Well It's Officially Official!

Greetings & Salutations,

I would like to officially announce that I am officially on Christmas break as of NOW (well, actually as of about 5 or so hours ago).  I am also officially finished with my Northeast State official obligations for this semester.  I have also officially notified Northeast State that I will officially not be teaching any courses next semester in order to officially save my sanity.  Because (sorry I started this sentence with a preposition Staci) I officially need to let something go.  So I officially did.  The (official) End.

An Update of Sorts

 1. I finally got my Christmas cards addressed!

 2. All of the kids presents are wrapped and under the tree!

3. I still have quite a few presents to wrap, but that's ok.

4. This week is insane at school.  We have Christmas Around The World going on in first and second grade.   So that means Monday-Thursday I have a different group of kids every afternoon to teach all about Christmas in Australia.  Merry Christmas mates!

5. I was also CRAZZZZZZEEEEEEE enough to schedule elf day, reindeer day, Grinch day, party day, AND Polar Express day for this week. 

6. Oh, and we still have to cover all of the "regular" stuff too for math and literacy.

7. And a writing assessment

8. And first grade literacy night at school

9. I also have to make about thirty batches of cracker candy (that might be a slight exaggeration).

10. And food for the faculty luncheon.

11. And cookies for the Bible study cookie swap.  I decided to skip this one.

12. Sheldon the Elf has managed to move to a new location every night of December except one.  We still aren't sure why he stayed in the same spot for two days.  Some of the reasons being considered are:
           A. He can see a lot from way up there
           B. He was tired and needed to rest for the night
I'm sure it was one of those...

13. I'm looking forward to Christmas break! I'm sure I'll get all caught up on everything, my house will be spotless, and I'll blog every day. (insert sarcasm here)

14. Well, I'm off to make Grinch juice and attach little tags to green candy canes. Gotta go, buffalo!

Under Attack

"Thanksgiving is under attack!" I heard those words this morning after breakfast from my Brianaby.  He declared years ago, as in I hear this every year, that Thanksgiving is his favorite holiday.  I'm so very happy that he is thankful for all of his blessings.  I am too! It's just that in his "I am the spokesman for preserving the sanctity of Thanksgiving" campaign, he has also seemed to take it out on Christmas.  Now I get it...people are skipping over Thanksgiving more and more to move straight to Christmas.  I am NOT in favor of that at all.  It aggravates me too that stores and marketing campaigns "get their Christmas on" right after Halloween without even recognizing Thanksgiving at all.  It's truly a shame.

However, here is where we differ.  While I love Thanksgiving and all it represents, I think of the Thanksgiving season beginning on November 1 and ending on Thanksgiving Day.  Of course, I believe that Thanksgiving should be in our hearts and shown in our attitudes all year long too!  Thanksgiving Day, in my opinion, is the culmination of the Thanksgiving season.  Just like Christmas Day is the culmination of a month of Christmas celebration.  Brian disagrees and basically thinks that Thanksgiving begins the day before and continues all through the weekend.  I've tried to explain that I spend the WHOLE month of November teaching about Thanksgiving, making mind maps of turkeys, making tiny cornucopias and Pilgrim hats, comparing children from long ago with children today, making Venn Diagrams of wild turkeys and domestic turkeys, etc, etc, etc....you get the point.  By the time Thanksgiving Day comes and goes, I'm done.  By that point, I'm mostly just thankful that I don't have to look at another snood or wattle. 

Why does this matter you ask? BECAUSE EVERY STINKIN' YEAR WE DISAGREE ABOUT WHEN TO DECORATE FOR CHRISTMAS.  The way I see it (and of course I'm right), no Christmas decorating shall occur on or before Thanksgiving Day. After that, all bets are off.  It just makes sense that we should decorate sometime during the rest of the weekend because we are already off of work/school not to mention the fact that Thanksgiving is OVER so why not?! If it doesn't get done during Thanksgiving weekend, AFTER THANKSGIVING DAY, then we will have to wait until the next weekend because we are generally just too tired and busy with activities/homework during the week.  That's a whole week I miss out on enjoying the Christmas tree! Plus it means that the earliest the tree can go up will be December 3.  That's two days late! It also totally screws up my advent calendar! AAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!

But apparently I am part of the "Thanksgiving is under attack" group, so every year I give in.  I let him have his way because I love him and I'm thankful for him.  Not to mention, I've learned through the years that when my husband feels strongly about something, there's just no use arguing. 

