It's Saturday...and I've been up since 6 AM. UHHHH. Why can't it be this easy to get up at 6 when I'm supposed to?? Anyway, my biopsy came back fine. Sadly, a sweet friend recently found out that her 11 month old baby girl has leukemia. How awful..My heart aches for the family, and I pray that God works a miracle in baby Tynsley's life.

Other news...Mama will be getting her new car today! She's getting a dark gray, Toyota Avalon 2011. Woohooo! I'm guessing this is her birthday present to herself...just 2 days early :)

I am taking pictures at Lakewood's "Miss Pretty in Pink" pageant today. I'm a little nervous, but I wanted to help in some way. Hopefully the pictures will come out nicely.

I woke up to the rain this morning, and it's the only sound I'm listening to at the moment...it can be so peaceful.

I can't believe I haven't shared this bit of information....I've been off of Diet Coke for 6 days now!...I really want to give it up and stick to water. I also really want to lose weight, but it's just hard to get into that mindset. It seems like everytime I turn around, we are going out for dinner...Dessert tonight? Sure, why not??...NO, I have to stop!

My back is feeling better, and if it weren't from my awful headache yesterday from not having a diet coke, Matt and I would have played...oh well, maybe tomorrow...if it's not raining.

Matt got on the baby kick again last night...I'm just not ready, and I'm not sure when I'll ever be ready. When I was little, I always imagined having kids...but now...not so much. There are so many worries and thoughts that go through my head. Not to mention the fact that I hardly see my husband as it is. Can't you imagine it now? We have a kid when I really wasn't ready..Matt works crazy hours and we hardly see him, so guess who takes care of the baby and house??...You guessed it...ME!....yep, not happening.

We have exactly 4 months left of school. I am excited, yes. Also, it is bittersweet. This marks the end of my first year teaching. I could not have asked for a more perfect class. Yes, we had behavior issues...let me stop..we had all issues possible, but I still feel like my class was what I needed. They have grown SO much. I can't believe it's winding down. God has blessed me far beyond my expectations, but then again, He always does. I am so thankful for all of the blessings given to me. I couldn't have asked to be apart of a better team of teachers. My fellow first grade teachers have all been a blessing to me.

There's Mobar, who always came walking down the hall before school started, and RIGHT after I got hired, letting me know that if I needed ANYTHING, to let her know. She surprised me after I got married with an S clipboard...just because..so sweet. She will be leaving after this year due to military, and we are going to really miss her.

There's Miller, who is a team teacher with Downey. She was so kind to me from day 1. She cracks me up all the time. I remember when she hurt her knee and had to have surgery this year. I went to visit her and it meant so much to her..which really meant a lot to me. She has overcome a lot this year and has done an outstanding job team teaching.

There's Riepe..and I kid you not, this woman smiles all the time. She is so calm, poised, and relaxed. Even when she's angry, it's hard to believe! She is a very driven woman who is an army wife and mom to 2 children. Not to mention, she's going to school and getting ready for her husband to be relocated. I don't know how she does it. She's like the superwoman teacher of first grade.

There's Kehoe...She doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She is so genuine...all the time. Everytime she walks by, she will make sure she tells us, and every other teacher hello. She truly cares about all of us and listens to all of our random life stories. Sometimes I go in her classroom just to get away. She's the easiest person to talk to. She's a very family-driven woman who would do anything for her boys.

There's Schofield...I felt like I knew her from the moment I met her. She took me in and was an immediate friend. She's been a close friend, especially before and during the transition of my team teacher coming in. She was always sympathetic and willing to give me her advice. I've enjoyed becoming closer to her through teaching and being in the same Sunday School class.

There's Downey...Downey was a college friend. Never did we imagine that we would end up at the same school. Let me tell you, when I cried (which was a lot during those first 2 months of school), she literally cried with me...I kid you not. I don't think I've ever had a friend to show such care, concern, and love as she did with her very own tears. She prayed with me, encouraged me, and lifted me numerous times when my spirits were down. She is such a blessing. I'm not sure what August, September, and October would have been like without her.

