Been A Long Time

Why is it that I feel I have to apologize when I don't blog for prolonged periods of time?

Anyways, I'm very deeply sorry for all of you who have been hanging on my last word...about 4 months ago.

Lots has changed in the Watts household.

In the past three months we have: said, "so long!" to Charleston, partially packed a house, moved to a new city (well for me), sort of unpacked our things, started two (YES, TWO- Austin is employed!!) new jobs, passed the bar, and began putting roots down in this new place.

Saying good bye to Charleston and the friends and memories we made there was difficult. I think that's why I've put off writing about this transition. I was scared to death of moving down there. I'm always scared of change and the unknown. So of course, once I got comfy, we had to move. I had no idea, though, how hard it would be to say goodbye, especially to that house! The work we put into it and our first Christmas when we didn't even have a tree, cooking my first Thanksgiving meal there, working in the yard, I could go on and on. I guess it was all my "first" home experiences.

But Greenville is a great city. I'm enjoying my new job and all the challenges it brings. The area we live is amazing- ABSOLUTELY amazing. We are so fortunate to have a place to live while we're waiting to sell our house in Charleston. I'm less than 5 minutes from my school and Austin is the same from his office. BTW, he has an office!!! Ahhhh, to have two jobs with two paychecks...glorious!

I'm lucky to have some good friends from college nearby. I don't get to see them too often because I'm so caught up in work, this being my first year in a new district I'm trying my best to kick butt to make a name for myself. But there are some girls at work that I've gotten close to. I'm thankful for those relationships. I left a school where I was extremely close to the people I worked with. I'm glad I have the same thing here.

All in all, it's been a great couple of months. Lots of changes, yes, but good changes. Lots of positive things happening for the Watts'. I'm praying they continue!!

 I'm going to try to do some changes with the blog and ACTUALLY blog more often, but don't hold your breath!! :-)

The Bar Watch

I see a light at the end of the tunnel...














Notice the addition??
Austin wrote "Take no prisoners". Bless his heart.

Hot Rod Watts

This is my absolute favorite road sign EVER. The one problem with it is that no one ever pays attention to it. And it drives me crazy!

I have recently been burning up the roads between Charleston and Greenville. Austin is the type of guy that likes to drive anytime we're on the highway. Not that he likes driving, but I'm pretty sure he thinks I'm awful- he's probably right. But I have to admit, I've picked up some pretty awesome driving skills from being in the car with him these last 5 years. Things that my dad probably tried to teach me, but I wasn't too interested in learning.

I like to go fast (said in my best Ricky Bobby voice). The speeding tickets from my high school and college years prove it. Thank goodness for Austin and his need to drive or not trusting me, whatever it is has kept my driving record pristine for a while. But now as I'm driving myself to Greenville with a LOAD of classroom stuff (yes, I'm moving my classroom all by myself! Whew! This Bar stuff needs to be over soon so I can get my Mexican helper back!) I'm finding my road rage coming back with a vengeance. It kills me to be running 85 mph passing people in the left lane only to come up on an old person leisurely driving in front of me and not willing to get over. So...I pass them on the right. Then there's the college student that will run up your butt, pass you, and then goes the same speed as you. I speed up and pass them. ON THE RIGHT.

I was watching some show about the Autobahn a few months ago. With no speed limits, they have to have other rules that you must adhere to while driving. From Wikipedia- The right lane must be used when it is free (Rechtsfahrgebot), and the left lane is generally intended for passing manoeuvres only. Drivers using the left lane when the other lanes are free may be fined by autobahn police. Heaven!

Are you a left lane driver?? Or do you leave the left lane for passing?? Either way, if you see a gold Prius tearing down the road, get out of my way!


.

5 years ago...

I met Austin. I have to admit, I wasn't head over heels in love with him at first. I didn't really want anything the relationship department. I wanted to enjoy being single. I guess God had different plans.

