Ok so I have to admit that I'm at a bit of a low point when it comes to my job. Things are rough right now. I have one child in particular who is extremely challenging and the parent is needless to say, not helping the cause. I think I'm at a low point because I realize the challenge of what I do. The teaching is a challenge...yes...but the "type" and I hate to use that word, but the culture of children I teach are challenging. I can see so many of them are missing things in their lives. I can see the frustration that is coming out in other ways (behavior) because of situations going on at home. It's all just a little much right now. Everyone I have talked to has said, "It'll be ok, Spring Break starts Friday and you need a break." Well here's the thing, the problems I am experiencing will still be there when I come back. Like I said, I don't want to go into to many specifics but lets just say that a classroom full of bahavioral problems + unsupportive parents = a great big headache. I DON'T wan to feel this way. Literally every morning I pray the entire way to work that I will experience happiness at my job today. I have to say that God does provide, because there are moments of happiness. However, my problem is all of the difficult and frustrating situations are overpowering my happiness. I used to love my job! I want to love it again!
Well, anyway...right now as I mentioned in a post before, I am reading the book Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst. I just got done reading a chapter where she compares our life's struggles with the battle between David and Goliath. She said, "He (David) didn't wonder or resist why God had put him in this most unlikely place for an anointed king. He didn't let his mind be carried off by doubt and insecurity. He just accepted that God had led him where he was supposed to be--the right place for right now." I find comfort in that statment right there. Doubt and insecurity are two feelings I feel right about now. I doubt myself as being an effective teacher for these children, and I am insecure about my doubts. It's like a vicious circle.
So for all of my friends out there in "blog land" please send up a prayer for me. I need to find the happiness in my job, and the will to keep going. I know my teacher friends understand. Our job has perks because of the time off...but jeesh without that time off I wonder what we would all be like.....CRAZY!
Thanks for listening,
Katie
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
John Mayer's still got it!
Friday night Chris and I went to John Mayer here in Memphis. Don't judge me here but, it was my 18th time seeing Mr. Mayer. Things are definitely not the same. His fan base has totally changed. There were a lot of 15 year olds running around with short dresses on and no panties. NOT PLEASANT! Especially when you are walking behind them up the stairs. Anyway, we had a good time. John put on a good show. If he comes again I'd love to make it 19! Here are some pictures from the night!
What a great night! Oh and guess what...ONE MORE WEEK UNTIL SPRING BREAK! YEAH!
Katie
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Making More Time
So this weekend I don't have a paper due, and I feel FREE! Now, should I be working on stuff to get ahead for next week? Sure. But I neeeeeed this weekend. I'm making more time for me. There is sooo much I want to do before the end of the school year and before the wedding planning starts getting insane!
So I decided one way to make more time for me was to find a good book that is spiritually uplifting. Many people don't know this but I have a small devotional book that I read every night before bed. It's no more than a paragraph but usually it says some things I need to hear. I finished that up about 2 weeks ago and was looking for something else. Well, I have heard of a TON of people reading this book from what people have commented on blogs, friends at work, and Hope even has a Bible study centered on it. Unfortunately that Bible study is on a night I teach Jazzercise. Anyway, the book is Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst. I am only three chapters in and loving it. the way she writes is like you're having a conversation with her. However, what I have learned so far from reading it is that no one person, possession, or anything for that matter can fill what is empty in our lives. We have to fill that emptiness with God. So with this book, I plan on doing just that.
The past week or so has been a little tough on me. I've gotten overwhelmed at times. I've gotten frustrated at times. I've taken my anger out at the wrong people (coughcough Chris cough cough) at times. I can't do that anymore. It isn't fair. There is an emptiness that I'm feeling right now, and now I know how to fill it. It won't happen over night, but it will happen!
So what am I going to do with this glorious cloudy, cold, day off? Well, I'm about to watch the UT vs. Kentucky game and hope that UT can dominate Kentucky again! Can you believe I'm cheering for the vols? I'm really just cheering against Calipari. Saying it that way makes me feel better! While watching the game, I'm catching up on laundry...cleaning out my closet...and getting stuff organized. In seven months, I won't live in this house anymore. Kinda sad, but exciting to get to fix up a house of my own!