NO JOKE! As I was typing this, Brian just walked into the room and said the following:

"I think they ought to take the Johnny Depp version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and burn any master copies, confiscate every personal copy, launch them into space, and wipe every mention of it from the history of the world so that it never existed.  They've made the world a darker place by releasing that abomination on it.  They've desecrated the memory of a beautiful, perfect, innocent masterpiece that was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder."

Apparently, my husband has some opinions people and today is the day he has decided to share them.  Watch out!

Black Heels to Tractor Wheels

I recently read Pioneer Woman's Black Heels to Tractor Wheels.  I really enjoyed finding out more about her background since I have read her blog for a long time and enjoy her cookbook and new cooking show.  The book tells her love story with her husband.  It was quite interesting!



She's Got Legs, And She Knows How To Use Them

It's a good thing I bought her when I did because she's obviously in high demand.  I'm talking about Myrtle the Giraffe of course.  I'm thinking maybe it's her long, skinny legs or maybe her beautiful long neck.

Somebody recently visited my blog from a google search for "home goods giraffe".  I feel sorry for the poor person when she undoubtedly did NOT receive the information that she was searching for in my Myrtle the Giraffe post of silliness.  I am quite curious though if she was actually in the market for an at least nine feet tall giraffe for her home. Where exactly do you put a giraffe that large in your home?

(Someone please tell me because I still have Myrtle out back in the yard under a tarp.  I'd love to bring her in for the winter.)

(The whole Myrtle experience was actually sparked from a blog that someone wrote about finding and purchasing a giant rooster.  It was hilarious, but I couldn't link to it because of some bad language.  Oh well...)

I'm Ashamed

I am so very ashamed of myself for letting so much time pass without posting here.  I have some things on my mind that I want to share, so I'll be back soon.  Please stand by...

Not Quite An Extravaganza

I made a new recipe tonight.  My family (believe it or not) loves Hamburger Helper.  I actually don't mind it myself every once in a while, but Parker would list it in his top three dinner favorites.  I wish I were kidding.  Anyway, I found this recipe on Pinterest and decided to give it a try.  I really thought the kids would enjoy it! In fact, Parker should have loved it since it's like a fancy smancy Hamburger Helper. 

The plans were all in place in my mind to rename it Hamburger Macaroni Extravaganza since Macaroni and Beef with Cheese sounds so boring.  Unfortunately, Parker and Claire really didn't like it at all.  Claire hardly likes anything these days, so no big surprise there.  I was shocked, SHOCKED, that Parker didn't just L.O.V.E. it.  He tolerated it, but would be more than happy if he never had to eat it again.  I think it was the tomato flavor that got him.  Brian and I both liked it, but I doubt I'll make it again since Hamburger Helper is easier and cheaper (even if it does have chemically enhanced cheese products which I'm sure can't be healthy).  For now, the name will also remain the boring original because I choose my "extravaganza" recipes carefully.  Here is the link:

http://ruhlman.com/2010/05/macaroni-and-beef-with-cheese-%e2%80%94-childhood-love/

It really is pretty good, and chances are your children would like it.  My little people are just quite picky.  I can't imagine who they get that from...

* I cut the recipe in half and just layered the noodle mixture with cheese and cooked it for about 20 minutes. 

Currently

I copied this from another blog and decided to write down some of my current stuff.

Current Books:  Finally starting The Hunger Games, spending a lot of time on my current Bible study Breaking Free. I'm really enjoying it, and I'm hoping to write more about it soon.

Current Playlist:  Why, Jason Aldean of course!

Current Color: ORANGE!

Current Drink: Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi (Brian accidentally bought me a 12 pack of Diet Coke a couple of weeks ago, and I was in major distress.  I forced myself to drink them so I wouldn't waste money, but yuck!)

Current Food: Pizza ~ it's always my favorite!

Current Wishlist: rocking chairs and swings for my front porch, mums & more fall weather   

Current Needs: I'm currently out of my makeup and "the only thing that keeps me from going totally bald" shampoo

Current Triumph: Surviving six weeks of first grade ~ I'm enjoying it but still trying to figure out what in the world I'm doing!

Current Bane of my Existence: My alarm clock ~ I really hate that thing

Current #1 Blessing: Family & Health

Current Excitement:  Fall, My birthday is coming soon, a few little trips we have planned 

Current Link: http://www.pinterest.com/ I AM SO ADDICTED!

