30-Day Blog Challenge-- Day 1

Okay, I totally want to jump on this bandwagon. I got the idea from my friend, Ryan, (you can read her blog here) and I figure that I could use something that makes me blog a little bit more. I've been slacking like crazy. So here goes nothing!!!

Day One: Introduction, Recent Picture, Fifteen Interesting Facts
Okay, okay, I know this isn't a picture of me, BUT it is my most recent picture (taken yesterday actually). I need for you to understand that this isn't just any Christmas tree... It is the FIRST tree my grandmother has put up in her house in 25 YEARS!! You see, her son (my mom's baby brother) passed away that year in a car accident and it naturally rocked their world. My grandma hasn't been able to bring herself to put up a tree since then... Until this year. I am SO proud of her, and if you look on the wall right behind the tree is a picture of my Uncle Robbie (we didn't do this purposefully). It's like he's looking down on us. :)

Anyway, about me. I am Allyson Michelle (Chapman) Houchin. I am 25, and will be 26 on December 27. I recently married-- two months yesterday actually-- to the absolute love of my life. We have the most beautiful dog you've ever seen, and her name is Harper. She is a chocolate lab. We bought our first house this year and we're enjoying the fun and stress of being homeowners.
I am the baby of a wonderful family-- My brother, Brad is 2 and a half years older and is the coolest guy you'll ever meet. He is handsome, funny, and the best salesman in the world. My mom is beautiful and kind, and my dad has always been such a great caretaker; he would do anything for anybody. I am blessed that my parents are still married and still very much in love.
I am an 8th grade Math teacher. People usually think you have to be smart to teach Math, but I would say I'm kinda dumb because I chose to teach 8th grade!! :) No really, in all honestly. It's been a wonderfully disastrous ride. These kids are crazy, funny, awesome, careless, mean, lazy, emotional, happy, but all-around awesome. They make my world a more exhausting, but better place-- no doubt.
I think that's about it. :)

AND, here are 15 random things about me:
1. I have the same last name as one of my very best friends in the world. We married cousins. How cute is that?!

2. Before I get in the car to take a road trip (whether it's 1 hour or 12 hours), I always stop to get Trolli sour gummi worms and a sugar free Red Bull. Always.

3. Not to toot my own horn, but I'm a pretty good cook. I'm just a terrible meal planner, so I never really do it. My poor husband didn't realize what he was signing on for.

4. I LOVE the Bravo channel. Seriously. What's better than Top Chef, Housewives of every city in the US, and Millionaire Matchmaker? Not much, I say.

5. On my mom's side, I am the only granddaughter. Enough said.

6. I love my Kindle. Like, love love. I would almost die for it.

7. I have an obsession in coffee mugs. I can't stop buying them.

8. I asked for a camera for Christmas... And not just any camera. A fancy one. I probably won't be getting any presents for a LONG time.

9. I think the North Face is the coolest brand ever.

10. My best friend and I have only lived in the same city for ONE year. We've been best friends for 7 years.

11. I am also obsessed with blue jeans. If I try them on, I'm going to buy them. It's a problem. I need help.

12. I think the guy that invented TOMS shoes is hot. I'm just saying.

13. I cry very easily... sappy movies, tv shows, commercials. They get me every time!

14. I'm hungry right now. I forgot to eat breakfast. Good thing we're having a pot luck for lunch. YUM!

15. I love my Sanuk shoes. I would wear them every day if they matched.

Welp, it's been nice sharing a little bit about myself. I'm going to now go get some water so that I can fill my belly until lunchtime.
HAPPY FRIDAY!! :)