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I was tagged by Taylor from Tea With Mrs. Kee!!

The Rules

1. You must post the rules.

2. Post 11 fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post.

and then create 11 new questions for the people you tagged.

4. Tag people and link them on your post.

5. Let them know you've tagged them!

11 Fun (or not so fun) Facts:

1.     I am crazy about the Houston Texans - especially J.J. Watt and Brian Cushing!!  

2. Running is my stress release - LOVE IT.  However, I have absolutely no interest in training for a marathon or half...I just enjoy running on my own.  Oh, and I also can't run with other people.  Just me and my music.  No talking please.

3.     I have recently gotten fairly decent at sewing, and am even encountering to sew some clothes for myself!

4.     I like to listen to what I call "coffee house music"  not sure that it has a genre, although at times I've seen it called "folk".  This includes Jack Johnson, Josh Radin, etc.  Just easy going, good conversation music while sipping coffee.

5.     I love pizza more than any other food, and I order it at least twice a week - no kidding.

6.     I have a hard time not letting my thoughts show on my face.  If someone is really annoying, my face shows it.

7.     Sometimes a song we're singing in church will just catch my emotions, and I have to stop to keep my tears back.  I remember seeing my grandmother cry during a song in church and wondering why she did that...well hello Mimi!! I am so much like her.

8.     I can't do scary movies.  I have to change the channel when a preview comes on for one.  I'll have nightmares for weeks.  Seriously.

9.     I love my 4Runner, and if I were given a choice of any car I wanted - I'd still choose my 4Runner.

10.  I don't eat red meat or really anything that comes from a cow or a pig.  I'll eat bacon, but in moderation, like one piece.  I don't know,  just don't like the taste.

11.  I wear Toms all the time - especially at school.  Best shoes for teaching, and I now have 6 pairs.

Taylor’s questions:

Why did you start your blog?  I started my blog after my first year teaching - almost 4 years ago.  I don't remember why I started, I think I saw other people's blogs I went to school with, and decided it would be a great thing to do, especially since I teach reading a writing.

What movie are you most looking forward to of 2012?  I really want to see the Vow, but I know it will make me cry!

Do you prefer to bake or cook? Or neither?  If I were filthy rich, I'd get my own cook.  I really don't enjoy cooking at all.  :( I think I just hate cleaning up all of the dishes afterwards.

Do you have any secret talents?  Hmm...I'm good at all things crafty, and I can sing.

What is one of your pet peeves?  I HATE people who flaunt their money, and I hate fake people, but I guess those are the same.  I also have a very hard time being around people who are self righteous.

What would your dream birthday involve?  My dream birthday would involve going someplace tropical with Eric, couples massage, and laying out on the beach all day.  Yes, it's a dream.

What is one place you have to travel to before you die?  Italy

What is your favorite holiday other than Christmas?  The Fourth of July.  I get so patriotic, and I love the smell of grilling out, and hot summer nights.  ahh...

What season do you enjoy most? Why?  I enjoy Spring the most because it's so pretty, and I can start to get my lawn ready, and the weather is WONDERFUL, and it means school's almost done.

What is your earliest childhood memory?  I remember my fifth birthday party and how I was such a little brat throwing a temper tantrum because my mom covered my bunny cake in coconut, which I hate.

What is your favorite book?  I love The Season by Sarah Maclean.  It's Historical Young Adult Fiction.  I posted about it a while back.  It's so good.

My Questions:

1. What is your favorite time of the day?

2. What food is your guilty pleasure?

3. What gets you through the week?

4. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

5.  Do you have a favorite bible verse or quote?

6. Who is your favorite celebrity?

7. What is your Pet Peeve?

8.What big item do you hope to save up for?