There's Courson...wow. She listened to me, let me cry, and voice my concern during those first few months. I'll never forget the day she came in, hugged me, and just let me cry. She was a rock. She watched after me and truly cared. When I look back at my first year, and even now, when I think about those first months, I think of her and how close she was. She didn't have to say much..just her presence alone was so calming. I look after her class whenever she has morning meetings or emergencies that come up. She always thanks me and has made comments of repaying the favor..what she doesn't know, is that I feel forever grateful to her for what she did for me that I enjoy being able to give back to her in small amounts whenever I can.

There's McSwain, aka Mama Bear, aka Madea (who loves Jesus) haha..also known as my team teacher. For the both of us, it was nerve wracking. We didn't know each other, she was having knee replacement surgery, and would be out for atleast 3 months. I can imagine that it was difficult for her. Knowing that someone else was coming into my room, and having to have the mindset that that person was my TEAM member. Knowing that person would be in charge for 3 months while I'm at home recovering. I think it was extremely difficult on both of us. Like I said above...I cried a LOT those first 3 months of school. I was so nervous for her return. I was terrified that it wouldn't work, and at the same time, I WANTED it to work. Mrs. Eller hired me with the faith that I was the perfect match for her and vice versa. I remember the first day of her return. I walked in to the classroom, Mrs. McSwain came to me with her arms outstretched, hugged me, and immediately began praying. She prayed that the nerves in both us of be ceased. From that prayer on, a bond began to form. We may not always see eye to eye or do things the same, but we are bonded together. She is like a mother to me. She sees me more than anyone else does! She looks after me. If you mess with me, you mess with her. Needless to say, Mrs. Eller was right about her decision. We joke all the time (Mrs. McSwain and myself). I tell her that no one else could have teamed with her and made it, but me...she totally agrees :) She's a blessing. I'm thankful to the Lord for what he has done in this situation. God is so good.

Well, I have really rambled this morning! I probably have all kinds of typos and errors, but I'm posting anyways! Looking forward to enjoying the weekend!

Polly Deen

Now that Matt is off of second shift, I decided it was time to get back into the kitchen. Welllllll, I have been wanting to try one of Paula Deen's pork chop recipes. You need pork chops, cayenne (red pepper), bell pepper, onions, chicken broth, worcestershire sauce, salt/pepper, garlic, and all purpose flour. I'm going to copy and paste the recipe instead of trying to remember it all ;) Here goes the recipe:

Ingredients:
4 center-cut pork chops, 1-inch thick Salt and freshly ground black pepper Ground cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons butter 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, spread on a plate 2 medium green bell peppers, stemmed, cored, and membranes removed, cut into strips 2 yellow onions, trimmed, cut lengthwise 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups chicken broth 2 to 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Directions
Trim the excess fat from the chops and season well with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly roll the chops in flour, shake off the excess, and slip them into the pan. Brown well, about 3 minutes per side, and remove them to a plate.
Add the bell peppers and onions, to the skillet, and saute until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about half a minute longer. Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add chops to pan and place vegetables on top of pork chops. Pour in the broth and sprinkle with Worcestershire sauce. Cover pan with foil and allow to simmer for 45 minutes or until chops are tender.
Recipe courtesy Damon Fowler
Servings: 4 servingsPrep Time: 15 minCook Time: 55 minDifficulty: Easy
Show: Paula's Best Dishes

Let me tell you...I have never had pork chops as tender as these...They were SOOO good! I've been on the Paula Deen kick, you know..just trying different recipes here and there. Today, Mama told me that my new name is "Polly Deen"..haha...I didn't expect it to take long to cook, but it did take a while. Good thing Matt didn't get off until late last night.

We started really getting into tennis last week. We played Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Saturday and Sunday went well. On Monday, Matt got off a little late, so we didn't get to the courts till around 8:35. Well, at Idle Hour's tennis courts, the lights cutt off at exactly 8:45 and it's impossible to get them back on. We decided to try the other courts at Cliff Farrar...but, they closed at nine. Our last effort was lakebottom..They were open. We played until 11:15. We had a great time and the more I played, the better I got. When we came home I noticed that my back was hurting a little. (Side story: For those of you who do not know, I slipped two discs in my back during my time of cheerleading in highschool. My doctor told me that I needed surgery soon because I was beginning to get nerve damage. I had surgery August 13, 2003 at the age of 16. Since surgery, I have had ups and downs. I take one day at a time and try to keep my limits in mind. Sometimes I have flair ups and a few years ago I tried cortisone shots. For the most part, it has been in check. My doctor has made me aware that I will eventually need another surgery, but that I should wait as long as possible.) The next morning after playing tennis, I could barely walk. It wasn't like an ache or throbbing pain, it was excruciating. It was the kind of pain that made you grunt and cry out in pain. I felt as if the nerve was being twisted in all directions...it was awful. I just knew that I had really hurt it. School was difficult; whenever I got up from a chair, something would catch in my back and pain would shoot down my leg and leave me breathless. 2 days later and I am feeling MUCH better, thank the Lord. I'm not going to give tennis up, but I will be more mindful next time.

