Teaching Six Year Olds For A Living?? What?!?

So I'm pretty sure that I have the second best job (next to being a mom) in the world! I got a job teaching FIRST grade in Weatherford and I totally love it! Sure it's challenging at times and my days are NEVER boring, but honestly I wouldn't trade it for the world. Everyday those sweet germy children never cease to give me hugs in the morning and they always give me one before they leave. I even have times during the day, during a lesson that I'm teaching, I will have at least one kid just stand up, push in their chair and come and wrap their little arms around my waist! And it's funny to me, because that doesn't distract any other kid what-so-ever! The hugs that I give them, for some, are more than likely the only hugs they get in a day....and I make sure they get them!

It's funny when I come home and tell Royce about things that happen in day and he thinks EVERYTHING is funny (even when I'm telling him what kind of trouble they were in). But I have had them say the funniest things! (if only their parents knew what they told me on a daily basis they would cringe!) I started keeping a journal on things that they say etc. It will be very entertaining to look back on and remember!

Some may think or say "how hard could it be, you teach FIRST grade?" HA...I'd like to hit the next person that says that! It's not that the things I TEACH are hard by any means, but trying to get 18, jittery six year olds to sit still long enough to get the point across is a really big challenge for the most part. Their attention span is that of an ant sometimes! You have to learn to pick your battles! I have 2-3 kids who I believe are unable to sit down...at all...so they normally do their work standing up and ALWAYS moving. But they ARE doing their work...so I can't really complain! So if you are one that thinks "how hard can it be"...why don't you just come on over for 1 WHOLE day and let me know if you changed your mind!?!?! (what? It's only 1 day. =)

The HoNeYmOoN in Cozumel

This was such an AMAZING time we had! By far the best 5 days of my life. If Royce wouldn't have made me get back on the plane to come home I really think I could have lived there FOREVER! I loved every, every minute down there....no worries...no stress...and all the drinks and food you can imagine!! I will have to say... NEVER...NEVER....drink the water in Mexico (the saying REALLY is true). Royce and I had this conversation while we were there, but against everything we were told we thought that surely at such a nice resort like this the water just had to be purified...WRONG! It didn't "hit" us until we got home....but when it did...well....it DID! That is no way shape or form would stop us from going back...heck we are already planning our next trip for our anniversary!! (we will just be designating a check-in luggage that if FULL of American Agua next time!!)

We Sealed The Deal!!!

And it was the most AMAZING day ever! We are so thankful to have been blessed with so many friends and family who love us unconditionally and that helped make our special day so great! I don't have much to say (ok I have PLENTY to talk about...but I think the pictures speak for themselves!!)

** stay tuned for the honeymoon low-down!!***

The In's and Out's of the Upcoming Wedding

THE BIG DAY IS: August 4th, 2007

Where: World Ministry Outreach Church in Stephenville, TX

NIKKI'S ATTENDANTS

Micah Schmidt , Matron of Honor -- Micah is my cousin. She and I have so many memories together from childhood pranks, to coming to know the Lord, to realizing we are the "sister" we never had. She will forever be my "Carla Tate!" =)

Audrae Burton , Bridesmaid -- Audrae is a close friend of mine. She makes me laugh all the time! She is beautiful inside and out and I couldn't imagine getting married without her right there with me! Audrae will always hold a special place in my heart!

Chandy Standard , Bridesmaid -- Chandy is my cousin. Even though she is much younger than I she still means the world to me! She's definitely a "mini-me"!!!

Lindsey Light , Bridesmaid -- Lindsey is Royce's sister! She is SUCH a sweet spirited girl that would do anything for you! She is a country girl that loves to Rodeo!

ROYCE'S ATTENDANTS

Cole Barber , Best Man -- Cole is Royce's brother! He's such a great guy and one things for sure....he KNOWS how to have some FUN!!!! =)

Jud Jackson , Groomsman -- Jud is not only Royce's brother-in-law, but also his best friend! Jud never ceases to bring a smile on my face! He's quite the character!!! =)

Brett Meeks , Groomsman -- Brett is a friend of Royce. He is probably, hands down, the funniest guy I think I will ever meet! There is NEVER a dull moment with Brett!

Trent Bonnet , Groomsman -- Trent is my brother! He means the absolute world to me. He's my rock, he's my comfort.....He's my "SHRANT"........"aint no mountain high..."

(Here are some of our Engagement Pictures taken my Audrae Burton!)

The Proposal (February 14, 2007)

I talked to him around 4 that afternoon and he said he was about to head my way. At 7:30 I still had not seen him, nor spoken with him. I tried calling and texting over and over again and wasn't getting a response. I frantically called my mom to see if she had heard from him and that I was worried something might have happened, that I was gonna go look for him. She quickly stated "well there's no need in you doing that" (which I later found out he was over at my parent's house asking my dad, she knew all about it and couldn't let me leave my house). Finally he calls to tell me he had a "flat tire" (what a joke!) and that he would be there shortly! He came in and I tried hugging him like always and he was really sneakishly reluctant. (had the box in his coat pocket and didn't want me to feel it! =) After a little "how was your day ect. conversation" he pulled out the ring and asked me to marry him!!!!! I don't think the smile has left my face since......

How We Met

Funny you ask! Turns out I was "The Girl Next Door!" Royce and I have lived just down the road our entire lives! However, due to his stubborness (just kiddin darlin'), he never really talked to me much. Apparently he was too cool to hang out with us younger neighborhood kids (all 2 of us! =) Well a few years after we had both graduated and moved on, our mothers decided that we would just be the perfect match! Convicing us both to come home and attend church this one particular Sunday obviously allowed fate to set right in! The rest...... is history...... =)

All About Royce

Royce lives in Santo, TX (which is a good 60 miles one way from me....you can say that HWY 281 is a road MUCH traveled on! =) He is my rodeo cowboy that loves what he does! When he's not rodeo'n or spending time with me of course, he is workin, workin, workin, building fences and buildings, and/or "punchin cows" as he would say! "“That's my sweetheart in there. Wherever he is, that's where my home is.” ~The Notebook~

All about Nikki

I was born and raised in the “Cowboy Capital of the World”….good ole Stephenville TX! I'm a country girl at heart who loves her family, her friends, and her two dogs...Noah and Diesel!! I have one younger brother who, along with my Mom and Dad, still resides in Stephenville! After graduating from Stephenville High school, I attended Tarleton State University where I played Volleyball for the TexAnns!! (yes….I bleed purple!) I graduated in December of 2004 earning my Bachelors in Fitness Management and a minor in Business Administration. I have an additional post-graduate certification in EC-4 Generalist and EC-12 Special Education from Region XI TPP. In Hamilton, I am currently a teacher stuck in a high school setting, trying desperately to get back down to the elementary level....and I will next year! I have a full load this year....I teach Health, Teen Leadership and Resource Math. And I coach Volleyball, Basketball and Track for Junior High and HIgh School. YIKES!