9. If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

10.  What is one thing that you want to learn or learn how to do?

11. Describe your style -Your Home style, and your personal style.

Karen at He Leadeth Me

Debi at A Tale of Two Cities

Allison at Curious and Curiouser

Jenny at JJ's Journeys

Megan at In Flight With a New Life

A Texans sighting

I fully intended to post a short post about the Texans loss today.  I had been putting it off today because I really didn't want to relive the sadness.  Who wants to read a sad blog post??  Well, you're in luck, because I now have a little bit of happiness to add to this post.  So first things first - We enjoyed watching the Texans game at Buffalo Wild Wings - this time with family.

It really is a blast to watch a game with tons of screaming fans around you.  It was, however thoroughly disappointing to watch that win get handed - gift wrapped to the Ravens.  Better Luck next year I guess.  I still love my Texans.

 Eric, Trent, and Joel - We had to stand in line at Buffalo Wild Wings to get a table.  There were actually people walking up and asking what was going on today.  Wow.

 We had a lot of fun - As you can see, we still have not purchased jerseys.  We've decided it's best to wait until next season to be sure no one we choose gets traded.

And now for the happy news.  I was grocery shopping at HEB today, and as I turned down the produce isle - guess who was coming towards me?!  J.J. Watt, who after the past two games just might be tied with Brian Cushing for my favorite player!  He's awesome! That's two Houston pro athletes we've seen at our HEB!  We've seen the Astros' Humberto Quintero twice now - once at Kroger, and once at HEB! Looks like Shadow Creek Ranch is the place to be!!  :)

source

source

And here we are in the produce section.  Yes, the picture is quite blurry.  You see, when I turned the corner and saw him, he had his phone out with his grocery list, and so did I (I know, how cool).  I quickly fumbled to find my camera app, and by the time I got it up (I figured it looked like I was still checking my list) my hands were shaking so bad - hence the blurry picture.  I also almost ran my cart into his as you can see.  I passed him a few more times in the store.  I'm assuming that's his little bro he's with.  He's a healthy eater (DUH) - he covered the perimeter of the store, and actually took a while.  

After I passed him here, I so wanted to turn around and tell him how great a job he did this season, and ask for a picture, but I didn't want to look like an annoying groupie!  I did see some people throughout the store asking for his autograph, and when I passed him again in the dairy section, I'm pretty certain he was checking down an isle before going down to be sure there weren't too many crazy fans there.  Just guessing, since I heard his brother grunt about how hard this was.  I was so nervous the whole time - I ended up buying things I didn't even need!  I'm such a schoolgirl!  

I am still kinda wishing I'd asked for a picture with him.  Maybe I'll make Mondays my HEB day - maybe its his!  Then again, that's got to be annoying to not be able to get your shopping done quickly.  But then again, he was wearing his Texans gear, so maybe he wanted to be stopped.  What do you think??

If you haven't loved a dog...

Eric and I didn't sleep much last night...granted this is his busy season, and he doesn't get home until late.  Last night I think Brinkley had just had enoughof it (it's only been a week - YIKES!).  Brinkley has really been missing Eric this week - he loves him so much - probably because he doesn't see him as much as me, but normally when Eric gets home, he plays with Brinks, changes, and then plays a little more before watching TV.  Since Eric doesn't get home until late, Brinkley and I are usually always in bed, and he just gets ready and hops in bed right when he gets home.  Brinkley went to sleep pretty soon after Eric would get home this week, but last night he kept growling, grunting and whining.  We got up to see if he needed to go out - nope, he just wanted to play.  He's done this before and we just ignore him, and eventually he gives up and hops in bed.  After about 5 straight minutes of nonstop growling, Eric got up and noticed he didn't have his bone.  Once Eric got it, Brinkley was happy - just needed his bone.  Of course.  He always chews his bone before going to bed.  This time it only lasted a few minutes and he was back to growling until Eric snapped at him, afterwhich he jumped right up into bed and curled up next to Eric and let out a loud huff - he does this a lot.  Eric and I just laughed and went to sleep.

This little guy brings so much joy to my life - you have no idea.  