In the life of Mrs. Sawyer
Monday, April 19, 2010

Well...today wasn't too bad..You know, after coming back to school since Spring Break. The kids were well behaved and many of them came back with teeth missing. (random fact:Missing teeth is one of my favorite things about teaching 1st grade...they're so darn cute! )
I came home fairly early and did some more laundry/cleaning. Matt and I are eating at Mama and Daddy's tonight..T-bones, yum! After that we're going to play tennis again..3rd night in a row. I really enjoy playing. Last night I got frustrated with Matt because every single time I would make a mistake, he would try to correct me. Don't get me wrong, I know he was trying to help, but he makes as many mistakes, if not more than me. Sheeesh!
Something wonderful came in the mail today...TAX REFUND! I'm a little nervous to have so much money, but I know that we'll be smart as to how we use it.
Speaking of money->I was looking at our bank account the other day, and when we signed up to get a joint banking account, we decided to do "Ways 2 Save". Let me tell you, it's the neatest thing. Every time you swipe your card or pay a bill online, it puts $1.00 into the "Ways 2 Save" in our bank account. We just got on joint banking a month ago and already have $100.00 in savings just because of that. Neat, huh?
I should go now so that I can get ready to leave, have dinner, and play tennis. Tomorrow is career day at school tomorrow, which =jeans and a LES t-shirt :)
24 more days of school till SUMMER! :P

Good news, Daddy's cancer is not melanoma, it is carcinoma.

Yesterday Matt and I bought some tennis rackets and balls and played tennis with Jonathan and Nicole(Jonathan's girl friend). We had a fun time. I didn't do so well and I realized just how out of shape I am! Dang! I've been feeling down about my weight lately...it's time to quit feeling sorry for myself and do something about it. SOooo, I'll be joining the Y soon..stay tuned! ;)

Today is my last day of "break". Tomorrow I go back to school. We only have 5 weeks until summer break and this last month of school will go by fast, I think. We have wet fest, 2 more field trips, and fun projects coming up. We (Matt and I) went to dinner with Hillary and Erin last night to celebrate my birthday. We had a good time :) After that, we went to my parents' house and watched some home videos. Many of them were embarassing; especially during the period of my weirdnes. I think all children reach that point where their hair is ridiculous, crooked teeth, and in my case, thick glasses. Needless to say, we didn't get home until AFTER midnight. Mama and I had praise team this morning, which meant that we had to be at church at 8:40. The good thing about having praise team means that we'll be on time, or early, for Sunday School. Speaking of Sunday School, Matt and I have joined a new class. I think for the first time since I've been in youth, I truly feel like I belong and feel that I am growing in my walk. Also, the class is enjoyable and I feel like I learn something new each Sunday. Jared (our leader/youth pastor) really helps us dig deep into God's word.

After church, we ate at Cracker Barrel with Mama and Jonathan. After that, we came home. I was really tired, but could think of a thousand other things that I needed/wanted to do before going back to school tomorrow. So far I have washed, dried, and folded about 3 loads. I also read a few chapters in my current book "My Sister's Keeper". Matt is taking a nap and I think I'll cook dinner to surprise him when he wakes.

Tomorrow Matt goes back to better work hours...thank God! He'll be working from 10-7. Now we can actually cook and eat dinner together AND go to bed together. I've missed coming home to him each day.

Daddy

I decided to take a break from cleaning and blog.