Well, I have bad news and good news...

The bad news is:

Lisa found out about the picture...like 3 1/2 minutes after I posted it.  Something to do with, "You know I read your blog, blah, blah, blah".

BUT!

The good news is I found the PERFECT shirt to wear to my next country concert: 

Mr. Aldean

Or Jason, as I like to call him.

Lisa and I took a fun little trip to Charlotte to see his concert. 

Prepare to view a horrible picture of me.  Trust me, believe it or not, it is the least of all the bad pictures of me from the night.  I had just been hit in the head with an enormous beach ball, hence that little poof of crazy hair.  I was sweating and the flash was so ridiculously bright we were almost blinded. 

Do NOT tell Lisa I put it on here either.

I REPEAT: DO NOT TELL LISA ABOUT THIS PICTURE.

 But we weren't there to look pretty, which is WAY more than I can say for the thousands of college girls running around in dresses that were obviously manufactured and intended to be sold as a shirt ~ not a dress.  Here's why we were there....

Yeehaw!

Made To Crave

I borrowed Made To Crave from Lisa a while back.  I really like Lysa Terkeurst, and I knew I would enjoy the topic of the book.  There was LOTS of good information in the book, even if I did spend half the time I read it texting Lisa asking if "any of it was really doable" and "why can't I be as strong as Lysa".  As usual, she calmed me down and said I could just use the overall great ideas and not be so hard on myself for not liking Lysa's cold-turkey, crazy as all get out, plan.  Sorry Lysa Terkeust...just a wee bit extreme for me!

I do recommend the book because it really has some great thoughts!

It Had Me At Hello

I've been a little obsessed lately.  Who me, obsessed with something? Surely not.  Ahem.

I looked EVERYWHERE for a new calendar that would please me.  In case you don't know, I can be a little bit picky.  Ahem, Ahem.  I searched the world over looking for a 1) cute calendar that 2) had adequate space to suit my fancy. 

(Sidenote: That just reminded me of that old Hee-Haw song that goes, "I searched the world over and thought I'd found true love, but you met another and pfft you were gone".  Does anybody remember that? Anybody? Anybody? Please tell me you watched Hee-Haw when you were little.)

Then I found this little beauty:

Oh, I fell in love.  Truly. Madly. Deeply. It had to be ordered online, and that turned into a fiasco.  A fiasco I tell you.  I ordered, the site was overloaded and the order wouldn't go through, it finally went through, I received an email a week later that the order was lost, I reordered, I waited a sweet forever, I finally got it in the mail.  I'm proud to report that it was worth the wait.  Welcome to my life, baby girl.  I think she needs a name...any suggestions?

If you're going to fair...

Do not forget your:

camoflouge

Long denim shorts that will slide off to reveal your underwear while you are shirtless

More camoflauge

Cowbot hat with rat tail

LONG ponytail

"I'm gonna stomp on your face" boots

(I started to name this post "What Not To Wear To The Fair" ~ then I realized maybe I was the one who didn't quite fit in with the rest of the crowd.)

Making Memories Of Us

Speaking of my buddy Keith (on the other blog), I am reminded of a song he sings that I love.  It's called "Making Memories Of Us".  It kind of has a special meaning because every time Brian and I hear it we think about all the times we look at each other and say, "Just makin' memories baby, makin' memories".  Even though we sometimes just say it to be silly, other times we really mean it. 

I LOVE traditions.  If we do something the same way more than once, it's a tradition.  Granted, some of my need to do things the same way over and over again may just be my obsessive compulsive nature.  Honestly, I just want our children to remember all the special times we have together.  Some of these may include family traditions, but some may just be every day stuff we do together.

Brian and I have always committed to keep more emphasis on experiences than material things.  Sure our kids have MORE than their share of toys, but I hope when they're all grown up they don't think back and say, "Wow, those were some great toys".  While I want them to be thankful for everything, I really want their memories to be filled with great family time...a fun vacation, a day trip, a play, a park, a ballgame, playing games at home, cooking dinner together, birthdays, reading and praying together, playing in the yard, just hanging out.

So if you hear us humming that little tune every once in a while, it's just a reminder for us that we're trying really hard to keep makin' memories of us.

