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Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy 2010!

I'm assuming this is my last post of this year. I hope everyone has had a good holiday. It sounds like it from reading everyone's blog. We, too, have had a good holiday. Last week, I ran around a bunch getting ready for Christmas. I even felt up to baking. I baked two different kinds of cookies (Chewbilee cookies and Chocolate Toffee Crunch). I also attempted my grandmother's divinity. If you've never heard of divinity, it's basically sugar and nuts. It's supposed to be fluffy KINDA like a marshmallow but not as squishy. It's a little harder than that but when you bite into it, it kind of dissolves in your mouth. ANYWAY.... now I've never made candy before but I thought I would give it a try. So, on Christmas Eve (big mistake) I whipped up a batch. Unfortunately it's a temperamental candy that humidity greatly affects. If you were here, you know it rained in the late afternoon and all night... which means, that my divinity did not set at all. In fact, it looked like white pecan brittle. It tasted REALLY yummy, like my grandmother's. BUT, I had to throw it away because it wouldn't set and we couldn't even peel it off the wax paper. Oh well, I'll try again next year. This time on a day where NO RAIN is in the forecast.

This was the first Christmas we were at home. It was quite nice being at home and to begin to think about family traditions that WE want to have with our family. Christmas Eve, we were invited over to my brother and sister in law's for dinner. We crammed into their one bedroom condo and had a delish meal with them, my dad and stepmom, grandmother, her parents, her brothers, her sister in law, two nephews and her grandfather and his wife. (which is why I used the word CRAMMED). My dad, step mom and grandmother joined me and Chris in attending the 11:00 pm service at the church we've been going to. It was nice and I know it will be the last late service we're able to go to on Christmas Eve for quite a while.

Christmas morning it was SO NICE to wake up in our own bed and be lazy. I made breakfast for us and we opened presents just the two of us. We had a lazy morning and enjoyed a wonderful lunch. I even surprised Chris and set the table in my mom's Christmas china. We even drank out of our crystal tea glasses. It was quite fun! We headed over to see Lonebutterfly, her hubby and caterpillars for a short visit before going to my dad's. We had a great time with my family, eating, laughing and opening gifts.

This week has been much more relaxed for me. Chris has been working all week (of course) and I have mainly just hung around the house and rested. Tonight, Chris's parents are coming and we'll celebrate Christmas with them and Chris's brother tomorrow. This is, of course, assuming that Sprout isn't affected by the blue moon tonight.

Happy 2010 everyone! I wish everyone the most blessed new year to come!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas

I wish you all the Merriest of Christmases and the most happy New year to come!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Sprout's Room

Click here to view these pictures larger

WOO HOO!

I made it! It's been a LOOONG week but it's finally over. The last week before a holiday is always stressful, tiring and well... long. I'm so excited to have 2 weeks off to rest and prepare for Sprout (and possibly Sprout will come).

We have no special plans for the break (well, aside from celebrating Christmas). We are not going anywhere. We are strictly on "Sprout Watch." I am done (for the first time ever in my life) with my Christmas shopping. All that's left is wrapping, Christmas cards (I've been lazy on those... sorry friends), and cleaning the house. Sprout's room is ready for Sprout (pics to follow in the next post)... so now we just wait!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Happy Birthday!!!

From Scanned photos


Today would have been my mom's 63rd birthday. I think of her everyday and miss her everyday. She would be ECSTATIC to meet Sprout (in fact, I know she's up in heaven just happy as can be about Sprout). I am writing this post, not to make you sad but to celebrate the wonderful life she lived. Most of you know, we lost her to cancer 6 years ago. I am very blessed to have a wonderful and caring step mother who is a great support. I am also blessed by my mom's friends who love me and think of me. One of my mom's friends saved baby blankets and sweaters that my mom crocheted for her grandchildren and passed them on to me recently. What a blessing!

