked if he had a message for people watching the video, he stressed several times not to take the little things in life for granted, and that if you're doing something you love, whether it be playing sports, being artsy, or hanging out with friends, that you should enjoy it to the fullest - and i love this part - because that's the way God wants us to live.... at the end of the video, brian said he wanted to pray for us, so we all bowed our heads as this teenager with cancer prayed for us.... i mentioned that in my classes we read poetry today. well, another poem we took a look at is carl sandburg's "ten definitions of poetry"... poetry is being ungrateful and oblivious of blessings, while the One who provides these things speaks over you through a sick child fighting to survive.

this is why i'm hot

2008-09-14T18:00:00.000-04:00

this is what i'm talking about. this is what i miss when i say i miss savannah. this occurred in the stands at a savannah high vs beach football game. more than likely this is at memorial stadium.

ps - if you dont already know, the dancing style is called crumping. watch the movie rize.

little boy fall

peanut butter jelly time/why i'm a starbucks whore

2008-09-14T09:56:00.001-04:00

so. omg. life is still very different, and i'm still adjusting, but i'm definitely trying to enjoy the differences rather than miss familiarity.

one of the main reasons adjusting has been challenging is because i crave community - i need it - and i know it. i'm the type of person who could be by myself for an entire week and actually really enjoy it, but i know that God created us to be social beings, and despite my interpretation of my own personality, i know i still have a need to connect and be with others. well, i think God answered prayer this week, and, as he normally does with me, it was in a pretty random way.

last tuesday i ventured out for a drink from starbucks. for the past ten years or so, i've lived reallllly close to a starbucks, regardless of where i lived, so i've become a bit spoiled. i recognized the fact that it was a really good thing i'd have to make a drive just to get a drink from starbucks when i moved up here, b/c with the given gas prices, i'm not likely to drive anywhere with the exception of work, publix, and the gas station. well, i'd gone maybe a week and a half without having starbucks, so i braved the distance. i walked in, asked for what i wanted, and sadly was told they had changed their menu and no longer had the drink i liked. what the. ok. fine. so, i was walking out of the store when i heard someone call, "laura?"

now, people up in flowery branch call me "laura sue," so i knew this had to be either someone from tennessee (college friend) or savannah (hometown). either way, i really didn't expect this person to be talking to me b/c, well, why would anyone i know be at starbucks in buford, georgia?? well, i turned around and saw one of my favorite smiling faces. it was lauren t. i met her through a friend when we were in high school. she's basically fabulous. i was so confused though as to why the heck she was, well, where she was. i knew that she had graduated from tech a few years back and then had spent time in bosnia, but i wasn't too sure what she had been up to since returning to the states. it turns out that two years ago she moved to gwinnett county and started teaching high school. so, there she was, at a starbucks three minutes from her house grading papers when i walked in for a drink that apparently no longer existed. yay, God!

after one of the best hugs ever, i sat down with her and we caught up on things. we got to talking about church, which was fun b/c there are lots of interesting churches up here, and she invited me to a small group that will start meeting this week at her house. this is exactly what i've been looking for. so, this week i'll be checking that out, and i couldn't be more excited about it.

at school i'm definitely still adjusting. about half of my pop culture knowledge is useless now. very few of my kids listen to rap or hip hop regularly. it honestly makes me sad, however, my new students are helping me out. on friday two kids asking to play some music of theirs for the class off of their ipods, and i agreed to it. one kid played beethoven's fifth symphony that had been remixed with techno (not too sure how i feel about that...) and the other put on the song "peanut butter jelly time," but the hardcore screamo version, which was hysterical.

so, i'm learning. adjusting. and always seeking God and ways to connect to the kingdom.

there's more, but if i don't stop typing soon, adam might start throwing books at me b/c he's been waiting for me to say i'm ready to go to church.... later, kids.

one month in

2008-08-26T19:23:00.000-04:00

so i've lived in flowery branch for just over a month now. i'd say i'm pretty settled in with the exception of a few random things i have yet to hang or hide in a closet.

i've experienced a pretty significant culture shock. i'm reminded of the first time i visited my friend, josh goleman, in his hometown in oklahoma. i just remember wondering if there were any black people.

there weren't.

and so i'm faced with that strange fact again. only, this time, i'm living in a place that is culturally different from savannah. there is a mix up here of white and hispanic, but it's quite different from what i'm used to. the hispanic kids apparently don't learn the names of their teachers. they call me "miss" and that's it. it really bothers me, so i'm forcing them to add my name into the phrase. i've done my best to explain that it's a respect issue. i figure if i'm going to take the time to learn all of their names, they should be able to handle remembering mine.

my new school is quite different from windsor. i take that back. it's actually a lot like windsor, but not windsor in 2008. more like windsor in 1998. west hall is very much a family atmosphere, and it's such a blessing. i feel welcomed and instantly trusted by the adults in the building, and the kids are great. despite the green grass i'm enjoying at the moment, i can't help but miss windsor and my kids from the past five years. i know that as long as i live i will always love the time i spent in savannah.

i was reluctant to look for a church. finding a church has got to be one of the hardest things. i spent four years of college never really finding a church home. in the last few weeks i've attended mass, which was very interesting, a baptist church, and a christian church. i'm beyond blessed to say that after just one month, i believe i've found a home church. it's called browns bridge community church. it is a satellite location for north point community church up in alpharetta. andy stanley is the pastor. i've heard andy speak on two occassions and loved him. i checked out bbcc this past sunday and really like it. i hope to get involved shortly with a small group. i really need to find community up here - and soon. i struggle some with lonliness, but i know that will change with time as long as i pursue community.

i chose the title of the blog b/c a lot of things are changing for me, and i anticipate that they will continue to change over the next few years. i am learning to be away from home again, only completely on my own this time. i recently became an aunt, so that's new and exciting. i hope that a year from now i can say that i've been to africa. i'm hoping that God reveals himself to me in new ways. i need Him more now than ever. i trusted him enough to make this move. so now i'm trusting he will show me what's next. i just felt God say "go" so here i am. if you feel the urge to come visit, holla.

and i'm back

2008-08-13T20:49:00.001-04:00

ok. so i used to blog on here. it's been a while. i miss it though, so i thought i'd return. i'm not quite ready to enter an actual blog, but for now, here is my old one if you'd like to get an idea of who/where i was two years ago...
www.laurasuereagan.blogspot.com