I specifically remember the day that I realized "whoa, I might love this guy!" Aust and I were supposed to go out the night before but there was some sprinkler problem at his house in greenville and he couldn't come (that totally sounded fishy to me- I thought he had another date). So we grabbed some pizza the next day at Todaro's in dt Clemson. During lunch he asked me to a wedding. We had only known each other about a month so I thought he was crazy to be taking me this soon to a wedding, but I was a former Clemson cheerleader, so I can understand how he couldn't help himself! Just kidding I tell him that all the time- it's now a huge joke! Well after lunch he brought me back to my old apartment and he ended up helping my best friend move her bedroom suit into a different room- how considerate!! As we walked out to his car to say goodbye, he asked me to stay in Clemson instead of going home that night so we could hang out more. I said that I wouldn't break my plans. Then he kissed me. We were standing at the curb at University Village. He was off the curb, I was on top of the curb. There was something in that kiss that made me think- Crap! I 'm falling for this guy! From that kiss we've been inseparable.

If that kiss hadn't happened then Today wouldn't be our anniversary. We've had 3 years of wedded bliss! I thank God everyday for that kiss outside of University Village!! Here are some pics of us through our 5 year journey! Enjoy!

I tried to put these in order and label them, but I'm too impatient this morning to mess with it-Sorry! :-)
                                                              

He promised me a lifetime of fun when we got engaged... he hasn't let me down yet and I'm sure the best is yet to come!! Love you, Austin!

Little Litigator

I love giving cute and funny onesies to expecting parents. This happens to be my favorite for lawyers...


I've gotten to give it in blue and more recently in pink! So funny! www.cafepress.com has tons of these- some, like my personal fave are nice and funny, some are a little inappropriate or offensive- you just have to sort through them.


Maybe one day we'll have our own "little litigator"! :-)

Company Dinner

This is what my MIL always refers to those go-to recipes that you KNOW how to whip up perfectly for guests. I have a recipe that I'd like to share that Austin and anyone else that I've made it for raves about. It's not too difficult and only takes about 30 minutes of hands on time.

Chicken Francaise
ingredients
3-4 chicken breasts thinly cut, butterflied or pounded to 1/2 an inch thickness
4 lemons
1 cup of chicken broth
1 stick of butter
1 cup of white wine
garlic, to taste
2 tbsp of flour
cup of breadcrumbs
1/2 a cup of Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
a pinch of paprika

Warm cooking oil on medium heat. Add the flour, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish. Mix the eggs and the juice of one lemon in a separate shallow dish. Dredge the chicken in the egg mix, then into the flour mixture and repeat once more. Brown the chicken in the cooking oil 6-8 minutes. Place the chicken in a casserole dish on the side.

In the same skillet, add 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of white cooking wine, garlic, the juice of 3 lemons, and butter. Let simmer for 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350. Pour the chicken broth mixture over the chicken in casserole dish. Place in the oven covered with aluminum foil for 40 minutes. Take the foil off the last 15 minutes.

I've doubled the sauce recipe...Austin likes lots of sauce. If you don't like that, you can divide that part in half. I always serve this with angel hair pasta with the chicken and sauce on top. You could also do rice. Enjoy!!

Beautiful Blooms

There is just something nice about having fresh flowers in your house. But having them freshly cut from your own garden is even nicer! I adore hydrangeas! I think they are an iconic flower for the summer season.

Whether they are pink, white, purple or (my favorite) blue, they are gorgeous! SO many people have placed their own hydrangeas in their blogs lately, I had to include mine. I've just fallen in love with gardening and having my own beautiful blooms to clip and place around my home. It definitely dresses a space up and brings a smile to my face and hopefully any guests!

Bar Watch...

49 more days!!!

of Bar hell!!! :-)

The Bar Watch

The countdown for the Bar has begun! We started at 70 days...and we're already at

57 Days!! WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO! (little steps)

I'm happy to report that it is going quick. I know Austin is happy for that, but at the same time I know he wishes he had 5 more weeks on top of the 57 days. He's the type that will study every second he can up until the test, the over-achiever that he is!

I'm not so happy to report that we've had our first speed bump in the quest for the Bar. Both of us had a difficult week. We were both beasts to deal with. He's starting to realize how sick of studying he is and wishes he could have time to do fun things. I'm trying to keep him positive and not rub in his face some of the things I'm getting to go do. He'll have his whole life for fun and he'll just have to take a few more months off to wrap this law stuff up! He can do it!

