...that's what it's all about *clap*clap*

Y'all know me...and you know I love Cash more than anything in this world. But right now I'm utterly sick of the lovey doviness going on at school, on social media, etcccccc. If you have a great relationship, it's daily. It's not one time a year.

One of my students asked me what Cash and I got each other for Valentine's Day. Uhmmm...excuse me? It's not Christmas. Nor is it a day we are supposed to show off our love to everyone else. And it's definitely not a day I share with 13 year olds.

I'm blown away right now with the amount of  gift exchanging going on between middle school kids. I'll go ahead and say it--I think it's ludicrous. If you are 12 years old, you don't need a dozen roses from your 2 day boyfriend. You'll change boyfriends within the month. Nor do you need a bouquet of flowers from your parents. What is that??? Why are kids getting presents on VALENTINE'S DAY from their parents? Why do we have to send these to school so that they think life is all about them. (and to further enhance the gap between those with means and those without--that makes me so sad)

A few weeks ago I was at Target, and I overheard a little girl tell her parents that it was HER holiday. They both laughed and said, "Little girl, you are badly mistaken." I was so glad to hear them say that, because this isn't a day about kids. It's about two adults who are in love...and that shouldn't be commercialized.

When I was single (which wasn't THAT long ago..I still remember how I felt), it really hurt to be reminded of how single I was with no possible candidate in mind. I promised myself during all those lonely years that I wouldn't show off on this day when I was in love. I love Cash...more than you can imagine. I talk about him all the time. He takes me on dates as often as we can possibly see each other. We got each other a Valentine's Day present. And don't get me wrong---I've been so excited for today. Any chance I get to tell Cash I love him, I jump on it. But I stand by my conviction that I don't want to throw my relationship in the faces of the people who don't get to celebrate. I remember that pain, and I would hate to know I caused it for someone else.

I just encourage you to focus today just on you and your love. It doesn't have to be announced to the world. Just try to put yourself in someone's shoes who doesn't have a Valentine. And bottom line...if you have a great Valentine, it will be evident tomorrow and the next day and the next day and and and...

That being said, I don't want you to think I don't appreciate what Cash does for me. I do..1. because I remember life before him and don't take him for granted 2. he's an amazing man 3. I could go on forever. I just think today is between me and Cash (or whomever and whomever); not me, Cash, and facebook. That's all.

A Few Randoms and a 7 Year Olds Brain

Two weekends in a row I've spent hanging with my sister and her family in Bella Vista. #winning

My niece and nephew are wild ones; they are. But they melt my heart! The past several months Braeson has clung to me every second he could when I've been around. Yesterday he even kissed me goodbye in front of all his teammates after his basketball game. I'm trying to soak in every moment of our BFF time!

Braeson has also become very interested in politics. He sent the picture I showed you the other day of Abraham Lincoln speaking behind a podium. The next day he sent a picture that read, "I love going to the Lincoln Memorial." He was AMAZED that today would have been Lincoln's 203rd birthday. Speaking of presidents and their birthdays, I'm crossing my fingers that they have rallied behind the fact we aren't getting off for President's Day; I'm pretty certain we might get out of school tomorrow since we don't get next Monday off. C'mon, snow!! Just 1 snow day would be a nice break right now!

Anyway, so Friday on the way to Dustin's basketball game I was telling Braeson the difference in Republicans and Democrats. Of course I was generalizing and saying that ideologically Republicans don't believe in higher taxes for the wealthy, abortion, or homosexual marriages and that largely Democrats do. I tried my best to put it in terms a 7 year old could understand. When I finished I said, "Do you know what President Lincoln was? He was a Republican." Brae thought was awesome. I said, "And President Obama is a Democrat." He stared at me with big eyes and said, "Soooo...President Obama married a man???"

Absolutely not. Sis and I explained that to him. We said that just because many Democrats vote for gay rights does not make them gay; they just believe in passing that form of legislation. To each their own; no debating social topics on the ol' blog (just actual political agendas like tax reform and healthcare and education). Regardless, it was comical how his little brain was working. He really was trying to put together political ideologies; he was just a little confused!

And to give balance to my explanation, his paternal grandfather quickly tried to erase everything I told him. So it's good that he's getting to come to his own decision starting at an early age. Regardless of what he decides as he gets older, I'm just PUMPED that he does want to come to a decision! So to all of you political naysayers out there, seriously get informed. If my 7 year old nephew can do it, you can too.