I had a spot come up on my skin about a year ago and decided to make an appointment a month ago. I didn't know that skin cancer ran in the family until a few weeks ago. Daddy got into a car accident, went to the doctor, and the doctor noticed a mole which Daddy said bled sometimes. Come to find out, my dad's uncle died from skin cancer, and my Daddy's dad(who died before I was born) had skin cancer. I went in at 11:30 today and the doctor removed that spot to send for a biopsy. A few hours later, my mom calls to tell me that my dad's spot was cancer, afterall. I feel a little shaken up, but also know that God is in control. I'll get results about mine in about 5 days. I pray that Daddy's is nothing serious and hope that if you're reading, you'll take a moment to pray as well.

Tonight we're supposed to celebrate my birthday (which was yesterday) with some precious friends of ours, Jamie and Chris Milner. Chris and Jamie have been through so much in the past year. Chris had his colon removed about a month or two ago and he'll be preparing for another soon. During our beach trip, I read the book "The Lovely Bones". It was pretty good, so I think I may try to watch the movie of it tonight.

Today's weather is absolutely beautiful. I sat on my front porch, rocking, and watching the beautiful birds. Ethel is sleeping sideways beside me and she looks so funny!

I have Christian radio on XM playing loudly as I clean, relax, and just enjoy the day.

catch up!

I wish I would have started this thing right after we got married..but, too late now :) I'll do the best recap I can of the past 6 months.

October: Matt and I got married and moved into our house. If you asked us 8 months ago, we would probably tell you that we would be living in an apartment. God had other plans for us. I got a teaching job, Matt got a raise, and a month later, we closed on our house. We closed on the house on September 15, 2009. I love our home. When we first saw it, I didn't care much for it, but now I love everything about it. I love sitting on the porch and looking into the trees that give us so much privacy. I love that we have a corner lot. I also like the fact that this house/propery gives us a lot of room to improve and add to.

Also in October, my team teacher came back from knee surgery. I work at Lakewood Elementary School in Phenix City. We have a classroom of 30 precious children and 2 teachers. My team teacher was gone for the first 3 months of school. I was honestly terrified for her return. She was made to be this scary person. Again, God works in mysterious ways. My team teacher has become one of my closest friends. I love my job.

November: Matt and I went on our honeymoon that was given to us by one of my closest friend's mom. We went to Gatlinburg during my Thanksgiving break. We had a blast, to say the least. We went zip lining on the US's largest zip line. We splurged one night and stayed in a three story cabin. We were like children running to all the levels of the cabin. One floor had an air hockey table, one floor had a pool table, and the balcony had a hot tub on the porch. We also had a man and woman come and give us a couple's massage in the cabin. It was very romantic and memorable. We were supposed to spend Thanksgiving there, but instead, we decided to come home a day early and surprise our family. It was a surprise, indeed. :) It was the best Thanksgiving I've had yet.
In November, I began to get puppy fever. No, not BABY fever...puppy fever :) November began the search for my furry baby.

December: Ethel May is adopted. After much searching, I found my baby. She is a beautiful shih tzu with SO much personality. Many people say she was meant for me because she is so forgetful and ADDish. I love her so much. She constantly keeps us entertained. During this month, we also found out that Matt has a liver disease. Talk about scary. We had lots of tests run to find out exactly what was going on. Luckily we caught it early, so we will have to take extra special care and attention on what he eats and does. December was very memorable because we bought a real Christmas tree. It was SO much fun. After all these years, and finally, we have a home of our own and we were able to start our own traditions. Our tree was beautiful and I was so proud of it. It thrilled me to wrap gifts and put them under the tree. With my mom's help, I got Matt an xbox360, beetles rock band, rock band 2, and dj hero. Needless to say, he was a very surprised man on Christmas morning. I woke up early Christmas morning and cooked a delicious breakfast that consisted of french toast, cheese grits, eggs, and bacon. Our first Christmas was very special. We were married, in our own home, and with our precious new puppy Ethel May.

January: Matt became very ill. We celebrated Hillary's birthday, then came home to watch the ball drop. Well...everything else dropped from there, too. Matt started puking and running a fever of 103. Every hour, on the hour, he got hiccups. It became so bad that he finally asked me to take him to the ER. We went to the ER where they told him he had the flu. That next week was rough. I was trying to take care of Matt, the puppy, and a house with everything that comes along with it. After he got over the flu, he came down with bronchitis. He had to go to the Acute care place and have a breathing treatment, inhaler, and steroids. He completely lost his voice for weeks and I started to think that it would never come back. Thankfully, it did.