The Help

I read the book The Help last year and loved it, so I am really thrilled that the movie is finally out.  My Little Bible Study Group went to see it Saturday night.  I really enjoyed it! The actors did an amazing job, and I think it did the book justice.

It's been mentioned that My Little Bible Study Group needs an official name.  Here's what's in the running:

1. MLBSG
2. In The Loop Group (stolen from Lysa Terkeurst)
3. Kool & The Gang (with any of the other three serving as Kool)

(Ok, throw out some other ideas...) 

Seriously People

I'm so behind with blogging. 
Here's the breakdown:
1. Lucy Cate was born.
2. Which made me want a new baby.
3. I got a new job.
4. My own babies started school.
5. I definitely wanted a new baby.
6. I spent my first full day with 18 first graders.
7. Who are essentially babies.
8. I definitely don't need another baby.

I'll be back with lots of pictures soon!

I'm Going Home, To The Place Where I Belong

I've had a LOOOONNNNNGGGG summer.  After two years teaching full-time in Kingsport, I resigned in May.  I was very thankful for the opportunity to teach there, but I knew it was time to move on.  The reasons are abundant, and it would take me approximately two years to explain them all to you. 

So...I waited and prayed.  There are some people in my life who deserve a medal of honor for keeping me sane and talking me off the ledge for months. (You know who you are and thank you!)  See, I knew I was leaving Kingsport, but I didn't exactly know where I was going.  I can honestly say I was willing to go wherever God wanted me to go, but the waiting and wondering can be painful.  I don't particularly like pain, and patience must not be my favorite fruit of the spirit.  

After MANY days of waiting, I was hired last Wednesday in Washington County.  I am THRILLED because that was my ultimate goal.  To be back on my children's schedule is such an answer to prayer.  For now, I will be teaching in a different school than they attend.  I am loving my new school (Fall Branch)! Everybody has been so welcoming, and I'm even working for one of my previous principals. 

So needless to say, I've been a little crazy trying to get myself prepared for those little first graders coming Tuesday morning.  YES, I SAID FIRST GRADERS! I've never taught below second grade, so the adventure has truly just begun. 

I've been continually praising Jesus for sending me back to Washington County.  It feels so good to be home.

I'm Still Alive, But I'm Barely Breathin'

I'm here.

Barely.

I'll be back soon with an update.  Things, they are a changin'!

It's all good though.  No worries mate.

How Am I Supposed To Get Anything Done?

White Cheese Chicken Lasagna

Three words: Fab.U.Lous

This was my first chicken lasagna, and we all loved how it turned out.  We grilled the chicken which made it taste even yummier.  I definitely plan to make it again sometime!

Here is the link to the recipe:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/white-cheese-chicken-lasagna/detail.aspx

Make & Enjoy (and send me the leftovers)



He Never Lets Go

As I sat on the beach and watched Brian and the kids play in the waves, it suddenly hit me.  It was nothing new really.  I've read about it hundreds of times in the Bible.  Numerous circumstances in my own life have also been reminders.  Somehow this time it just really dug into my heart. 

 The waves were rough at times, but Brian never let go.  Sometimes their mighty strength even knocked Parker and Claire down, but he NEVER let go.  My children were free to enjoy the waves because they knew their Daddy would protect them.  When they were knocked off their feet, they clung even tighter to his strong hands.  Time after time, he stood them back up and encouraged them to keep jumping.   I was even reminded that he would sacrifice his own life to save them.  I knew he would if that's what they needed.

  

God is mightier than any waves of life that knock us down.  He is able and faithful to pick us up again and rescue us from danger.  He already did sacrifice His own life to save us.  Oh, to trust Him more and enjoy the freedom He promises.

I just needed that reminder.

He Never Lets Go.

"Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea, the Lord on high is mighty." Psalm 93:4

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Welcome to the World, Baby Girl

Because so much of Flagg's third novel takes place in the 1970s media-celebrity echelons of New York City, it doesn't offer the regional and historical color and texture of its predecessor, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. Instead, Flagg's achievement here lies in a well-choreographed story of loyalty and survival that zigzags deftly across the post-war years, panning in on the never-changing decency of Elmwood Springs, Mo., then pulling back to watch national TV news devolve into sensationalism?all the while drawing us into the compelling life of Dena Nordstrom. Star of America's most popular morning news show, Dena shuts herself down and shuts men out for painful reasons that are unknown even to her. Only after the stress of ambush- and sound-byte journalism brings on a hemorrhaging ulcer does Dena slowly unearth the scandal that, when Dena was four, drove her mother from Elmwood Springs, hometown of the war hero father that Dena never knew. That her mother's nemesis is a newspaper gossipmonger is nicely ironic, although her mother's secret shame seems slightly larger than life. In contrast, Dena's college friend Sookie and great aunt Elner are reminders of how well Flagg can cook up memorable women from the most down-to-earth ingredients, while a cameo by Tennessee Williams is uncannily true to life. Fans may be sorry at first to leave Elmwood Springs for the big city, but even the most reluctant will get wrapped up in Dena's search for the truth about her family and her past.