He makes me laugh - all the time.  I love how he has a very distinct personality.  When he was whining, grunting and groaning last night, I was putting words in his mouth that I imagined he'd say if he could - I do this a lot.  For instance, last night he was saying "DADDY! DADDY! You're home let's play!  I'll get my bunny!  Wait, what?  You're going to bed? I don't wanna go to bed.  DAD? DAD? DAD! I wanna play NOW!!  please? daddy? hmph."  In a nutshell.

Here are just a FEW things I absolutely love about Brinkley, and I am going to let Pinterest help me out.

First off, I love how mischievous he is - ironically.  He's so funny, especially when he gets caught.  His face says it all - "What? ME? Nah, I wasn't chewing on your socks see, I'm just pushin it with my nose.  See?"

There have been a few times he got himself into trouble from licking and biting himself that he had to get a cone - this was hilarious.  I could definitely see him picking a few choice words for me then!

(Picture via pinterest)

I love how sweet he looks when he lays like this - PRECIOUS.

(picture from pinterest - here).

Love how he runs to meet Eric when he comes home - flying puppies! 

(Pinterest) 

I love how he is perfectly content curled up next to me, sitting in my lap, or laying looking up at me like this cutie - "hi!"

(Pinterest)

I love how he responds to me talking to him by cocking his head as if to say - "What ever do you mean?"

(Pinterest)

I love how funny he looks after a bath, and how crazy he goes afterwards trying to get dried off!  He literally looks just like this - little rat.

(Pinterest)

And I absolutely melt when he gets scared during a thunderstorm and runs to me or follows Eric around because he's afraid he's gonna leave again.  This is perhaps my favorite puppy related pin on pinterest.  I can so hear this dog saying this.  I laughed out loud when I saw this - here.

I always know that when I've had a rough day, Brinkley's gonna be there to snuggle up next to me and make me feel better.  It's crazy how on those days he's perfectly ok with not playing, and perfectly content with just sitting with me.

(Pinterest)

Brinkley really and truly is Man's Best Friend.  He can drive us crazy sometimes, but we can't ever stay angry at him for long.  He always has a way of making us laugh through our frustrations, and he's always taking care of us.  I cannot wait to have a little boy so that Brinkley can cuddle up next to him and make him feel better, and show him how to love and be carefree.

(Pinterest)

This one couldn't be more true, and I love the thought of Brinkley showering our own little bitty with love and kisses!

(Pinterest)

People who say they aren't dog people honestly have just never felt the love of a dog, which is so rewarding, and I feel sorry for those who have not had this feeling!

(Pinterest)

Houston, Texas - Home of the Texans

I can't think of many other times that I've been so excited for a team.   With dad being a coach,  I grew up with football - high school football.  We never really got that into a college or pro team though.  The last time I can remember rooting on a pro team was when the Dallas Stars won the Stanley cup - wow.

Even though I did grow up with football, I've never learned as much about football as I have from Eric - he knows his stuff.  I know if I ask him a football question he's gonna be able to explain it to where it makes sense - especially when it comes to the Texans.  This should really be a post from him, because everything I know about the Texans, I've learned from Eric! 

When it comes to watching sports, I don't get that into it unless I know some of the players playing - or know about them.  I loved watching my high school football team when my brother played, or when I knew some of the kids my dad coached - like DJ Williams who now plays for the Packers (just had to throw that out there - hehe).  I hadn't been all that much into the Texans until this year.  I began to watch the games with Eric, and he would tell me all about the players and where they'd been before and what they're like.  Little by little my interest in the Texans began to grow to pride!

A turning point for me was quite possibly when Eric showed me this hilarious video of Brian Cushing mic'd up:

He soon became my favorite player to watch.  He is just so crazy funny.  Can you imagine actually spending time with this guy??  My sides would be splitting!  Not only is he funny, but did you see how hard he hits?!  I will never understand how those guys stand up and walk off after a hit like that!

My love for this team grew as they battled through so many injuries this year, but still came out on top!  That's incredible.  I even started following them on the Texans app that Eric downloaded!  I know, who am I?? 