Well, I told myself that I have to get straight up off this couch and get to work. My blogging time was going to be the chance for my poor twitching muscles to recover after a full Circuit Jazzercise class and then a Bikini Body Pilates class right after that. Whew. It literally hurts to press the shift key and capitalize my words. Ha! Anyway, y'all have a great weekend! I know I am!
Katie
So I decided one way to make more time for me was to find a good book that is spiritually uplifting. Many people don't know this but I have a small devotional book that I read every night before bed. It's no more than a paragraph but usually it says some things I need to hear. I finished that up about 2 weeks ago and was looking for something else. Well, I have heard of a TON of people reading this book from what people have commented on blogs, friends at work, and Hope even has a Bible study centered on it. Unfortunately that Bible study is on a night I teach Jazzercise. Anyway, the book is Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl by Lysa TerKeurst. I am only three chapters in and loving it. the way she writes is like you're having a conversation with her. However, what I have learned so far from reading it is that no one person, possession, or anything for that matter can fill what is empty in our lives. We have to fill that emptiness with God. So with this book, I plan on doing just that.
The past week or so has been a little tough on me. I've gotten overwhelmed at times. I've gotten frustrated at times. I've taken my anger out at the wrong people (coughcough Chris cough cough) at times. I can't do that anymore. It isn't fair. There is an emptiness that I'm feeling right now, and now I know how to fill it. It won't happen over night, but it will happen!
So what am I going to do with this glorious cloudy, cold, day off? Well, I'm about to watch the UT vs. Kentucky game and hope that UT can dominate Kentucky again! Can you believe I'm cheering for the vols? I'm really just cheering against Calipari. Saying it that way makes me feel better! While watching the game, I'm catching up on laundry...cleaning out my closet...and getting stuff organized. In seven months, I won't live in this house anymore. Kinda sad, but exciting to get to fix up a house of my own!
Well, I told myself that I have to get straight up off this couch and get to work. My blogging time was going to be the chance for my poor twitching muscles to recover after a full Circuit Jazzercise class and then a Bikini Body Pilates class right after that. Whew. It literally hurts to press the shift key and capitalize my words. Ha! Anyway, y'all have a great weekend! I know I am!
Katie
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Some things are hard to understand.
This week we found out that Chris' court case has been settled. It's been settled, not in the most fair way in my opinion, but it is over. There is a sense of relief in just saying that, I know he is glad that it's all over.
For those of you who don't know the background here it is: In 2004, Chris was working as a tech at Lander's Ford. Another company (who shall remain nameless for the purposes of this blog grr) contracted labor out to Lander's. This employee had never driven a car before, and spoke no English. He got behind the wheel of a car, and drove it petal to the metal into the shop building. Long story short, Chris got ran over. It broke both of his legs and several other injuries. He spent almost a month in the MED having multiple surgeries and then a year or more of physical therapy. There were times people told him he may never walk again, there were times when people said he would never be the same....he beat EVERY ODD against him. So now, the court case is over. I don't think any amount of money can be placed on what happened to him. But it is over. That's what matters.
The other night after we found out it was all over he said that the best thing that came out of that situation was me. (After he returned to work they gave him a service line job were he was out in front dealing with customers.) He said that if he did not get hurt, he would have never been on the service line, he would have been in the back and never seen me. He said it's kind of like that song "God Bless the Broken Road." That's when I knew it....that song has to be in our wedding somehow, someway.
I can remember when I first met Chris and he told me the story of what happened to him. It made me like him even more. He has such a great story to tell. He beat all odds!
Everything. Everything. Everything happens for a reason.
Katie
For those of you who don't know the background here it is: In 2004, Chris was working as a tech at Lander's Ford. Another company (who shall remain nameless for the purposes of this blog grr) contracted labor out to Lander's. This employee had never driven a car before, and spoke no English. He got behind the wheel of a car, and drove it petal to the metal into the shop building. Long story short, Chris got ran over. It broke both of his legs and several other injuries. He spent almost a month in the MED having multiple surgeries and then a year or more of physical therapy. There were times people told him he may never walk again, there were times when people said he would never be the same....he beat EVERY ODD against him. So now, the court case is over. I don't think any amount of money can be placed on what happened to him. But it is over. That's what matters.