All right. Besides brainwashing a kindergartener, what else have I been doing?

• watched 2 Gravette Lions games, both coming down to the last second
• found out that I can get a 15% discount at Ann Taylor LOFT since I'm a teacher
• got a new Vera Bradley wallet from my beau for our anniversary (holllaaaaa)
• started working out again thanks to my friend Tracee who gets me in the gym and my friend Drea who inspires me with her Facebook pictures of her abs
• made 2 new friends in grad school, 1 girl who seems really cool; we're so excited to hang out as she and her boyfriend might go with Cash and me to a Hog baseball game in 2 weeks
• received an e-mail confirmation that Cash is coming in 2 weeks from now; he totally surprised me!!!
• woke up to a UPS text this morning that I was getting a delivery tomorrow; Cash was mad that the surprise was ruined, but I was thrilled to know I had something coming!!!
• watched The Vow; kinda disappointed now
• bought Cash's V-Day present and 2 new pairs of shoes over the phone, all 3 being in Midland; ready to pick them up FRIDAY!! (Check out Pink Tumbleweed on Facebook; they rock.)
• shaved Bequette (well, Sis did)
• listened to my nephew describe all the differences between my sister and me: I have bigger eyes, a longer and flatter neck, a skinnier nose.
• cleaned my house top to bottom
• discovered that everything I need for dinner can be found in the $1 aisle at CV's
• landed the Chief Deputy Secretary of State as a History Day judge
• made 2 canvases, 1 for my guest bedroom and 1 for my cousin Brad (I do have to throw in the fact that I made one for Cash this summer, and he has it up in his house...right when you walk in!! Not even in the very back closet!! haha)
  
  

  

  "Go Hogs Arkansas Woo Pig"

  

  

  my new canvas above my guest bed

  Y'all remember the LeAnn Rimes concert Cash took me to in Ft. Worth? This weekend I was on the DFW website and found these pictures. CASH AND I WERE ON THERE!!!! I was so absolutely stunned and excited. Granted many people are on there, but seriously...I am still excited. 

  

  LeAnn singing like no one else in the world

  

  

  with my fav at Bass Hall

  

  

  holy cow I'm lucky!!!

  I know I say Cash is handsome a lot. So I'll refrain. Instead I just want to say that he looks really, really great in these pictures! Wow. I seriously can't believe I get to date him. Before I change his mind, I better jet. Hope you all have been enjoying life as much as we have! Have a great week, lovelies.

XOXO...

Avery Jane

Braeson's Insight

My 7 year old nephew Braeson had my sister send this to members of our family tonight. I received it while watching the news, and some things really hit me.

1. A child has innocent eyes and can see true fairness. That's not just a political dig. That's just a reality of day to day life.

2. Liberals can scream at conservatives for not being open-minded on issues like gay marriage, abortion, taxes, etc. However, when a conservative gives his/her viewpoint and a liberal doesn't want to listen, then that's completely acceptable. Few things make me madder than that hypocrisy. Don't tell me I am close-minded but not listen to my perspective.

3. Fair: free from bias or injustice. It absolutely cannot be fair to people who make more money to have a higher tax rate. If the tax rate was a flat 10%, then the wealthy would be paying more anyway. How do people not get that? The tax laws currently punish people for making more money. Those of us who make less money shouldn't be griping that wealthy people are paying 10x our salary in taxes while we pay such a minute amount comparatively speaking. If I was someone who worked hard to make a lot of money, paid tens of thousands in taxes, then was told I didn't pay enough despite paying more than most...well, I'd be ticked. It's intolerable to keep putting people on social programs and slowly creating pure dependence on the government. Karl Marx would've like it though!

4. President Obama and Vice President Biden campaign for higher taxes for those nasty, nasty rich people. Aren't they so kind and giving? They run to the aid of people who just can't help themselves, right? Well, unfortunately, they gave less to charity (combined) than did George W. Bush when Bush made less money than either of them. Biden in particular is very selfish with his money. Just a thought...if they wanted to help the poor so much, why don't they do it with their own money instead of forcing that on tax payers?

5. My nephew said his picture is of a president but not Obama. He says it is of Abraham Lincoln. Rock on, little Braeson. He's truly a kid after his aunt's heart. I'm so proud!

Just wanted to get that rant off my chest. Be informed. Do research. Go vote.

XOXO...

Avery