Boy I'm glad I was a cheerleader! I mean, I totally willed the Clemson football teams to win (wasn't everyone in the stands to watch me??), I know I'm capable of the same for Austin. HAHA!

Graduation came and went

I've been counting down to this day for three years now. But once it came, I was not ready for it.

I have to be honest, I was terrified to be the wife of a law school student. I heard horror story after horror story about divorces, absent husbands, and lonely days and nights. I didn't know if I could do it. If I could make it "on my own". Basically, I didn't think I could entertain myself. Looking back on it, it was nowhere close to horrible. We didn't get a divorce. Austin was around more than I ever expected, and my days were busy at school, just like his and our nights were normally spent together. And anytime I was on my own, I certainly did keep myself busy and totally entertained- without lots of retail therapy!

Graduation was nice. We had lots of parties and drop-ins to go to before. We've befriended a ton of amazing people. God put some wonderful people in our lives these past 3 years. Not only fellow law students, but spouses of law students (for me:-) ), and incredibly sweet and intelligent law professors and faculty, that are not only teachers, but friends now. Austin's family also came into town. His parents, grandparents, sister and soon-to-be brother-in-law all rolled into town Friday evening. We had an AMAZING dinner at Charleston Grill after graduation with the fam and Professor Spitz and his awesome wife, Wendy. If you ever get to eat there be prepared! It. Is. Fabulous!

Austin will probably kill me when he finds out I wrote this, but at graduation he was given an award (The Forensics Club- some special society that adds 4 people each year for the best overall- grades, involvement, leadership, blah, blah, blah. All that Austin is, haha!) AND graduated Magna Cum Laude. It was all music to my ears!! He is so amazing!

Here are some pics...

Oh, The Places You'll Go!

Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction your choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go.

-Oh, the Place you'll Go by Dr. Seuss

I love to give books as gifts for special occasions. I gave this book to Austin for his graduation. Dr. Seuss has such a great message in this book that can apply to so many different times in your life. It's basically all about the ups and downs of life and the consequences of our choices. At this junction in our life, Austin is deciding where to go after this law school adventure. Which city/town to move us to, to move at all, which firm, what type of law to practice...and the list of questions could go on. On top of this he is having to studying for THE BAR. I already hate this test, but that's another post.

Austin told me when we got engaged that throughout our life he can't promise me much, but he will promise to have lots of fun. Law school was a lot of fun...lots of work, but lots of fun. On to the next chapter of our lives...

Fun

We loved going to the Greenville Drive games when we were up in Greenville. It is especially important to us because we got engaged in Boston and later that evening went with all our friends to a Boston Red Sox game. If you don't know, the Drive is the farm league for the Bo Sox- so it holds a special place in our hearts.

Charleston has their own baseball team... The Charleston- I can't even remember their mascot...how horrible! But we had a great time at our first game of the season! Charleston School of Law reserved tickets for law students and their families. We had a great time mingling with fellow students and faculty. Like I said before, I LOVE these people! Especially some of the professors that have taken a liking to my hubby (which seems to be all of them- I'm married to one likable guy!) There are some really special teachers there that put a lot of time and effort into the students.

We had some great boiled peanuts from this apparently famous guy! He sang for us... and probably hated us.

And we shared some good times with close friends!

Easter...a little late!

Easter seems so long ago. Yes, it is mid-April. Yes, I should have posted this so much earlier, but things have been crazy. Will it ever slow down???

We had a nice Easter weekend. My dad ventured down from Pennsylvania to spend the weekend with us. I was so thankful to have him here. I talk to him everyday and have done so since college. I remember getting horrible phone bills and he probably wanted to yell at me, but couldn't because the majority of the calls were to or from him. Where was the Friends and Family plan back then?!?!?

Dad and Aust played golf on Friday and we went to Gilligan's that night. I worked at Gilligan's my senior year in HS and adored their hush puppies- nothing has changed! We were pretty surprised at how good the food was. I mean it is a chain. Then again, we DO live on the coast! Saturday Dad and I headed to the beach. If you recall (it does kind of hurt my brain because it was SO long ago), it was kind of breezy and not very warm. But Dad is from Pennsy, and he's a yankee. I bet he would have gone into the water if I would have let him. He left Sunday before we went to church to go and visit with my sister.