Any other team that I ever "cared" about I could probably name one player, and that was probably the QB if we're talking about football.  Any other sport it's the hottie (Still bummed about Shane Battier and Hunter Pence leaving - now who do I watch??).  I know so many (for my standards) of these Texans, I can't decide on a jersey (although I'll probably go with Cushing).  I decided I REALLY liked T.J. Yates and Kevin Walter (NOT WalterS) after this awesome play in the last 8 seconds of the game against the Bengals to clinch the AFC South title (video is like 9 min, and the play isn't till minute 6 of the video):

Obviously I love Andre Johnson, and Arian Foster, but let's not forget about J.J. Watt and his pick six - he apparently does that a lot in practice against Jake Delhomme, our new back-up, back-up, back-up QB. Then there's Jacoby, and Johnathan Joseph - awesome, and BEN TATE!!  Oh yeah, and I love Conner Barwin and Brooks Reed - crazy long haired freak.

How do I choose one jersey??  Most stores I've been in only have Andre Johnson and Arian Foster Jerseys - if anything now!!   

After a season of rooting on the Texans, it was awesome to see them win the AFC South Championship, and we so almost went to Reliant to meet them when they came home.  We watched it on TV later and regretted it.  Houston is so awesome!  Check this out:

It really is so awesome to see a city so hyped up for a game.  This Saturday, people were sportin their jerseys early!  Eric and I went to Star Cinema Grill to watch with our sweet friends Ruben and Ashley...wow, so awesome.  It was so much better than watching at home - we had the big screen and 200 screaming fans around us.  It was incredible.  Eric said it was the best day of his life, and it was pretty awesome, but I really wish he could've actually been at the game.  He would of LOVED it!

Well, I think I will need to get my Cushing jersey before next week's game - definitely will have to go to Star Cinema again.  I just hope Andre catches a few more balls....and Cushing gets another bloody nose! :)

I love this song with clips that Eric showed me! 

New Years Resolutions 2012

Someone told me that resolutions stick when written down, so here's me writing mine down. :)

1. I need to get back in my running routine.  It's been too long, and I need to do it on a daily basis.
2. SAVE MONEY!!!  I think we need a Dave Ramsey review! YIKES!
2. Say "No".  Let me explain.  This has been the most stressful year yet - I thought my fourth year was supposed to be easier.  It's stressful because I have taken on so many extra jobs, and I am going non-stop.  I really don't feel like I'm enjoying life at all right now.  I've been working towards having a career, and I now realize that I just want a job.  I want to go to work, and come home and not think about work until I get up the next morning.
As it is I get to work by 6:30, and don't leave work until 5:30 or 6 most days, and THEN come home and work on more work, or just crash on the couch.  This is probably the biggest reason I haven't been running, and order pizza at least twice a week.
Well, after enjoying a nice relaxing break with family, I realized this has got to stop.  I have never been dreading going back to work as I am now.  I am usually kinda ready after two weeks out of a routine. Right now I am teaching all subjects in fourth grade - which is stressful enough since I have to prepare them for THREE tests.  I am also the Reading coach which means on Wednesdays I prepare plans for my class, and I am out working with other teachers in all grade levels - this means I have to be somewhat of an expert in what all of the other grade levels are doing AS WELL AS mine.  It's stressful feeling like you have to be the expert, so I read and study up on things a lot during my free time. As part of this, I also normally prepare something for our faculty meetings on Thursdays - it's stressful preparing something to present in front of teachers - the worst listeners.  I have also been working on writing curriculum for the district in Reading and Writing.  This I do from home.  I have also been preparing workshops for Dickinson ISD.  So whereas last year my role was - Reading and Writing Teacher, this year my roles are:
Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies Teacher
Fourth Grade Team Leader
Reading Coach
Curriculum Writer
Staff Development Presenter

I am thoroughly burned out.  I have decided that next year I will do one job only.  I want to enjoy life.