The other night after we found out it was all over he said that the best thing that came out of that situation was me. (After he returned to work they gave him a service line job were he was out in front dealing with customers.) He said that if he did not get hurt, he would have never been on the service line, he would have been in the back and never seen me. He said it's kind of like that song "God Bless the Broken Road." That's when I knew it....that song has to be in our wedding somehow, someway.
I can remember when I first met Chris and he told me the story of what happened to him. It made me like him even more. He has such a great story to tell. He beat all odds!
Everything. Everything. Everything happens for a reason.
Katie
Monday, March 1, 2010
Revitalize
So at church Craig just finished a sermon series called "Revitalize." It was all based on a survey that you could take on the Hope website where you gave feedback about your life, and what you needed to hear. Craig addressed every issue imaginable. Well yesterday he tied it all together and I heard somethings that I definitely need to hear. I have to change some things about myself. It won't happen over night, but it will be MY work in progress. Anyway, some major points that Craig hit that really struck close to home for me was "Identifying your road blocks." He spoke about surrounding yourself with people and things that are uplifting and make you a better person. However, he also mentioned the "road blocks" and doing your best to avoid him.
"Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings out the best of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." Romans 12:2
Wow. Powerful stuff huh? Surrounding yourself with positive things. Positive people. Positively positive!
I know that I mention all the time about how busy I am. How much that seems to be going on right now, however; rather than letting it drag me down, I am determined to find the positive in everything.
1. I am going through grad school. It's tough, but when it's all set and done, I will have MASTER'S DEGREE. That's exciting. Plus I can technically put M.S. after my name...ha!
2. Jazzercise. I CHOSE to go through the Jazzercise workshop when I did. Little do I know how busy it would make me. But here's the positive in that: Jazzercise completely changed my life. I'm happier, healthier, and in the best shape I've ever been in my life. It is my duty to give back to something that was so life changing for me. Plus, I love it...and I now get paid to work out!
3. Graves Elementary: Those two words right there equal stress but here's the thing...I have a job. There are SO many people out there struggling to make ends meet without a steady income. Every year I have had to worry about the threat of being surplussed, but God takes care of me each time. He might have plans to move me...but I will be blessed no matter what. In addition, what an amazing task God has given me. I'm teaching at-risk children and could very well be the only positive influence in their life. Wow.
4. Planning a wedding: This can also be stressful, but it's fun too. I'm planning a special day because I'm marrying the man of my dreams. He's someone who completed the part of me that I didn't know was missing. I can't wait!
So, my life feels revitalized right about now...plus I'm stomach virus free. If that doesn't revitalize you, I don't know what does!
Yesterday I finally felt like myself again so Chris and I went to church with my mom and then we went to Lowe's to get some ideas for his house that will eventually become our house. Chris has a house in Olive Branch, MS...and while we were hoping to be able to buy some land and build a new house, things really aren't working out in that direction. So we are going to save money and fix Chris' house up the way I, I mean we, like it. (HA!) We looked at flooring, paint colors, tile, counter tops, light fixtures....the works. His house will become my summer project. Grad school will be over and I'll be a mean, lean, painting machine. I'm really excited to do this!
Anyway, I guess I better go now...I have a few things to do for Grad school and then I promised myself I would learn a new abdominal routine for my class tonight. But aren't you proud of me? I'm still blogging!
Happy Blogging!
Katie
"Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings out the best of you, develops well-formed maturity in you." Romans 12:2
Wow. Powerful stuff huh? Surrounding yourself with positive things. Positive people. Positively positive!
I know that I mention all the time about how busy I am. How much that seems to be going on right now, however; rather than letting it drag me down, I am determined to find the positive in everything.
1. I am going through grad school. It's tough, but when it's all set and done, I will have MASTER'S DEGREE. That's exciting. Plus I can technically put M.S. after my name...ha!
2. Jazzercise. I CHOSE to go through the Jazzercise workshop when I did. Little do I know how busy it would make me. But here's the positive in that: Jazzercise completely changed my life. I'm happier, healthier, and in the best shape I've ever been in my life. It is my duty to give back to something that was so life changing for me. Plus, I love it...and I now get paid to work out!
