Shape's Mantra of the Month

As I was reading Shape this weekend, trying to find the

secret to getting a great body with little effort I came across a great

little paragraph in the "Shape Your Life" section:

Mantra of the Month: "I Want What I Have"

It's perfectly natural to desire more - more clothes, more friends,

more money; it's only human. But obsessing over the things you're

lacking can make you feel dissatisfied. This month take a moment to

acknowledge what you do have - anything from your healthy body, which

can carry your through a six-mile run, to your best friend, who's

really more like a sister. Remember that, while life can always get

better, it's fulfilling to appreciate where you are.

I catch myself wanting, wanting, wanting at every turn.

I am constantly trying to remind myself the difference between want

and need but rarely think about all the things I am so blessed with, including

my not perfect, but perfectly healthy body. I am certainly not an expert

advice giver but thought this was too good to not share. I

hope everyone is having a fabulous week.

Love and hugs,

Ali

A Fabulous Weekend: All in Black and White

Last weekend was really great...and it had it's own color theme. Saturday night we threw a party for our friends Stephanie and Jimbo, who are getting married in May. Michelle and Brandon opened up their beautiful home for our Black, White and Bubbly party: black and white attire required. Everyone looked fantastic in their swag (lots of stylish boyfriend blazers), we had delicious food and lots of laughs. I made my friend Camille's hot chicken salad cups and Michelle's mom's sopapilla cheesecake squares. Here are some pics from the evening.

The food table

Koozies are the best party favor! You can never have too many.

Having a drink before our guests arrive.

Stephanie wore a fabulous multi-colored romper.

It's nice to visit with dear high school friends

Stephanie, Anna, Sarah, myself, Theresa

My cute hubby!

The next day was a big tennis day at our household. Andrew had his second match on his FAC 3.0 team. They swept their Shadow Valley opponents 5-0. Later in the day I had my first match!!! I was so nervous; besides dance competition in high school I have never competed in an organized sport. I am the captain of our team (not because of talent, just because I am organized). Our team picked out a sharp black and white Nike outfit, so even if we lost we knew we would look good losing:) Lauren and I played doubles against a good team. We got a late start and were down 1-5 in the first set. My heart was pounding out of my chest but Lauren and I were able to get into a groove and came back 5-5. We eventually lost the first set 7-5 but won the second set 6-4. We were excited but still had to play a tiebreak. We were down in the tiebreak 1-6 but came back and won 11-9. We were so happy!!! Our team won the match and went to Mojitos to celebrate. I am not super great at tennis but I really love it and it has been great for Andrew and I to go out and play together.

Lauren, Mary Lauren and our tennis coach: Bobby

Big winners!

2.0 Bring It!

This weekend we had a nice time in Hot Springs with the family. Our niece and nephew are growing up so quickly!!! This week is going to be full of tennis, spirit buses and Dallas!!! We will be back on the road down to Van Buren for Bulldog Basketball as they enter the state tournament as the 5 seed. I am hoping to see our boys win some games. Then this weekend, some friends and I will be headed to Dallas for Anna's bachlorette party. Hope everyone has a nice, productive week. Love, Ali

Oh my, time flies when it snows outside...

It seems like at least once a week since the first week of January I have a snow day. Don't get me wrong, having a day off is great but after a few times and my summer vacation being shortened slowly and slowly, I can only wish for spring to arrive. We have been busy playing tennis, bumping up the cardio (its nice to see the numbers on the scale go down again), spending time with friends and enjoying the arrival of our new couch (for those who know our now famous Christmas Party Horror Story, it took over 6 weeks to get our new item to lounge upon). Work has been great minus the kids' senioritous. The students and teachers at SHS are all having a good semester in academics, sports, music, etc. I couldn't ask for a better job. I hope everyone is having a happy February.

Love and hugs, Ali

This girl can sleep!

Bear was very over me grading the kids' essay tests.

Snuggling out in the snow.

Bear and Andrew on our snow adventure.

Just wanted to brag on SHS students and their tremendous school spirit. They make me laugh all day long.

Near and Dear to My Heart: Bulldog Pups Need Your Help!

I am teaching a new course at Springdale High School called Service Learning. We work on different service projects around NWA including Polo of the Ozarks, Autumn Festival at the Jones Center, play bingo at Walnut Grove nursing home, etc. The 19 students in my class attend Head Start once a week and Jones Elementary in Springdale once a week. I was visiting with the principal last week and she was telling me about her demographics and the projects they are trying to accomplish this winter for the kids. Jones Elementary has approximately 598 students in the school, of which 97% are free and reduced lunch (essentially meaning poverty level)!!!!!!! That means 15 students pay for their lunch (6 of those are students of teachers). She said every year companies call and ask if they can adopt a family for Christmas. It is so hard to choose because all of their students need it, so this year they are trying something different. They would like to send each student home at Christmas Break with a full stocking stuffed with at least one book, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, etc. I know the toiletries wouldn't seem exciting to a small child but they will be beyond joyful. They are also trying to put together food bags to send home with their kids for the break. Many of their students do not receive meals at home (the school has a weekend food program but not for an entire holiday). As you begin thinking about the holidays and what groups or organizations you would like to help out, please consider this project. I will gladly come pick up any of the presents you would like to donate or if you would like to give money the counselors at the school say they know how to make a dollar stretch:) One book, two books, toiletries, stockings or more, I would forever be grateful to you for helping any way you can

Hello Blog, I Have Missed You!