Well will see if I follow through with these or not.  So far so good...well on the running thing anyways.  I might need to buy new clothes when I get back in shape. ;)

A Crafty Christmas

This Christmas I decided to make use of Pinterest.  Most of my gifts were hand made by me.  This made it a very special Christmas.  Here's a look at some of the things I made.

I made these Christmas pillows for my mom.  Got the idea here: http://pinterest.com/pin/236509417900690400/

Made this necklace for Hannah from this Pinterest tutorial: http://pinterest.com/pin/236509417900617812/

 I also decorated some REALLY cute ceramic mugs for Hunter, Liz and the boys.  I couldn't find ceramic markers anywhere, but I did find this mug kit at Michael's that had markers with the white mug.  It said they don't wash off...well apparently they do.  And unfortunately I didn't take a picture of them.  They were cute though.

My family has begun a Christmas tradition of making some sort of Christmas craft.  This year I had so many to choose from on pinterest like this one: http://pinterest.com/pin/236509417900709415/

And here is mine.

I also made a Christmas wreath from Pinterest.  Idea here: http://pinterest.com/pin/236509417900757588/

I made earring frames for Megan and Holly.  I forgot to take a picture, but here's what I mean by earring frame:

My favorite project was Eric's T-Shirt quilt.  I worked on it the week before Christmas while he was at work.  I thought I was being sneaky, but Eric is the worst when it comes to gifts.  He guesses them all - little jerk.  Yep.  Even the quilt.  Oh well, he loved it anyways, and I was kinda proud of it too!

I love gifts like these.  You put so much love in them, and they mean so much more than something off of someones list.

The best meal I've made yet!

So last night I made the most delicious dish I think I've ever tasted at my own table!  I wouldn't say I'm good at cooking, or even really enjoy it all that much.  I can follow a recipe, but the super delicious ones are usually too complicated for me to care to give a lick of time to!  This one, however, I found on Pinterest (I'm telling you, best invention ever!)!  I made Cajun Chicken Pasta!!

I think the key ingredients here are the cajun seasoning, and the sundried tomatoes, which by the way aren't cheap, but well worth the money!  The minute this hit my mouth my eyes lit up, and I couldn't stop making MMMM noises! I definitely had seconds.  Yes please...and I took some to school for lunch today!  It's very good reheated, by the way. 

So, here's the website for the recipe:

http://blogchef.net/cajun-chicken-pasta-recipe/

Just thought I'd share! 

Why Texas? All about my new blog title

Ok, so if you're here, you may have noticed the overhaul of my blog.  I HOPE this will be the last time!  I've probably changed my template 10 times!  My biggest struggle with blogging has been picking a catchy name.  Every blog I follow seems to have a catchy name, and try as I might, I could never come up with one that fit my life, and what I was writing about!  Here are a few of my favorite catchy blog names:

• A Tale of Two Cities - Genius.  Of course.  She lives in two cities.
• In Flight with a New Life - My Sis-in-Law - New hubby is an Air Force Pilot.
• The Cellar Door Stories - Something J.R.R. Tolkien said to remind us about the simple things.
• Tea with Mrs. Kee - Clever.  It Rhymes, and Tea is something that is comforting that you would contemplate life over.
• JJ's Journeys - Alliteration, and it's all about her travels.  Love.

So, these made me contemplate my title.  "Heather Michelle Ramirez"??  Really?  Original.  For days and days, I would try to come up with a name that describes my life.  I got Eric thinking for me.  Here were some of the wack-job names I came up with:

• Heather's Haven - Hey, it's alliteration!  Eric did not like.
• You, Me, and the Dog - I loved it - but what happens when we have a kid??
• The Ramblings of a Ramirez - Again, alliteration, no good though.