Today I have my last shower for Sprout and I am super excited about it. It's being hosted by 3 of my mom's favorite friends from the church I grew up in (and my dad still attends). I think it's a fantastic way to celebrate my mom today.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

'Tis the Season

I just have to say it... I LOVE Christmas!!! You might remember a few weeks ago when I posted that I had begun listening to Christmas tunes. Well, I am loving the fact that I can now "officially" listen and they're on everywhere! I LOVE IT!

Our house is decorated (pics will come at some point). MOST of my Christmas shopping is done, still have a few people left (mainly Chris). I AM READY! I keep thinking how next Christmas will be SO different having an almost year old around. THAT makes me excited too! I have such wonderful memories of the holidays growing up that I can't wait to start new family traditions and make memories with our new family!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

So Thankful

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

As the week has gone on, I have begun to think about all I am thankful for...

1. an amazing God who loves us, sent His son for us and continually blesses us.
2. the best husband in the world
3. a wonderful family
4. terrific friends

the list could really go on...This morning, as I was laying in bed, I pondered on last year's Thanksgiving and how different it was. Last year, we were up at the crack of dawn because Chris was running the Thanksgiving half marathon. Last year, a few weeks prior, we had learned that I had a blighted ovum and would be experiencing a miscarriage (which pretty much started last Thanksgiving day).

This year, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our precious Sprout. I am 33 weeks pregnant today. Even in the recent loss of a wonderful granddaddy, we are still amazed at the blessings God has bestowed upon us.

I pray that He continues to bless you and your families, as well!

Monday, November 23, 2009

A lot has been going on...

Sorry I've been a blogger MIA. We've had a lot going on in the last week. It started the week of the 13th... I had a stomach bug which put me out of commission.. but I also had TWO baby showers that weekend. I was much better by the one on Sunday but Saturday was rough for me.

Last week, we began the perinatal classes that I signed us up for and I took the (maternity) leave class that the county makes us take. Friday was not the best day. Chris's granddaddy passed away. He was a great man and was loved by many. He was diagnosed this summer with lung cancer but thankfully was not sick at all until last week. Last week he just went downhill and fast. Chris and I were planning on coming to his parents to spend Thanksgiving with them since we wont' be able to come at Christmas. So, we ended up just coming a little early (on Saturday) and will be here until Friday.

This is a picture of Granddaddy and the family at Christmas 2007 (minus brother in law Frank... someone had to take the picture) :)

From Christmas 2007



Friday, November 13, 2009

It starts early

I don't normally like to post about my kids at school... but noticed something today with my second graders. I have four boys in my second grade group (yes only four and all boys... long story). They were playing games today and I was listening to them as they played. The trash talk was hilarious! Yes, boys begin trash talking early... definitely in the second grade, not sure how much earlier. Just thought it might make ya'll smile on this beautiful Friday when I'm sure we'd all rather be home!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Some thoughts on a Sunday morning

Chris is out this morning serving at a water stop for a women's half marathon. This morning, I just wasn't up for going to church alone. So, I logged on to Newspring Church's website. Newspring is in Anderson, SC. It is the church that my stepsister and her husband both attend and work. If you ever have a chance, check out Perry's messages.

Anyway, as Sprout's birth approaches, I realize how much I miss having a church home. Many of you know, Chris and I were not happy in our old church home and have been attending a church a little closer to home. We have not gotten involved, other than going MOST Sunday mornings. I enjoy the services of this particular church, enjoy the messages by the pastor, and enjoy the music. I miss being involved in a Sunday School class, or small group though. I miss knowing people where we worship and being missed when we are not there. It's so hard to take that first step to becoming more involved when you haven't been involved in so long. It's so hard to know if this church is the place God wants us.

Yesterday, I attended a Beth Hadid service for GO (Lonebutterfly's youngest caterpillar). She is being dedicated this morning in their church. It was a very special time and I am so lucky that I was included in the family's special day. It just made me realize even more how important a church home is, as we begin this important journey of adding to our family.

Monday, November 2, 2009

I just had to do it...