February: We celebrated 9 years of being together.

March: Matt began 2nd shift. It was awful. I came home to Ethel and he came home around 1:30 in the morning. Nothing is worse than getting married and then not seeing your husband. In a way, I guess you could say depression set in. It was very difficult not seeing him or really being able to talk to him. I didn't even cook dinner anymore...there was no point. March was a tough month for me in the area of friendship. Some of my closest friendships seemed to cease after marriage. It's something I'm still dealing with on a daily basis, but in ways it gets better, and I have developed stronger relationships with friends. Some of my friends have been a rock during this month of my life. Hillary Palmer really took time out for me. If I was busy, she was patient, but never gave up on me. I am very thankful for her and her dedication to our friendship. Another friendship that has grown deeper roots is my friendship with Jamie Milner. We became best friends in 6th grade. Around highschool/college we sort of did our own thing. For the past year we have been working on regaining the friendship we once had. She has really been a rock in my life since marrying Matt.

If I could think of a word that means more than perfect and wonderful, I would use it to describe my parents. Gosh, I am so blessed to have them. They have helped Matt and I in every way possible since getting married. If we have any need, large or small, they meet it. I'll never forget driving off from the reception. I was so happy to finally be married to Matt, but I was sad at the same time. I knew that life would never be the same for me and my parents. I would never go back to living with them and depending on them. I cried when I hugged my Mama. It was one of the hardest things I did. Since getting married, our relationship has grown in different ways. She was already my best friend, but each day I feel that we grow closer and closer...in a different way.

We got a lot of money on our tax return..You know, first time home buyer, being married, etc. I decided that the one thing I would buy for myself would be rocking chairs. Well, my thoughtful mother decided that that would be the perfect present for my birthday. One Saturday, Mama, Matt, and I went to Lowe's to get them. They came in the box (not put together). Since my dad can pretty much do everything, I gave him the task of putting them together. I knew he would make sure they were perfect. On the way home from school one day, I passed my parents' house and saw my mom rocking in her chairs. She called me and I told her that it must be nice to have rocking chairs and that I wished Daddy would put mine together. I went home to take a nap. About an hour later my doorbell rings. I open the door to find my parents rocking in my rocking chairs...they're wonderful (my parents and the rocking chairs) :)

April 12-16: SPRING BREAK!! WOOHOOOO...finally! My mom planned the perfect beach trip for just the two of us. We left on Monday, April 12th. We stayed at a beautiful condo called Pinnacle Port. From the living room, we were overlooking the bay. From the dining room, we were overlooking the beach. There was hardly no one there. The weather was absolutely perfect and I only got burnt on the left side of my body.

April 15th (today) is my birthday. I am 23 years old...or young... :) We came home from the beach today. I came home to find a card that said "Pretty Thang". Naturally, it was from my husband. It was a very sweet birthday card. It warms my heart to get a card that says wife on it :) One of those simple pleasures of life I guess...Anyways, I thought that I had already had my birthday gifts from him, but I guess he decided that I needed something else. He got me one of those ipod docks that are installed under the cabinets in my kitchen. It is 12:41 A.M. and he is currently putting it in :) We ate at Sushico (however you spell it). I really enjoyed it. Matt was able to get off of work to join us. It was Mama, Daddy, Jonathan, Nicole, Matt, and me.

OH, we've also really gotten into yard work and stuff. I came home to two beautful potted plants that can be hung on the front porch from my favorite aunt in the world, Aunt Sharon. She's literally an angel God put on Earth. I'm glad to call her mine :) We talked on the phone for a long time tonight. I love her.

Today I'm feeling very blessed for the people in my life. I asked Matt the other day if any of this seemed real. I was sitting in the rocking chair watching Matt cut down some trees and it hit me all over again...this is my life...is it? Am I dreaming? Is that really my husband? Is this really our home and all of our belongings?? Wow...I guess it is. Still, it seems like a dream. I wonder when it will all set in.

Well.. I'm tired and Matt is home from work. I plan to do better on journaling our journey through this crazy thing we call life.