There were many others.  Then Eric suggested "Texas Forever".  Hmmm.  I liked it.  This is from one of our favorite shows, Friday Night Lights - all about football in Texas.  I loved it, but decided to tweak it to the above: A Taste of the Texas Life.  So now that I have my new name, here are some reasons it fits me, and why I love Texas so much:

• Texas Football - grew up with it.
• Texas has the BEST rodeos.  I went to a few in Arkansas...nothin like Mesquite or Houston.
• In Texas, people are just more courteous and polite.  They know (most all do, and those who don't aren't from here) what the left hand lane is for, and move over for you.  In the grocery store, they let you pass.
• UM, Texas Bar-B-Q.
• TEX-MEX.
• We have the most pride in our state.  I mean, what other state says the pledge to their state flag right after the American pledge in school?? "Honor the Texas flag, I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state, under God, ONE, and Indivisible.
• Bluebonnets!  Where else do people stop on the side of the highway to take family pictures??
• The Alamo - Just our story.  I love to be able to teach Texas history, and take my Fourth graders to Austin for our field trip - and all day field trip by the way.
• Blue Bell Ice Cream
• Trucks!  I love coming into Texas and seeing a huge increase in the amount of trucks on the road. I love trucks.  They're sexy. :)
• Texas Country - Think about it, do you hear about "Louisiana Country" or "Pennsylvania Country"??  Not unless you're talking about the countryside.  
• Our state flag.  simple, strong.
• There is always a breeze.

Just to name a few.  I seriously cannot imagine living anywhere else.  I love the Texas life...everything about it.  I love that I can get dressed up in boots, and it's not a costume.  I love that I can eat my favorite foods here, and I LOVE that I can tell you where I'm from WITH PRIDE!!

What do YOU love about Texas??

First attempt: Pillow sham

I've been wanting a cute decorative pillow for the bed in my guest bedroom.  Hobby Lobby had some super cute Burlap Paris Themed pillows, but I didn't want to pay $30 for one.  I love the look of burlap, and it's so cheap.  

I still had some of the black and white ticking fabric left over from my headboard, so I decided to use that to keep with the theme, and add a little square of burlap on the front.  I wanted the burlap to have some sort of Paris design on it, but still simple.  So, I googled Paris Text, and found the word "Paris" written in a cute font.  I enlarged it to where I wanted it, and printed it out.  Burlap is pretty transparent, so I just laid it over the paper, and traced with a sharpie.

Here's how it turned out.  I pinned it to the fabric, and then stitched it on.

To make the sham, I took two pieces for the back side, and folded and pressed an edge on each.  

I stitched those edges.

Next, I overlapped the edges so that the front piece would be in the center.  To do this, I measured how long the piece should be.  This pillow was 18 x 18, so I needed the length here to be 19".  I made sure the front seam was at about 9".  I didn't take a picture of the next step, but I just stitched the top and bottom to make sure the pieces stayed together.

Afterwards I sewed it together like any other pillow. 

Here is the finished product:

FRONT:

BACK:

Here's how it looks with my headboard:

My first attempt at sewing pillows with zippers!

Recently, I created an addition to my living room decor.  I made a few decorative pillows for the couches.  I've made several pillows before for my classroom, but I just stitched the hole closed.  I wanted these to be nicer, so I bought invisible zippers at Hobby Lobby.  After watching a quick tutorial online, I was ready to go.  Here's how I made my pillow covers with zippers.

First, Check the measurements of the pillow insert.  Mine was 14 x 28.  You'll want to buy zippers as close to your measurement as possible.  

Measure 1 inch past the pillow insert measurements.  I measured 15 x 29.

Pin the zipper to the "good side" of your fabric.

Next, you'll need to put your zipper foot on.  It's the one that has a skinnier foot.

Get the needle as close to the zipper as possible without actually sewing on top of the zipper.  I made that mistake, and pulling out stitches is not fun.

When going over the hardware, I kinda pulled it back to get the stitches as close as I could.

Next, pin the other side (good side) to the fabric, and repeat the above steps.  You should get this result.

Unzip the zipper, and then finish stitching up the other three sides.  It's important to unzip it first, because you will have no way to get inside it if you don't.  Insert your pillow insert, and you're done!  Here's my finished result:

They become so much more meaningful when you know you made them!