The Decision Is. . . .

We took the $$$$!!!
They were going to limit us to 12,000 miles in the year we had the car (1000 per month)
And any additional mile over was .22 cents.
So, since I have a little commute to St.G everyday and back, plus we travel a lot, it was more logical for us to take the money.

Which leaves me to car hunting. . . again! We have been looking for a car for the past 6 months and this extra $$ dough will be an extra incentive to get really serious!!

Maybe my next blog will be pictures of my new-NEW Car!!

I NEVER WIN ANYTHING. . . . BUT TODAY. .

Jesse and I have always said that we are "jinxed!" We NEVER win anything! But today our luck has changed. Here is the story. . .

Earlier this year, one of my student's amazing moms had nominated me for the radio stations (Planet 94.1) "Best Teacher on the Planet" award. I felt very honored to think that I would be nominated. I was then invited for a luncheon at Findlay Subaru to celebrate being nominated. The invitation said that all teachers who show up will win a prize. Of course I thought FINALLY I will win something!!

Jesse and I arrived, we ate, visited with other fabulous teachers and just enjoyed the time together. Finally they announced how they would proceed to give each teacher their "prize" and an opportunity to win a new car. I was tickled pink just to be there
& hey free lunch-can't beat that.

Planet 94.1, Chris and LaRae were there and they had a bunch of balloons in the car. Each teachers name was pulled out of a drawing and they got the chance to go and pick a balloon, pop it, and then the little paper inside would tell you what you had won. They had prizes such as:
30 -1 hour massages, two-nights stays in Mesquite, Tuachan tickets (which I really wanted), Ashley Furniture gift cards, etc. Pretty nice prizes if you ask me, I was thrilled!
Well, we had been waiting for a while and my name still had not been drawn and the car was still not claimed. Finally they call my name-yahoo!
Jesse had dared told me to say (when they asked what school I taught at and what grade level) "Oh, I don't teach, I just wanted a chance to win a car!") Ummm, so I did! That got a chuckle!
I opened up the drivers side door, picked up the balloon on the seat and got in. I was trying reach another balloon on the passenger floor, but quickly decided to take the one in my hand.
I got out, popped it open, and . . . . silence!
I read, "Congratulations! YOU JUST WON A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER FOR A YEAR FROM FINDLAY SUBARU."
Still silence.
There I was bug-eyed, jaw dropped, and numb!
I couldn't believe it.
LaRae (the announcer) came over to see if I could read it or if I really had just won.
"We finally have a winner!" she said (Cheers)

I was still silent.

I finally looked over at Jess, who was about as shocked as I was, and then he let out a big yahoo!!
When I finally regained awareness, I had to talk on the radio and all that jazz!
It was really a once in a life time feeling! Numbness, amazement, loss of awareness, happiness, exhilaration, and panic all at once!

So this is the car that I won from The Planet 94.1 and Findlay Subaru!!

So here is the fine print. . .
I do only get to drive it for a year
The stickers have to stay in the windows
Tax/registration free
But we have to insure it for that year

OK, not so bad. We have actually been looking for a car and thought we would drive this for a year, sale my car, save up our $$, when the year is up then go buy me a new car!

Great idea, right?!?
(We thought so too, until. . . )

They offered us $1000 cash instead of the car.
After our "test drive" they then offered us $2000 dollars in cash.
(they said that where it is a new model they needed one to advertise-but the value of the car will decrease after I bring it back after a year and they lose profit-that is if I decide to take the option of the car for a year)

So we have until the Monday to come up with a decision.
Do I take the car, drive it for a year, save $$, return it, and then go buy me a new one?
OR
Take the $2000 cash and go buy me a new car now?
(which we are leaning more toward the later- but still???)

May be a no brainer for some, but for me I am torn!!
Oh what to do??

I'll take any suggestions!

Fruits of my Labors - During Spring Break?!?

Yeah. . . What an idea! I thought I could just take a couple of days out of my spring break (since Jess and I are not going on our cruise until after school breaks for summer) and redecorate my bathrooms. Well instead of two days as planned. . . . it has come to a total of four!! YIKES!

I decided to paint the hall bath chocolate brown and turquoise! Love these colors, but was a little nervous AFTER I had purchased the paint-no turning back now!!

I even got some giggles from Jess and my sister-they thought it looked like I was opening up a Mexican Cantina in my bathroom. I just need a sign to says

"B.Y.O.T Bring Your Own Toilet Paper!!"

But in the end everything came together in a fun way.

Here is our bathroom. I took the colors we had in our bedroom and just continued them into the bathroom. Nothing too intimidating!