3. Graves Elementary: Those two words right there equal stress but here's the thing...I have a job. There are SO many people out there struggling to make ends meet without a steady income. Every year I have had to worry about the threat of being surplussed, but God takes care of me each time. He might have plans to move me...but I will be blessed no matter what. In addition, what an amazing task God has given me. I'm teaching at-risk children and could very well be the only positive influence in their life. Wow.
4. Planning a wedding: This can also be stressful, but it's fun too. I'm planning a special day because I'm marrying the man of my dreams. He's someone who completed the part of me that I didn't know was missing. I can't wait!
So, my life feels revitalized right about now...plus I'm stomach virus free. If that doesn't revitalize you, I don't know what does!
Yesterday I finally felt like myself again so Chris and I went to church with my mom and then we went to Lowe's to get some ideas for his house that will eventually become our house. Chris has a house in Olive Branch, MS...and while we were hoping to be able to buy some land and build a new house, things really aren't working out in that direction. So we are going to save money and fix Chris' house up the way I, I mean we, like it. (HA!) We looked at flooring, paint colors, tile, counter tops, light fixtures....the works. His house will become my summer project. Grad school will be over and I'll be a mean, lean, painting machine. I'm really excited to do this!
Anyway, I guess I better go now...I have a few things to do for Grad school and then I promised myself I would learn a new abdominal routine for my class tonight. But aren't you proud of me? I'm still blogging!
Happy Blogging!
Katie
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Learned something yesterday...
Yesterday, because I really felt yuck I stayed in and in the bed most of the day. The big adventure of the night was Chris taking me to O'Charley's because the sound of their potato soup sounded good. It sounded good, and nothing happened, but my tummy still hurt! I only seem to want one thing right now and that's scrambled eggs. Isn't that weird?
Anyway, for my birthday last year Katie Grisham gave me the movie Sex and the City. I had never seen an episode of the show, but she told me to watch it and she promised I would love it. I did. I loved it not for the raunchy stuff but for the friendships in that show. I know everyone knows the story but, these four women, who all have separate lives, separate careers, separate everything live in the busiest city in the world and are there for each other at the drop of a hat, whenever there is a crisis (no matter how small). This show addresses every relationship problem (friend/spouse) you could possible imagine. So for Valentine's day I got the first 4 seasons of the show on DvD and yesterday I was able to watch a bunch of them. One in particular that really touched me was the episode where Miranda's mom died suddenly of a heart attack. Miranda is a single girl, career driven (lawyer in NYC), and little time for anything else. She called Carrie to tell her, and Carrie didn't exactly know what to say...she just knew she needed to be there for her. Well anyway, to make a long story short, at the end of the episode the girls are at the funeral and Miranda is walking up the isle out of the church with her family, but by herself (no husband) and she starts crying. Carrie runs out into the isle and grabs her hand and holds it and walks out with her. Of course, I start crying because that is the exact picture of friendship that I think God wants it to be. No one to make you feel bad about yourself, no one to bring you down, just simply someone who understands whats going on and loves you in-spite of it all. So that got me to thinking, is that how I treat my own friends? I like to think that's true....I know I've fallen short of being the perfect friend lately. I only have myself to blame on that one though...I've over committed myself. It'll all be ok. I will make it through grad school and have my life back again. Even as I sit and write this blog I realize that I immediately need to get started on my paper. It's a never ending cycle it seems like. School, jazzercise, grad school....repeat! Uhg, but April 25 will come and I will be a free woman.
So I rambled on in this blog, just to get a few things off my chest. Sometimes it feels good just to put these things in writing. Yesterday I realized I have a friend that I didn't realize was a close as she was. It just clicked. Sheila (teacher I teach with) knew on Thursday that I was struggling through the day to make it so I could get to the doctor. She offered to drive me, because I was so pale. Not only that but, all I did was type of some sub plans, and she got everything in my room ready for me. She did "Fun Friday" with her class and invited my class (the ones who deserved it) over for it even though I wasn't there. She called me after school, to check on me and to also tell me what a great sub I had (that was a RELIEF!) and then she said, "I know you were sick, and had to be out but please don't be out again." I asked why and she said, "School's not fun if you aren't there." That little comment made my day. We are friends. We have two completely different lives....but always there for one another.
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24
I want to live my life based on that. I want my friends now to know that I want to live my life based on that. I want my own Sex and the City friendships. Let's get them there...we can do it!