Do I look pregnant?? Eww, remind me never to wear that dress again!

When we got back home from church, I was told the Easter Bunny stopped by. My dad always hid our baskets growing up (and in college...and before I got married, but that's not important!) So Aust hid a basket for me- how sweet. Too bad we weren't supposed to get each other anything- poor, struggling law student! After I pulled everything out, this is what I found in my basket. My favorite gift!

It Came and It Went!

Law school that is...I prayed that it would, but now I'm wishing it would stay- *almost*. The people that we've met through Charleston School of Law have been amazing. Whether it was students, faculty, or family members, I loved meeting and really getting to know all of them!

Yesterday was Austin's last day of school. I feel like a proud parent would of their kindergartner. I almost asked him to pose for a picture, but remembered this lovely face when I made him take a pic mailing his bar application off...




He was clearly not feeling it like me.




But these are some mega special memories that I'll always have- the three years we were in Charleston, how we left both of our families to start off on our own, our precious little house that was such a work-in-progress, the scratching and saving to get bay- I wouldn't change any of it!

I'll definitely miss this place...if we have to move. :-) Still waiting to here on the job front. I just pray we won't be waiting when we find out his bar results in October!!!!!

PS- shout out to all those that passed the February Bar!!!! WAAAAAAAAAAHOOOOOOOOO!

37 Days Left

Could it be? Only 37 days left of school this year? I was absolutely shocked when I sat at my desk this morning and counted it out. What made me do this? The realization that Austin and I are getting so close to the end of law school. (Loud applause).

So in honor of my wonderful discovery this morning, I'm laying out on my back porch in my swimsuit, drinking a Woodchuck Raspberry (I'm more of a pear or amber apple fan, but this isn't half bad), dreaming of the summer.

AHHHHHHHHHH, the summer. No work, sleeping late, working out everyday. The beach, pool, tans, sun dresses...I could go on and on.

The only thing missing this summer will be my Mr. Austin. :-(

Stupid Bar Exam.

But after that last week in July he'll be done... And then I'll start school 1 week later. BOOOOOOO!

I have been very slack on here. Hopefully more blogging will come this season, now that I don't have to stay inside because of the cold. Althought, I may need to take this laptop back in...it's definitly spring here- lots of pollen.

Ouch!

Earaches are the worst! And for some reason, I seem to get them occasionally. I mean, what other adult gets ear infections?? I remember the pain as a child and how helpless you feel. But as an adult it feels even worse because I can't go cry to someone to make it feel better.

I was perfectly fine all last night. I watched some tv in bed before going to sleep- nothing was wrong. As soon as I turned the tv off, my ear started to feel weird. Like stuffy. By the end of the hour, it had turned into full blown pain. I didn't want to just lay around, so I got up around 11 and started making sub plans. I. HATE. SUB PLANS. Especially when I haven't gotten to prepare my room for someone else. I hope my kids haven't eaten her yet. It's raining and I left lots of silent reading for them, haha. She'll never want to come back.

Anyways, I started to search for at home remedy's around 1-ish. I found a blog that said to take the juice from an onion and drop it into your ear. WEIRD. But I was desperate. I tried to grate some onion and that didn't work. So I took dry onion and put some water in it, heated it in the microwave, cooled it off, and dropped it in. I could not believe in 5 minutes my ear felt fine. I finally got back to sleep around 2:30 and slept straight until 8. Craziness, but it totally worked. I can't wait to ask my doctor why when I go in this morning.

I know how I'll be taking care of middle of the night earaches from now on!

Red Flags

I am NOT an expert on dating and relationships or better yet, how to make them work. I may have snagged my "Mr. Right" and so far things have been great, but I'm sure I just stumbled into that one! I also know that I used to be guilty of ignoring some tell tale signs that who I am dating is not right for me- or anyone else for that matter.

Thinking back to my dating experiences, I sometimes wish I had been a little bit stronger, stood up for myself more, and didn't put up with bad boy behavior. Especially knowing now what I didn't know back then- but hindsight is 20-20.