I gotta tell ya this was not what I had planned for my break! OH WELL its done!!

Oh and I have to give a plug for the wonderful invention of a SHARK Steam Cleaner!! I purchased one the other day and love it!! If you ever need to deep clean (or are a clean freak like me and hate using those nasty chemicals all the time) this cleaner does wonders and its just cool water that is generated into steam! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

You know when you are getting older... when painting/redecorating and cleaning machines excites you!!

(CRAP!!)

Thanksgiving Time. . . .

Leavitt/Merrill 1st Annual Softball Game!!

(THE All-Stars posing for a pic. . .well at least before we played)

Hey Batter, Batter. . .

My thoughts, "Keep your eye on the ball, just keep looking at the ball. . . DON"T MISS!!!!"

Our first EVER attempt at deep frying Turkey-Gobble, Gobble!!

TA-DA!!

It was delicious-the best turkey yet!!

(Yep. . .that's my husband)

Do ya think we can fit more in the kitchen!!

I kept out of the preparations hysteria. . . . but later became clean up crew, which I will take any day!!

This is your face after a heaping dose of Turkey Dinner. . . .and then some!!

After dinner we all played games, went 4-wheeling, rock crawling in the Jeeps, taught young children how to hunt with a bow. . . .ya it was the usually get together!! :)

Then the big boys had to have their turn!

It was a great Thanksgiving!! It was terrific to see all of Jesse's family again!! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving time!!

GRADUATION!!

The whole crew. . . I have had the amazing opportunity to be with this terrific group for the past two years - (The AP RED Cohort) It has been a long and almost never-ending two years, but the sweat, blood, and tears have paid off-FINALLY!!

"Wannabe's"NO MORE!! Way to go all-We Made It!!

Anne, Eliza, Me, Mary-Elizabeth

Love you all-Thanks for being there for me!!

After our Senior Banquet-hugs all around

Thanks Jess for being my rock and supporting me!!

I love you Mom & (Dad) for all your prayers, support, and guidance throughout my life and for raising me to know the value of an education.

Thank you!!

THE BIG DAY!!

Picture Time. . . . .

Mama'D & Papa'D

I couldn't help but add this picture. . . we were giggling at Jesse and the camera snapped. Just a cute moment!

Love ya Mom!!

The big moment. . . .

My last walk through Dixie's "D"

I'll always be a 'Rebel'

I did it. . . . . (great cheeser babe!!)

Oops! Camera was still rollin'. . . . .

Thanks to all for your love and support as I have ended another chapter in my life. Now a new chapter begins as I start out as a 4th grade teacher, yahoo! Someday I plan on getting my masters, but I need a little break for a minute before I go back. Maybe a family is in my near future - who knows. . . time will tell!!

Strawberries 'n' Sunday

What a post I just had to laugh at this. . . .

Sundays are crazy days when you have the "privilege" of attending church at 1 to 4. It is a switch I tell ya from the 9 to 12.

Well, as we walked in the door, not 10 seconds later, I turn around to find Jess stationed on the counter eating strawberries dipped in sugar.

(Or should I say sugar dipped in strawberry-SUGAR BUZZZZZ!!)

I just had to laugh and snap a picture of him and the delicious treat he so hastily concocted for himself.
Well I wasn't about to let him have all the fun and deny my taste buds of such a definable, summer-days delicacy, so I joined in!!

Yep!! Strawberries and Sundays go hand-in-hand (especially when you are starved from lack of nourishment for the better part of the day)

What a little quirk from the lively leavitts!!!
Never a dull or lacking moment-just the way we like it!!
FUN & SWEET!

GUESS WHAT. . . . . (No, not what you think!)

There are so many reasons to be celebrating!!! Where to begin. . . .

Teaching positions in Washington County has been slim to none this year and the pressure and necessity of finding a teaching position has been weighing me down. BUT NOT ANYMORE!! I will be teaching 4th grade at Bloomington Elementary School next year! YES I HAVE A TEACHING JOB!!! AHHHHHHH I am so thrilled!!

I have had one of the best experiences of my life working at Bloomington and I had hoped for a position there. Well dreams do come true!!! I got the official phone call from the district Wednesday. I finally feel that all of my hard work and countless prayers have paid off. I am so excited to be working with a great 4th grade team and especially finally have my own class!!

Next, I will also be graduating in 14 days and I am also graduating with honors!! It has been a long journey, but I will FINALLY have my Bachelors in Elementary Education. Someday, after a year or two of teaching, I want to begin work on my masters, but for now I am content and can't wait to begin work planning for next year!