Much Love,
KT
Anyway, for my birthday last year Katie Grisham gave me the movie Sex and the City. I had never seen an episode of the show, but she told me to watch it and she promised I would love it. I did. I loved it not for the raunchy stuff but for the friendships in that show. I know everyone knows the story but, these four women, who all have separate lives, separate careers, separate everything live in the busiest city in the world and are there for each other at the drop of a hat, whenever there is a crisis (no matter how small). This show addresses every relationship problem (friend/spouse) you could possible imagine. So for Valentine's day I got the first 4 seasons of the show on DvD and yesterday I was able to watch a bunch of them. One in particular that really touched me was the episode where Miranda's mom died suddenly of a heart attack. Miranda is a single girl, career driven (lawyer in NYC), and little time for anything else. She called Carrie to tell her, and Carrie didn't exactly know what to say...she just knew she needed to be there for her. Well anyway, to make a long story short, at the end of the episode the girls are at the funeral and Miranda is walking up the isle out of the church with her family, but by herself (no husband) and she starts crying. Carrie runs out into the isle and grabs her hand and holds it and walks out with her. Of course, I start crying because that is the exact picture of friendship that I think God wants it to be. No one to make you feel bad about yourself, no one to bring you down, just simply someone who understands whats going on and loves you in-spite of it all. So that got me to thinking, is that how I treat my own friends? I like to think that's true....I know I've fallen short of being the perfect friend lately. I only have myself to blame on that one though...I've over committed myself. It'll all be ok. I will make it through grad school and have my life back again. Even as I sit and write this blog I realize that I immediately need to get started on my paper. It's a never ending cycle it seems like. School, jazzercise, grad school....repeat! Uhg, but April 25 will come and I will be a free woman.
So I rambled on in this blog, just to get a few things off my chest. Sometimes it feels good just to put these things in writing. Yesterday I realized I have a friend that I didn't realize was a close as she was. It just clicked. Sheila (teacher I teach with) knew on Thursday that I was struggling through the day to make it so I could get to the doctor. She offered to drive me, because I was so pale. Not only that but, all I did was type of some sub plans, and she got everything in my room ready for me. She did "Fun Friday" with her class and invited my class (the ones who deserved it) over for it even though I wasn't there. She called me after school, to check on me and to also tell me what a great sub I had (that was a RELIEF!) and then she said, "I know you were sick, and had to be out but please don't be out again." I asked why and she said, "School's not fun if you aren't there." That little comment made my day. We are friends. We have two completely different lives....but always there for one another.
"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24
I want to live my life based on that. I want my friends now to know that I want to live my life based on that. I want my own Sex and the City friendships. Let's get them there...we can do it!
Much Love,
KT
Friday, February 26, 2010
So when you have the stomach virus...
...you have nothing but loads of time.
Ha. I really intended to blog more. I need to blog more. I'm really going to try to blog more.
So I'm off work today because the "stomach virus" plagued my classroom and now it has overtaken me. Yesterday at work we had big district visitors coming by and all that night before I had been sick. I knew I couldn't call in. It was AWFUL. I called my doctor hoping he could call me in something for the nausea, but they said he wanted to see me. Well he said it was best I didn't go to work today, and I'm kinda glad I didn't because I still don't feel completely right...believe me it's MUCH better than yesterday though.
Anyway, enough of that!
So what's been going on? A whole lot! Where should I start?
Well, I had been teaching Jazzercise out in Bartlett, and then I was offered a position to teach in Collierville. I had to take it. It's so close to home, and it will be much closer to my new home when I'm married (I'll come back to that.) So as sad as I was that I had to disappoint the crew out at Bartlett, I knew what I had to do. I like teaching out here. I'm home much sooner. Not eating dinner as late. It's working out great. And if you're in the Collierville area and wanting to try out Jazzercise I teach at the Collierville United Methodist Church on Poplar at 6:40 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. (PLUG, PLUG, PLUG!)
Two friends had amazing little bundles of joy. Both boys!! The first was Alissa (my fabulous friend and wedding coordinator!) She has an amazing little cuddle bug named Jack. He's a month old now, so hard to believe! I can remember her coming into Jazzercise and telling me when she was just finding out she was pregnant. I went and visited with Alissa and Jack and he is just the cutest thing. Makes sweet little noises. Didn't fuss a bit! Can't wait to hold him again...
