wallpaper apps

I'd like to share some things with you. Cool products. Recipes a generous term for what I'll really share And other people's words of wisdom.

First of all: Barkbox. This is a message from Ike for all of his doggy friends. We just recently signed up and just received our first box yesterday. I, of course, forgot to take a picture of it. But it 2 different bones, 2 bags of treats and a toy. Here he is with a new bone.


Second: Mocha Club. If you follow the link and watch the video you can get a brief overview of the idea. Essentially they support development projects in Africa. I pay $9 a month. That's basically me giving up 2 peppermint mochas a month to give to something that matters. Watch this video, you won't be sorry. You can join me here. And, this is totally not the point but I received this beautiful scarf made by African women as a gift for joining.


Third: Dinner. I don't do soup. My family has soups for Christmas dinner and my mom has already bribed me by telling me she'll order me a cheeseburger after everyone has left. This soup, admittedly was kinda like groul. But those little zucchini spears were little slices of heaven. Make them. Put them in a skillet with a little olive oil, add some seasoned salt and pepper when they're done and call yourself a chef. Drew fell in love with me all over again as a result of these. Totally worth the bad alleged "chowder" recipe to find this good one. (Thanks emeals!)


Fourth: New Girl. If you haven't watched it, just do it already. Don't put it off any longer. It's the second best decision you'll ever make after you make those zucchini spears.

Fifth: Duck Dynasty. My real thoughts (or some similar) are found here and here.

Sixth: Dip some pretzels and some Ritz peanut butter crackers in white chocolate and call yourself a candy maker. Don't make the peppermint fudge that the Pioneer Woman will tell you to. It isn't good. But if you make it anyway just because it looks festive, give it to your neighbors. (worked for me).



My husband is currently ice-skating with his bff. Enjoy that mental picture friends. I'm off to spend the afternoon with my friend JoAnn. (the fabric store)

Lately, I'm grateful for:

Friends who can enjoy some trivia after a successful semester.


A good book that I can read for pleasure and still learn from.

A (discounted) membership at the YMCA to whip this butt into shape after the holidays (and hopefully help my cyber Monday jeans to fit a little better).

4 hour long car ride conversations with my husband.

Memories of past holidays with my mamaw and the ability to cling to them this year.

A snuggly puppy to be lazy with on my days off.


Time to reflect on the Christmas season before rushing all around during the holiday.

A Packer's comeback victory over the Cowboys.

Getting Christmas cards in the mail every day.

Pictures of this cutie patootie in her new hat.



And I'm thankful for a family who will still gather without our matriarch to honor and remember her this Christmas.

Hope you all are enjoying this holiday season and not feeling overwhelmed or rushed. Take a moment to breathe in the winter air and listen to this song, it will help remind you why this season is important.

Past

Well first of all, we've been skunked again. Our poor Ikey still reeks from a skunking incident that happened a week ago tomorrow. It happened the morning of my meeting with my site supervisor at my blocking placement, I repeatedly apologized for the odor.

And worse than that I unknowingly gave my students suckers that both smelled and tasted like skunk on Friday. They had been innocently sitting on my kitchen counter the morning of the incident. However, when they asked me why they tasted/smelled like skunk I told them that the Dollar Tree must not keep their candy very fresh. Yes, I feel guilty. But it was much easier to lie to them knowing I'll never see them again. Friday was my last day in my high school placement.

Present

 I miss those kiddos. I had some sweet kids. I had some kids who were going through tougher situations than any 15 year old should ever have to go through and they made my days brighter. I think of them often and I hope they find their way. They are all so full of strength.

It's too early to tell how I feel about my middle school placement, suffice it to say it will be different. But I'm not yet sure if it's a good or a bad different.

Future

In more life-changing type news: Drew accepted a new position at a company in Salem, VA. We are so excited for him to begin this new job and for this to hopefully be the first step towards us moving where we feel pulled: Roanoke.

I've requested to do my student teaching in Roanoke in the spring and if we can lease our house we could be moving as soon as December. It's been a bit of a whirlwind but it has been an awesome ride. We are so grateful for God's timing and are praying that we can immerse ourselves into the community He has for us.

Also, we are signed up to run the Color Me Rad 5K this weekend with Drew's parents and sister. I'm excited for them to come visit but in the interest of full disclosure, we have done no little training. It should be interesting (read: embarrassing).


I hope that fall wherever you are is as beautiful as it is here in the Appalachian mountains.