It's much easier to say that now. Now that I have found the person I'll share my life with, we are making a life together, and we are enjoying all that God gives us right now. I'm much more confident in myself now and know who I truly am. I would never put up with the amount of crap I did when I was younger.

So it bothers me when people ignore how their loved one is treating them. Controlling them. Manipulating them. Deceiving them. Disrespecting them. It especially hurts me when I love these people who are turning the blind eye. Who have so much going for them. Who are so wonderful they should be able to find the greatest guy ever. I, of course, want to take care of them and not let them get hurt. Sometimes I want to say, "Wake up!! Don't you see what he is doing?? Doesn't it make you mad? Do you think you deserve this? Do you think it will change when you get married because it WON'T!" But at the same time I don't want to push them away and have them dislike me because I don't like their significant other.

I also think so many times young women start to freak out after college and they aren't heading down the aisle. They all expected to be married by 25 and having kids by 27. They'll ignore almost anything just so they can stick to their schedule. They're so afraid to be alone that they allow someone else to treat them horribly.

Everyone has a plan of how they'd like their life to go. But just because we have a plan, doesn't make it His plan. God has a plan for everyone. But I also think God sends red flags, we just need to be a little more honest with ourselves about reading them.

Weekend in recap

I've been in a whirlwind since this past weekend. I've had lots going on and have been back and forth from town to town. Let me just start at the beginning.

Thursday- I left school at 3 and drove up (in the horrible rain) to Greenville to meet my mother-in-law and sister-in-law for dinner before Wicked. We went to Larkin's on the River, which was so yummy, and had Chilean Sea Bass and some good red wine. We had front row seats. We were so close I could spit on the actors. Before the lights went down I snapped a pic of the orchestra. I had NO IDEA how much I would ADORE Wicked. It was honestly one of the best plays I've ever seen. It was absolutely hilarious and I loved how it was a prequel to the Wizard of Oz. I've been singing some of the songs all week from it- Popular is my FAVORITE! I've got to get the soundtrack before I drive myself crazy.

Friday- I had breakfast with one of my favorite friends, Becca. We cheered together at Clemson and had such a great time venturing through life at that time together. We had lots of great memories and I love to get together with her and chat. Just this year, she began working nights at a hospital as a PA so we don't get to talk too often. It was so nice to spend some time with her!

After that, I got fitted for my SIL's bridesmaid dress. I didn't think I'd look good in it, but was pleasantly surprised. It is slightly mermaid and I figured that would NOT fit my body type.

Then I drove to Fountain Inn to have Brooke teach me the basics of sewing, see her new house- it's beautiful, and love on her dog, Gracie!!! We spent about 2 hours together. She taught me some much needed information to help me not look like an idiot the next day at my sewing class. Thanks Brooker!! I appreciate it! :-) It never matters how long we don't talk or see each other, whenever we get together I feel like we don't miss a beat.

From Brooke's house, I drove to Lexington to have dinner with a few girls I taught with at Pleasant Hill. Lauren, Debra Dele, Sara and I went to Wild Wings and enjoyed a girl's night out. I really enjoy being around these ladies!! It's always nonstop laughter and girl talk. AHHHHHHH how I miss getting to do this daily!! :-)

Saturday- Lauren and I got up early and had breakfast at Panera. I then drove to Mary Catherine's family's lake house for a sewing workshop Get Your Stitch On! MC was a very thoughtful and prepared teacher. I couldn't believe it was her first workshop ever! I had such a great time spending time with old and new friends. And I made some cute things!! I was majorly impressed with the other girl's clothes, as well! There are definitely going to be some adorable kids clothes from all that sewing. I think most the girls already had children...so I'm sewing these clothes for shower presents. :-)

This is my first project...not too bad, I suppose.

I got home Saturday to a grumpy husband- he had a moot court competition all weekend at school and hadn't eaten. Later that night, Connery, our cat, snuck outside and got in a fight. :-( He got a cut around his eye and hurt his right front shoulder. He hasn't been acting the same since. He sleeps ALL the time, limps around and has hardly eaten anything. So we've decided to take him to the vet tomorrow. He had to get a bath that night and will have a car ride tomorrow- his two least favorite things ever. Maybe this will teach him to STAY ON THE SCREENED IN PORCH!