Whew! It has been forever! Life has been so crazy busy that I haven't even had time to look at friends' blogs either. I am very lucky today that I have had the opportunity to spend time with one of my best friend's, Frances. She was in town as a keynote speaker for a foreign language conference. We woke up late, Andrew made us breakfast, we went for a long walk, ran by Target, window shopped at Riffraff, bought some delicious raspberry yogurt covered pretzels, played with the Petersons, watched every episode of Modern Family, ate baked potato soup and are now watching Transformers 2. It has been a great, relaxing and lazy day. I wish she lived in Northwest Arkansas. Andrew and I are constantly bugging her to move up here. She is such a fantastic friend and person! It will be sad to see her leave in the morning.

Since the last time I blogged I have had Homecoming, went to Tulsa with Andrew for the Dave Matthews Concert, watched the Hogs and Bulldogs win some ...and lose some, helped run the Circle of Friends Fall Carnival, took 100 students two days in a row to Van Buren for volleyball state playoffs, throwing our 2nd annual Halloween party and tons of other time consuming, fun things. Most of any extra time left over has been spent trying to improve my tennis skills and working towards being a better teacher. School has been great this year, even busier though due to my new Service Learning class but it is so heart-warming to see my kids working in the community and making a difference in the lives of children in Springdale. Andrew is very excited because he has just accepted a position at the Walmart/Sam's Club Home Offices. He starts in two weeks and is really ready for a change. I am so proud of him. I am looking forward to a leadership conference with my students on Tuesday and a ride in the spirit buses down to Russellville for the state football playoffs. My friend Stephanie's birthday is this week too. What I am looking forward to the most though is my first training session back with Mitch. I have gained some weight back in the past few months and have become uncomfortable. I am excited to get back on the health bandwagon. It will be a great week! I hope you have a great one too! Here are a bunch of pics from the last couple of months! Love, Ali

Andrew with our niece Olivia on his shoulders celebrating the Hogs victory over South Carolina. Go Hog!

Ruby and Graham made friends over some popcorn and skittles.

Love my husband!

They are growing up too fast! Our niece and nephew: Olivia and Graham

Bear gearing up for game day!

Best part of Halloween: carving the pumpkins

Striking resemblance to Fred Flinstone

Painting the rock monster for the Fall Carnival

Picking our pumpkins at Dickey Farms Pumpkin Patch

Lawson and Lyla helping us craft at Hobby Lobby

Fall was so beautiful this year.

We took Ruby to a Red Dog game. She loves the Bulldogs.

Showing off her school spirit.

Auburn game...a little early, a little cold:) Thanks Em and Matt for going with us!

Waiting for our cab to the Dave Matthews Concert in Tulsa...it never showed. Cab service in Tulsa is terrible!

The McBirney Mansion in Tulsa. I would definitely recommend staying there.

Our 3-D adventure to Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Go Hogs!

A Little Bit of Randomness

Good Evening Friends!  I am up posting a new blog too late in the night.  I should be in bed, actually I need to finish some invitations first. But, I couldn't help but share my canvases I picked up from Chris Stinson tonight.  He is such a great photographer!  I am so excited to put up pictures of my little one, Bear.  She is a good subject for picture-taking!

I just finished some curtains for my friend Lauren.  She has a really cool dining room with lime green under the chair molding and midnight blue above it.  We used a cute patterned cotton on top with a rich, beautiful orange gathered polyester on bottom.  She picked a velvet and beaded trim to finish off the look.  I am very pleased with the way they turned out and I think she is too!

Last weekend we went to Small Hands Big Dreams, supporting the Children's Safety Center.  Molly and her committee did such an amazing job and we all had so much fun!

Lots of love to everyone!  Go Hogs! Beat Georgia!!

Ali

Hootie Hoo for Brooke's Bachlorette

Home Sweet Home!  I just got home from a fun trip to the beach with a bunch of friends for Brooke's Bachlorette Weekend!  It was a totally different experience in Grayton Beach than what I am used to.  We spent our days on the beach (for some reason I took no pictures on the beach) and shopping/art exploring in Seaside and our nights at good restaurants and the bars of Grayton and Seaside.  We had a really great time celebrating Wes and Brooke's upcoming nuptials. My only complaint was that anytime we would strike up a conversation with a fellow SEC member, they would always want to know why we hate Houston Nutt and what an amazing coach he is...Oh my!   I hope everyone had a safe and fabulous Labor Day Weekend.  

Lots of Love,

Allison

Doodling on our table with my Sharpie Pen:) at Shorty's in Grayton Beach.  Best sushi in SoWal! Please go there to eat if you are down that direction (it is across from the Red Bar).

Me with the bachlorette, Brooke.  Those are some serious heels Miss Bride!

Laura, Ann, Martha and I enjoying Arkansan-owned Red Bar. Yum!!!

Jenny, Suzy and I.  Can you ever get away with not wearing something silly during a bachlorette weekend?  I think we looked great!!!

The whole crew at Red Bar.

What a cute bride?!

Me, Court and Laura

Dancing the night away at Bud and Alley's

Courtney, Ann, Martha, Theresa, Laura and I ordered the entire menu at Broken Egg for breakfast.  Ooo..it was good!

On our way home today we stopped in Paul Michael. It is a fabulous home decor store in south Arkansas.  Most of the girls had been before but I had not. They already had out Halloween and Christmas decor. I must say I was in holiday heaven.