*** I had a VERY hard time getting into this book.  It just seemed to drag on and on with very little excitement in the story line.  I even considered not finishing it, which is unusual for me.  I persevered, and it finally picked up in the last half.  I'm glad I finished it, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.

Myrtle the Giraffe

So maybe you heard that I went to the beach recently...

One of my favorite stops while we're there is always Home Goods.  Now I'm not talking about a TJ Maxx with some Home Goods stuff in the back or a TJ Maxx (slash) Home Goods where it's like half and half (I'm looking at you Asheville). This is a for real, knock your socks off, "Take My Breath Away" playing in the background Home Goods. I consider it pure joy, my friends.  

That is where I found Myrtle.

Isn't she beautiful?

She's an (at least) nine feet tall wooden giraffe.  I considered standing on that table to get a true measurement, but then I noticed that it was supported by one, smallish pedestal.  I reconsidered, and estimated based on that lovely lady bent over beside her. 

I immediately sent a picture to Lisa (I'm linking to her, yet she never updates her blog so there's no real reason to click over there).  I just knew she would see the beauty and potential usefulness of the giraffe as I did.  Of course, Lisa agreed, and at $799.99, she was a bargain.   The proposal was made to split the cost and share her.  We came up with several name suggestions including Jason (as in Aldean), Kenny (as in Chesney), and Luke (as in Bryan).  In the end, there was only one name that was appropriate, Myrtle (as in Beach).  For the record, I still reserve the right to name my next dog Myrtle which has been the plan for many years. 

So I loaded her up and tied her to the top of the van.  Oh, we were a sight to see on the long drive home.  She was flapping around, legs everywhere. Lisa suggested a trailer or something to bring her home and then transport between our houses since the plan WAS to share her.  I was just trying to be frugal, so I didn't purchase the trailer.  Now, I'm sitting at home with this (at least) nine feet tall giraffe named Myrtle and no way to get her over to Lisa's house.  Unless I tie her to the top of the van again which is a viable option. 

***I would like to take this opportunity to announce that I am the crazy one, and Lisa just politely plays along. 

***Some parts of this story are fictional ~ I'll let you decide which ones.

Beeswax

Brian told me I put too many pictures on my blog.  I told him, "Go mind your own pile of wax, Mr. Bee".

Prepare Yourself

Italian Village Pizza (our anniversary meal)

GET IN MAH BELLAH!

Summer Sisters

Summer Sisters looked like a fun book to read at the beach, so I did just that.  Having enjoyed Judy Blume's books since I was a little girl, I wasn't surprised that I liked it!  The story made me want to visit the Northeast coast with maybe a little less drama than the book describes.  The two friends, the summer sisters, had many adventures throughout their lives with some expected betrayal along the way.  I was left wondering what their lives would look like ten more years down the road.  A sequel would be nice.

Green Beans

This is how I feel about green beans...

 

Only worse! Never liked 'em, never will!

 

Just thought I should warn you, in case you are thinking of having me over for a lovely dinner party.  I will try anything else you serve, but I will unfortunately be unable to try the green beans.  They make me gag, and I'm not very pretty when I gag.  Plus, I don't think you would appreciate the ugly, green stain I would leave on your carpet.  So now that you've been warned, invite away...my calendar is wide open!

The Midwife's Confession

My little book club (aka my little Bible study group) recently read and discussed The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain. I can't believe I forgot to take a picture!!! I read the book quickly and thought I had it all figured out all along the way.  The author succeeded in "throwing me off" several times even if I did find a few of the events a bit convenient.  In the end, I was left with a few unanswered questions and a burning desire to call one of the main characters to fill her in on a few things! Overall, I felt it was well written and fun to read.  Recommended!