Poor, pitiful thing.

Sunday night we had people over for the Super Bowl. Connery didn't come out to say hi, but that didn't stop the party! We had BBQ, Ribs and some HUGE oysters- yummy! The commercials weren't so great, but the game was. GO SAINTS!

What a great, long weekend for me. I enjoyed getting together with people I don't get to see too often anymore. Austin and I have another long weekend coming up. Keep us in your prayers as we travel and Austin goes to a few interviews! Have a fabulous week!

I'm so excited!

The one and only thing I requested for my birthday was a sewing machine. My wonderful husband bought me one! He told me when he got to the store he had full intentions of not buying a "beginning" machine. Intermediate is the way to go, I'll grow into it, is what he thought. Once in front of all the sewing machines, he changed his tune and bought me a Singer Simple.

I've been extremely intimidated by just the box. I've left it upstairs for the past week, contemplating how I was going to tackle this sewing thing. I've solicited advice from friends- Mary Catherine and Brooke. I have tons of friends that sew and I'd say have comparable intelligence to myself (at least I hope). So today I decided was the day. I was going to do something with this machine. I got in the car and headed to Hancock Fabrics. This is my first experience in a fabric store looking for fabric and not just ribbon- thank you 15 plus years of cheerleading. I get on the phone with Brooke and she explains to me how confused I probably am and to just get some straight pins and cheap fabric to play around with.Apparently I like paisley's.

I did what she said, bought some cute fabric, pins, AND bought some fabric scissors (I'll need these, right?) I've decided I'd love to make some curtains for the boring and plain kitchen I have. But I think I may have to tackle how to thread the bobbin first....this could be a long night.

Happy Birthday...to me!

Well, another birthday has come and gone. I'm one year closer (sigh) to the dreaded age of 30. Normally I love celebrating my birthday. I make it in to one week long (or longer) celebration. It helps when I continue to get birthday presents well into February and sometimes March. Some of my friends and family don't get to see me too often.

This birthday was no different. It began with a stop off in Greenville for lunch and drinks with Allyson, her fiance Matt, and Mike D. who flew in for the Duke game. We then drove the last 40 minutes to Clemson and hung out with Austin's parents for a little while. Then we all had dinner at Sardi's with Trey joining us. I wish I had gotten pictures of this, but of course, I forgot. There were so many people at Sardi's. And of course when the Watts' walk in, they know half the people there. I've learned the short two and a half years I've been a Watts that everyone knows who they are. But another GOOD thing is that they hardly ever have to wait to sit down anywhere. Our table was waiting on us.

After dinner, we drove to the game. As soon as we walked in to Littlejohn, I ran into 10 people I knew and hadn't expected to see there! It was such a nice surprise seeing everyone. Our seats were AMAZING. We were 5 rows up from the floor, just a little to the left of the Game Day crew. Austin had to have a pic in front of them.

Well the game was kind of disappointing, but what made my day was halftime. CJ Spiller is one of the most sincere and amazing athletes that Clemson has had in my opinion. The student body government gave him the honor of naming an award after him. I stood at the top of the stairs and shed a tear. Who knows if I'll see another caliber of athlete like CJ at Clemson in my lifetime.

On Sunday, (my real birthday) Austin gave me a sewing machine. I've been dropping subtle hints that I wanted one since Christmas. I'm very excited to begin learning how to do all that most of you guys reading this already do. I'm a smart girl. I'm sure I can figure this out. I may need some help though. When you see my name pop up on your caller ID please answer. :-)

Wednesday was the final day for celebrations. A few of my friends, my wonderful husband and I went to dinner at La Tabella. La Tabella is a new Italian, pasta and steak place on James Island. The owners are some of our friends. I LOVE their restaurant. Great food and great wine!

All in all a great birthday.I'm so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life to help me celebrate. This coming year will be bringing many changes to my family: graduations, new jobs, and moving houses just to name a few. While the chapter of our life may be closing in Charleston, I know the friendships we've made will last throughout our lifetime.

Global Warming, My Butt!

My intent for this post is not political, however I may venture (slightly) into some of my views- please forgive me!