The other was my best friend of 17 years (I actually had to count back in my head how long we've been friends.) Mrs. Katie Hundley Grisham. She had baby Hayden early, but healthy and beautiful. Her story is kind of funny. I hope she reads this. I had just talked to her the day before her next doctors appointment. She had been stuck at 2 cm dilated for 2 weeks and was hoping to have made some progress. Well, she went to that next appointment and she was STILL 2 cm dilated. She went back to work, got a sharp pain...called the doctor....doctor said come back. Next thing I know, I'm at work and get a text that simply says this from Katie, "in labor." So of course I freak out! She didn't text me back, but I got her mom on the phone and she filled me in, and as soon as school let out I hurried to the hospital. It was a whirlwind! I got there, they checked her she was at 5 cm. Then the doctor came in to break her water and asked us to step into the hall then he immediately came out and said go to the waiting room, we're pushing! I think it was about 30 minutes later that we found out Baby Hayden was here. Such a cutie pie. I was supposed to go see them tonight...but I don't know if I'm completely over this bug yet...don't wanna get Momma or baby sick.
Let's see...what else....Oh! Starting this coming Monday I will start my FINAL grad class online. I will finish April 25th. When I say April 25th it actually helps me see that there is a finish line. It has been a stress on me, obviously. As I've gone through the courses, the writing has gotten more difficult, the professors grade harder. It's been a tough act to juggle with Graves Elementary, Grad School, AND teaching Jazzercise three nights a week. Sometimes I think I took on too much too soon. But just think, April 25th will be a day where I can celebrate some free time in my life again!
So, the other thing keeping me busy has been wedding planning. The official date is October 23, 2010. It seems far away, and it seems crazy to be planning so early, but everyone I've booked has said, "Wow, you just booked my last date in October." I'm learning that October is the "June" of Fall Weddings. So lot's of details have been worked out, some are still hanging in the air, but that's ok, we've got time. Here's a run down of what's been planned.
Venue: Memphis Zoo - Teton Trek Exhibit
I wasn't sure about how it would sound that I was getting married at "The Zoo" but, Alissa told me to go look at the Teton Trek exhibit and she said she promised that I would change my mind. She was right! It is breathtakingly gorgeous. Here are a few pictures:
This is "The Grand Lodge" at the exhibit. It is where the ceremony and reception will take place. It's a cute little lodge and those are geysers that shoot off in the front. The center one can shoot up to 25 feet tall!
This is the mezzanine balcony in the lodge. The ceremony will take place up here and the reception will be set up downstairs.
This is a view of the reception area from the balcony. Those two flat screens will play photos of Chris and I during the night.
Here is another view of the reception area. Look at the lighting and that beautiful fire place!
This is the exhibit all lit up at night like it will be during the wedding. All of my guests will have full access to the exhibit until midnight.
So I'm pretty excited just about the venue!
Flowers: L&Jay Productions
The flowers are going to be simple but elegant. The main flower is a green orchid with a plum colored throat.
My bouquet will be entirely orchids. The bridesmaid bouquets will have 3 orchids each and a mixture of fall colored flowers that tie in with my colors. Jay is building me two tree like things that will sit behind where we are getting married. They will be made of curly willow and have orchids tied to the curly willow in places as well as tea lights. These pieces will also be brought down for the reception to be place on the buffet tables. The centerpieces will also have some curly willow, orchids and other mixtures of fall flowers. GORGEOUS!
Bridesmaids: I have selected the color Watermelon from David's Bridal. Not to sure about the dress yet. I've had mixed reactions from bridesmaids and want to make sure I pick something that they are completely comfortable in. I've been in their shoes before (and a size too small shoes once before! ha!) Here is just a sample of two dresses that I like from the David's bridal site. Let me know what you think.
Tell me what y'all think!
Cake: I have chosen an AMAZING cake designer. You can check her out on facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=the+flour+garden&init=quick#!/pages/Memphis-TN/The-Flour-Garden/171106787892?ref=search&sid=38900746.2049021270..1
She is going to make a three tiered cake for me with two flavors. Strawberry and white cake. The outside will be white fondant icing. She's also going to mimic the curly willow going up the cake and make orchids out of fondant as well. She is also doing Chris' grooms cake in the shape of his race car. You have GOT to check out her picture on facebook!!!