Honey Mustard Chicken

Exhibit B: Ugly, Yet Tasty Honey Mustard Chicken

Honey Mustard-and-Bacon Smothered Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I used tenderloins because they're thinner, and I have major issues with raw chicken ~ especially raw, THICK chicken)

salt

pepper

1 tablespoon butter

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/4 cup honey-mustard dressing (I used O'Charleys)

8 fully cooked bacon slices

1/4 cup shredded Mexican four cheese blend

1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.

2. Melt butter with oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken, and cook 8 minutes on each side or until done. (Mine may have been just a tad extra done!) Reduce heat to medium-low; brush chicken with honey-mustard dressing. Top each chicken breast with 2 bacon slices, and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook 2 minutes until cheese melts.

Twice Baked Potatoes

Well, I have become the master of poor photography and ugly food. I HAVE HOWEVER whipped up a few tasty things lately.

Exhibit A: Twice Baked Potatoes (ugly, yet tasty)

( I made half this recipe)

6 large baking potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons butter
2 cups sour cream
10 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated (I used mild)
1 tablespoon garlic salt
salt and pepper
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Wash the potatoes and pierce them with a fork. Rub the potatoes with the olive oil and bake for 45 minutes or until done. Remove potatoes and cut them in half lengthwise. Set aside. Reduce temperature of the oven to 350 degrees.

When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, scoop out the potato flesh into a mixing bowl. Add the milk, butter, sour cream, cheese, garlic salt, salt and pepper to taste. Mix until creamy. Spoon back into potato shells. Put crumbled bacon on top. Return potatoes to oven for 15 minutes. Gobble them up!

***I've made several different versions of twice baked potatoes through the years, but this one was definitely the best.

Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood p.128

Between Friends

Debbie Macomber tells the story of a remarkable friendship -- and tells it in a remarkable way. Between Friends is a story in which every woman will recognize herself . . . and her best friend.
The friendship between Jillian Lawton and Lesley Adamski begins in the postwar era of the 1950s. As they grow up, their circumstances, their choices -- and their mistakes -- take them invirtually opposite directions. Lesley gets pregnant and marries young, living a cramped life defined by the demands of small children, not enough money, an unfaithful husband. Jillian lives those years on a college campus shaken by the Vietnam War and then as an idealistic young lawyer in New York City. Over the years and across the miles, through marriage, children, divorce and widowhood, Jillian and Lesley remain close, sharing every grief and every joy. There are no secrets between friends . . .

***I really enjoyed this book that was written entirely in letters, journal entries, postcards, etc. between two friends. The book followed their friendship from childhood through late adulthood. Recommended!

The Truth About Disney

I made this statement while on our recent Disney trip. "The truth about Disney World is that everybody loves it and can't wait to get there, but they're miserable the whole time." Brian said, "Every child looks exhausted, and every parent looks shell-shocked". It's kind of like, "This is the happiest place on earth, and you WILL be happy no matter how tired or hot you get". This is the first year we've taken a break in the middle of our Magic Kingdom day to return to the condo to rest, cool down, etc. It was the best decision we ever made. When we went back to the park later in the day, the temperatures had cooled down a little, and we felt refreshed to enjoy the parade and fireworks. If you're planning a trip to the Land of the Mouse, I highly recommend planning a mid-day break!

Best Friends Forever

Some bonds can never be broken...Addie Downs and Valerie Adler will be best friends forever. That's what Addie believes after Valerie moves across the street when they're both nine years old. But in the wake of betrayal during their teenage years, Val is swept into the popular crowd, while mousy, sullen Addie becomes her school's scapegoat.Flash-forward fifteen years. Valerie Adler has found a measure of fame and fortune working as the weathergirl at the local TV station. Addie Downs lives alone in her parents' house in their small hometown of Pleasant Ridge, Illinois, caring for a troubled brother and trying to meet Prince Charming on the Internet. She's just returned from Bad Date #6 when she opens her door to find her long-gone best friend standing there, a terrified look on her face and blood on the sleeve of her coat. "Something horrible has happened," Val tells Addie, "and you're the only one who can help."Best Friends Forever is a grand, hilarious, edge-of-your-seat adventure; a story about betrayal and loyalty, family history and small-town secrets. It's about living through tragedy, finding love where you least expect it, and the ties that keep best friends together.

*** The story was pretty good, but there was too much questionable language for me! I'm not sure I'll read more from this author.