I. Hate. Winter. Plain and simple. I always have, I always will. I don't know what it is, maybe all the clothes I have to pile on, constantly having to wear socks (I really despise socks- even though my feet are constantly freezing), having chapped lips and dry skin.

Something about this winter just seems different to me. Maybe it was when Christmas day was really freezing and rainy and I couldn't go play on my Big Wheels that Santa brought me. (J/k Austin always says he's going to get me one for Christmas.) Maybe it was the record low temps in Charleston and the **possibility** of snow in January. We never have any possibility, ever. I actually am having a hard time getting my car warm quick in the mornings- my Prius usually warms up nice and quick, but not this month. I think she's just not used to it.

With all this being said, I find it hard to believe that Global Warming really truly exists. I mean I believe it is important to take care of our planet. After all, it's the only one we've been given. Yes, it's not ours, it's our Father's and He's trusted it to us. Now, I think to an extent, we can affect what happens, but not to the extent we're being told.

But have we not studied in school about the ice ages? Wouldn't the earth need to warm up in order to melt all that ice? The earth has changed a great deal since it first came into being. The continents have moved, living things have come and gone, and the temperatures have CHANGED. I don't believe the dinosaurs caused that, do you?

In my world, I'd go into hibernation until spring. Hopefully my body would eat away all my fat and I'd come out all skinny and ready for swimsuit season- AHHHHH!

Too bad...until then I'll don my sweaters, scarfs, gloves, toboggan, and heavy coat that adds 15 lbs.

Mr. Austin

When I was in elementary school (years ago) I always loved the teachers that would tell us stories of what happened in their lives- those lives they lived when they left school- yes, teachers don't live at school. I remember those teachers who talked about their kids, their pets, their hobbies, and of course, their husbands. This is something that I strive to do for my kids- let them into my life, let them know who I am.


With all that being said, I talk about Austin and our cat, Connery, ALL the time. I tell them how Connery whines when he gets baths, he spits up fur balls up on our duvet cover, and loves to drink fresh water from the sinks. I tell them how Mr. Austin shares his ice cream with Connery, goes on walks with me, makes me dinner (on the few occasions that he actually cooks) and lets me put my cold feet on him when we get in bed at night. These may seem like stupid things to share with my kids, but these seemingly insignificant things are what I remember about my favorite teachers.


I also use Austin a lot of times as subject of what I like to call "Life Lessons with Mrs. Watts". I share little things he does as an example of things they should try to do too. It may be telling them how he will go out of his way to walk around the car and open the door for me because that's the gentlemanly thing to. It could be how he is friends with everyone (and I mean EVERYONE- we can't go anywhere without him knowing someone) and never excludes people no matter who they are.


Well, my class this year had never met Mr. Austin until today. Austin doesn't start back to school until next week and had a free day (well he should have gone into talk to a professor, but said making me happy was the priority) so he drove 40 minutes to Summerville to eat lunch and go to recess with us. He showed up an hour early...whoops! And as soon as he walked in the door, everyone knew who he was. I mean they've seen pictures on my computer and figured it had to be him- didn't take much inferring. Well, we still had some things to get done even though he had come to school like read and talk about or story of the week and write about it. Throughout the entire hour, Austin kept making all of us laugh, whether it was making fun of me or joking around with the kids. It was amazing watching him interact with my kids. He knew which ones to really pump up saying how great their work was or some other kind of compliment. He knew which one of my "star" students needed to be asked to see his work and then when he only saw one sentence said he was pretty disappointed because he really looked forward to reading what he had to say. HA! He did a question and answer...they asked his favorite animal, color, how we met, and why he loved me...so funny! He gave high-fives to anyone who answered a question correctly. He didn't just sit with one group at lunch (we have 3 round tables and he bounced around to each one talking to everyone). He played soccer at recess in the 38 degree weather. Most importantly, he hugged each kid when he left. AMAZING. They adored him, of course. As I dismissed my kids at the end of the day I heard them talking to each about how "Mr. Austin asked me about who I had a crush on", "Mr. Austin told me I'm the fastest kid in the class", "Mr. Austin scored a goal for my team", but the greatest quote was " Mrs. Watts, you have the most hilarious husband ever."







I totally agree. And he's wonderful!