DJ: Jordabella Entertainment
I was introduced to them through the bridal show. Mark did the sound for the wedding fashion shows. He has a great mixture of music and you can even select your music for your wedding ONLINE. So convenient! Visit Mark's website here: http://www.jordabella.com/
Photography: Shane Carr Photography/Videography
I was introduced to Shane through Starlife Photography's photographer Mike. Mike wasn't available on my date, and suggest I use Shane. His work is amazing! His photography packages come with so much! My package includes a bridal portrait session, engagement photos, wedding coverage, reception coverage and lots of options of prints.
The day of the wedding Shane will video everyone getting ready as well as take pictures. He will mix all of this into a wedding video with pictures and video. He does some amazing work! Check him out here: http://www.shanecarrphotography.com/
So that's all I have for now about the wedding. We still haven't decided on a caterer. We still have to hammer out all the small details, but that will all come with time.
I truly will try and blog more. Especially as I plan more for the wedding. Thanks for reading!
Happy Blogging!
Katie
Ha. I really intended to blog more. I need to blog more. I'm really going to try to blog more.
So I'm off work today because the "stomach virus" plagued my classroom and now it has overtaken me. Yesterday at work we had big district visitors coming by and all that night before I had been sick. I knew I couldn't call in. It was AWFUL. I called my doctor hoping he could call me in something for the nausea, but they said he wanted to see me. Well he said it was best I didn't go to work today, and I'm kinda glad I didn't because I still don't feel completely right...believe me it's MUCH better than yesterday though.
Anyway, enough of that!
So what's been going on? A whole lot! Where should I start?
Well, I had been teaching Jazzercise out in Bartlett, and then I was offered a position to teach in Collierville. I had to take it. It's so close to home, and it will be much closer to my new home when I'm married (I'll come back to that.) So as sad as I was that I had to disappoint the crew out at Bartlett, I knew what I had to do. I like teaching out here. I'm home much sooner. Not eating dinner as late. It's working out great. And if you're in the Collierville area and wanting to try out Jazzercise I teach at the Collierville United Methodist Church on Poplar at 6:40 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. (PLUG, PLUG, PLUG!)
Two friends had amazing little bundles of joy. Both boys!! The first was Alissa (my fabulous friend and wedding coordinator!) She has an amazing little cuddle bug named Jack. He's a month old now, so hard to believe! I can remember her coming into Jazzercise and telling me when she was just finding out she was pregnant. I went and visited with Alissa and Jack and he is just the cutest thing. Makes sweet little noises. Didn't fuss a bit! Can't wait to hold him again...
The other was my best friend of 17 years (I actually had to count back in my head how long we've been friends.) Mrs. Katie Hundley Grisham. She had baby Hayden early, but healthy and beautiful. Her story is kind of funny. I hope she reads this. I had just talked to her the day before her next doctors appointment. She had been stuck at 2 cm dilated for 2 weeks and was hoping to have made some progress. Well, she went to that next appointment and she was STILL 2 cm dilated. She went back to work, got a sharp pain...called the doctor....doctor said come back. Next thing I know, I'm at work and get a text that simply says this from Katie, "in labor." So of course I freak out! She didn't text me back, but I got her mom on the phone and she filled me in, and as soon as school let out I hurried to the hospital. It was a whirlwind! I got there, they checked her she was at 5 cm. Then the doctor came in to break her water and asked us to step into the hall then he immediately came out and said go to the waiting room, we're pushing! I think it was about 30 minutes later that we found out Baby Hayden was here. Such a cutie pie. I was supposed to go see them tonight...but I don't know if I'm completely over this bug yet...don't wanna get Momma or baby sick.
Let's see...what else....Oh! Starting this coming Monday I will start my FINAL grad class online. I will finish April 25th. When I say April 25th it actually helps me see that there is a finish line. It has been a stress on me, obviously. As I've gone through the courses, the writing has gotten more difficult, the professors grade harder. It's been a tough act to juggle with Graves Elementary, Grad School, AND teaching Jazzercise three nights a week. Sometimes I think I took on too much too soon. But just think, April 25th will be a day where I can celebrate some free time in my life again!