Chicken Burritos

Chicken Burritos


2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 medium onion
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 (10 oz) can Rotel
1 (16 oz) container refrigerated mile white cheese dip
6 flour tortillas


1. Preheat oven to 350. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook 5 minutes until onion is tender. Add chicken and Rotel; stir well. Microwave cheese dip according to package directions. Stir in just enough cheese dip to lightly coat the chicken.


2. Spoon about 3/4 cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; roll up. Place burritos, seam side down, in a lightly greased baking dish. Drizzle with remaining cheese dip.


3. Bake, covered, at 350 for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes. Enjoy!


*I have tried several chicken burrito/enchilada recipes. So far, this one has been our favorite. They look so bland in the picture, but they were mighty tasty!

A Year

Dear Daddy,

I can't believe it's been a whole year. I still miss you so much and think about you every day. I look forward to the day we are together again.

Love,
Doodle Bug

One Thousand Gifts

I read One Thousand Gifts a couple of months ago. The author has such a unique way of writing. She's extremely poetic, and while I enjoyed the first couple of chapters, it was just too much for me. I found myself reading and then wondering what I had read. Often a chapter would seem just like the previous one with no new information. It is clear that Ann Voskamp loves Jesus and has such a sweet heart. I'm sure she is a lovely person, I just didn't enjoy the book very much.

Lazy Lane

That's what I really want to name this blog...or maybe "Life on Lazy Lane". There's just one tiny problem. I don't live on Lazy Lane. Here's why I think we should move there and henceforth rename the blog:


1. I just think it sounds so "homey" and inviting. Who wouldn't want to call Lazy Lane home???


2. Lazy Lane actually exists near our current home. There also happens to be a house there that I think is just perfect for us. It's just absolutely darlin'. (I actually fell in love with that house years ago before I even realized it is on Lazy Lane.)


3. The alliteration is lovely. I'm fond of alliteration. (See: Michele Murray; It's not the only reason I married him, but it sure didn't hurt his chances.)


So maybe I should change the name of the blog and just pretend...

Her Mother's Hope

I recently read Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers. As usual, I enjoyed the writing of this author. The sequel, Her Daughter's Dream, is definitely on my "list" especially since the book kind of left me longing for a resolution. A short description of the book is below if you're interested in finding out more.
The first part of unforgettable epic family saga about the sacrifices every mother makes for her daughter and the very nature of unconditional love. On the eve of the First World War, fiery Marta Schneider leaves Switzerland and her difficult childhood behind, determined to find a new life on her own terms. Barely out of her teens, Marta is haunted by a devastating loss that fuels her ambition to one day own a hotel. From the cramped quarters of a French housekeeping school to the portrait-lined halls of a stately English manor, Marta becomes a hard working domestic who has little time to dwell on what might have been. Instead, she draws her strength from what could be. Then, Marta meets Niclas Waltert, a man just as determined as she to forge a better life in a new place. Niclas captures her heart and together they endure the harshness of life as tenant farmers on the vast prairies of Winnipeg, Canada, before following the promise of the American dream and migrating to the agriculturally rich Central Valley of California. Marriage and motherhood bring both joy and heartbreak, as Marta must surrender her long-held ambitions for the sake of her husband and children, including her daughter, Hildemara, upon whose shoulders her own hopes now squarely rest. Only the strong survive and Marta is determined to raise a daughter as strong as she. But as Hildie reaches young womanhood and another war is fast approaching, those hopes become too heavy a burden for Hildie to bear. Born with a heart to serve others, Hildie pursues her calling as a nurse, something Marta can’t understand. Marta’s years of hardnosed parenting have left Hildie still hungry for her mother’s love…and now for her mother’s respect. Amid the drama of WWII, Hildie falls in love and begins a family of her own. She wants her daughter, Carolyn, never to doubt her love—but the challenges of life conspire against her vow and the only person who can come to her aid is the person she remains so desperate to please: Marta, her mother. With hallmark touches of brilliant prose and gripping characterizations, Her Mother’s Hope is a rich, moving epic about faith and dreams, heartache and disappointment, and ultimately the resilience and tenacity of love.

My Other Favorite Things

Welcome to my new blog! Such an original title, huh?! I just needed a place to record my thoughts, recipes, books, and general craziness. I'm planning to keep the other blog going to record our family's life. Hope you'll visit both blogs from time to time!