Get Your Kicks (and Sentimentality)...

on Route 66! Which happens to run directly through Shamrock, Texas! In fact, one of Shamrock's landmarks (Conoco Tower) was the inspiration for Romone's Auto Painting Shop in the movie, Cars. I love James Taylor's song, Our Town, from the soundtrack. It perfectly describes that sweet little town!





So yesterday Connor and I took a semi-spontaneous roadtrip to Shammy-Town. Mema and the rest of the family were going to meet one last time to clear out what was remaining in her house since her move to Lubbock.

I had pretty much made up my mind that I wasn't going. Chad wasn't going and I had never driven anywhere farther than Floydada by myself. I know...I'm way too sheltered. But I knew I had to go. And the thrill of being on the highway alone was just way too alluring!

When I was a kid I thought the drive to Shamrock was soooooo BORING. There was nothing to look at but land and cows. Now I understand and appreciate the quiet stillness of the countryside. So as Connor and I pointed out all the cows and trains along the way, I savored the simplicity of it all.


My cousin, Kate, and me. We have so many "Shamrock" memories. Like stealing Mema's Virginia Slims by the pack!! And walking to town to eat lunch at Mankhen Drug and charging it to Jack's account (grilled cheese sandwiches and Cherry, Vanilla Dr. Pepper with Cream). And giggling in church a little too loud. And burning a perfectly round hole in Mema's bathroom curtains with one of the cigarettes we stole. Visiting the creepy museum, going to the farm with Jack, finding local kids who were old enough to drive us around town, the smell of Aqua Net as Mema got ready EVERY morning, the smell of Carmex...the list goes on.

As we were walking through Mema's house one last time today we couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for the sad little town of Shamrock, for Mema, for time that has gone by so quickly. we understood what the other was feeling. While our kids were running up and down the stairs and finding all the cool secrets about that old house, we were saying goodbye to a piece of our childhood. We are all grown up now and have secured our place at the "adult" table. But Shamrock will always hold a special place in our hearts.


Connor and Kate's kids (3rd cousins??) We can't figure what they are to each other.



My boyfriend!


He found Jack's old hats.


Goodbye, house. Thanks for the good times!

If You Can Get Over...

the stifling, sweat-inducing, overwhelming heat...there is no better time than summer!! I am looking forward to artichokes, the smell of coconut tanning oil, and backyard BBQ's. Ahhh...the life. And it officially starts tomorrow at 12:00 p.m. No more homework, no more dragging our rear-ends out of bed at 7:00 in the morning...it's all fun and play for three months...for my kids at least.

Since the job market for teachers is in a slump I am going to continue going to school for my M.Ed. I only lack four classes. I figure I might as well make good use of my time while I have it. And summer school is the best way to knock out a class in just a few, short weeks.

But in my free time I have discovered a wonderful new obsession...thePioneerWoman! I've known about her for a long time, but never took the time to really understand who she is til last weekend. She is a one-woman show. She can cook, work a camera, and homeschool her four kids like no one's business. And I admit I'm a little jealous of her awesome ranch! I am now a proud owner of her cookbook, and can't wait for her book and movie to come out!!

Other goings-on...

I am officially on a diet/lifestyle change/tortuous journey. I thought my student teaching schedule would certainly help me to lose weight. I was wrong. But after being told by my grandmother (god love her...she means well...I think) that I looked like I was pregnant with twins...and my backside was broad...and that I USED to have the cutest figure, I figured I would lose weight just so I didn't have to endure her comments anymore! I have lost 3 pounds and am still feeling motivated!

Last week were the end of school parties at Honey. Here are a couple pics of the girls having fun!

Kindergarten hired a D.J., smoked hot dogs, and played games.

Third grade started their party off with tug-o-war...

and ended it with a dance off.

I Am Officially...

a teacher!!! Yay! Now I just need a job :)