So, the other thing keeping me busy has been wedding planning. The official date is October 23, 2010. It seems far away, and it seems crazy to be planning so early, but everyone I've booked has said, "Wow, you just booked my last date in October." I'm learning that October is the "June" of Fall Weddings. So lot's of details have been worked out, some are still hanging in the air, but that's ok, we've got time. Here's a run down of what's been planned.
Venue: Memphis Zoo - Teton Trek Exhibit
I wasn't sure about how it would sound that I was getting married at "The Zoo" but, Alissa told me to go look at the Teton Trek exhibit and she said she promised that I would change my mind. She was right! It is breathtakingly gorgeous. Here are a few pictures:
This is "The Grand Lodge" at the exhibit. It is where the ceremony and reception will take place. It's a cute little lodge and those are geysers that shoot off in the front. The center one can shoot up to 25 feet tall!
This is the mezzanine balcony in the lodge. The ceremony will take place up here and the reception will be set up downstairs.
This is a view of the reception area from the balcony. Those two flat screens will play photos of Chris and I during the night.
Here is another view of the reception area. Look at the lighting and that beautiful fire place!
This is the exhibit all lit up at night like it will be during the wedding. All of my guests will have full access to the exhibit until midnight.So I'm pretty excited just about the venue!
Flowers: L&Jay Productions
The flowers are going to be simple but elegant. The main flower is a green orchid with a plum colored throat.
My bouquet will be entirely orchids. The bridesmaid bouquets will have 3 orchids each and a mixture of fall colored flowers that tie in with my colors. Jay is building me two tree like things that will sit behind where we are getting married. They will be made of curly willow and have orchids tied to the curly willow in places as well as tea lights. These pieces will also be brought down for the reception to be place on the buffet tables. The centerpieces will also have some curly willow, orchids and other mixtures of fall flowers. GORGEOUS!Bridesmaids: I have selected the color Watermelon from David's Bridal. Not to sure about the dress yet. I've had mixed reactions from bridesmaids and want to make sure I pick something that they are completely comfortable in. I've been in their shoes before (and a size too small shoes once before! ha!) Here is just a sample of two dresses that I like from the David's bridal site. Let me know what you think.
Tell me what y'all think!Cake: I have chosen an AMAZING cake designer. You can check her out on facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=the+flour+garden&init=quick#!/pages/Memphis-TN/The-Flour-Garden/171106787892?ref=search&sid=38900746.2049021270..1
She is going to make a three tiered cake for me with two flavors. Strawberry and white cake. The outside will be white fondant icing. She's also going to mimic the curly willow going up the cake and make orchids out of fondant as well. She is also doing Chris' grooms cake in the shape of his race car. You have GOT to check out her picture on facebook!!!
DJ: Jordabella Entertainment
I was introduced to them through the bridal show. Mark did the sound for the wedding fashion shows. He has a great mixture of music and you can even select your music for your wedding ONLINE. So convenient! Visit Mark's website here: http://www.jordabella.com/
Photography: Shane Carr Photography/Videography
I was introduced to Shane through Starlife Photography's photographer Mike. Mike wasn't available on my date, and suggest I use Shane. His work is amazing! His photography packages come with so much! My package includes a bridal portrait session, engagement photos, wedding coverage, reception coverage and lots of options of prints.
The day of the wedding Shane will video everyone getting ready as well as take pictures. He will mix all of this into a wedding video with pictures and video. He does some amazing work! Check him out here: http://www.shanecarrphotography.com/
So that's all I have for now about the wedding. We still haven't decided on a caterer. We still have to hammer out all the small details, but that will all come with time.
I truly will try and blog more. Especially as I plan more for the wedding. Thanks for reading!
Happy Blogging!
Katie
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About Me
- Katie
- Olive Branch, MS, United States
- My name is Katie and I am 26 years old. I am a 3rd Grade teacher for St. George's Independent Schools(Memphis Campus). I am married to the man of my dreams and we live in cozy house in Olive Branch, Mississippi. I now have a Mississippi driver's license and tags and quite often loose my car in parking lots because I'm not used to those tags. I am a diehard Memphis Tiger's basketball fan, and love this time of year.