It's my planning time right now and I just HAD TO DO IT... I just had to!!! I have an iPOD player on my desk and we listen to a lot of music while we work (kids and all). It was too quiet in here (I have to have noise of some sort). Anyway, since I have the room to myself, I just flipped through some of my playlists to look for some "Meredith" music (I'm very careful about what I play while students are in the room). I came across my Holiday playlist and YES, I AM LISTENING TO CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND AM TOTALLY LOVING IT!!! Playing a little off of "Little" Sarah's post today... What is your favorite holiday? And what is your favorite holiday song/hymn?

I guess which holiday my favorite is fairly obvious!!! :) I will share my favorite songs/hymns later this week ....

Sunday, November 1, 2009

The dreaded "GD", Sprout, Halloween, Georgia-Florida, and...

Just a little update of what's been going on around the Hartley House (isn't that the name of the show that Steve's mom was on in 90210?) We have had a busy October. We finished off September with Chris's final triathlon of the season, and started the month of October with a half marathon (him, not me). I didn't go with him for this one, so no pics (I think I have plenty of him running). The following weekend, we had a pretty successful Yard Sale...despite the "threat" of rain, the loss to the Vols and the fact that we still have a bunch of stuff left. We traveled to the Redneck Rivera (yup, PC Beach) for his cousin's wedding AND last weekend, we finally started on Sprout's room. We still need a few things (like the glider, a rug, ceiling fan, lamp and I'm thinking a bookcase). We are getting our glider this month (I think I decided which one I want, we just have to go get it). Oh and the bedding :)

Earlier this month, I was diagnosed with the dreaded gestational diabetes. So the past few weeks I've been learning what I can eat successfully without making my blood sugar too high. This also means no treats for me yesterday.

For Halloween, we window shopped for a glider, watched the game of which we will not speak, and had a date night with Lonebutterfly and her hubby (oh and the VERY cute caterpillar GO). We went to dinner (Outback...yum) and then came back to our place and played Trivial Pursuit. I LOVE playing board games but never get to play (Chris says it's no fun to play with just two people... party pooper). So, I was SUPER excited to be able to enjoy a board game.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Thankful Thursday

As the holiday season approaches (yes, holiday season begins with Halloween... didn't you know?), I thought it might be nice to do a Thankful Thursday (keeping up with the alliteration I started yesterday). Plus, I have felt very negative lately (and I know friends like Lonebutterfly and Rebecca are tired of hearing me complain). What better way to feel positive again than to look at ALL the things in which you are thankful.

There are so many ways and things in which I am thankful...
~I am thankful for a wonderful man, who loves me no matter what (even though I'm super fat and continuing to get even bigger!).
~I am thankful for my family... thankful that I was blessed with 27 years with the best mother in the world, thankful that my dad is still my daddy and that I will always be his little girl, thankful that my daddy found an incredible lady who loves him, loves us and is still sensitive about my mom, thankful for a fun "little" brother who understands and gets my sense of humor, thankful that he found a great gal, thankful that I NOW have a sister, who rocks and is a great sister in Christ and for her hubby... who just makes me laugh and is the smartest computer guy I know...
~I am thankful for Sprout, even though I don't officially know him/her yet... I am so thankful for the opportunity that God has provided Chris and me to be parents.
~I am thankful for some of the best girlfriends a girl could ask for :)

What are some things you are thankful for today?

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Why? Wednesday

As I was driving to work this morning I began to wonder why about a few things and thought, hey this would be something to blog about... so I'm blogging a Why? Wednesday... Hee hee, like the alliteration?

Okay, WHY??? Do people insist on driving in the left lane and won't get out of the way when someone comes up behind them going faster?
WHY??? (and I'm sure it's the same people) drive the same speed as the car in the lane next to them so that you can never get around them... AND you always end up behind these people when you are running late and in a hurry?
WHY??? (or is it just me) do you catch every red light when running late?
WHY??? do people not use their brains and common sense at times?
WHY??? is it so hard to get out of bed when it's raining outside? :)

I think those are all my WHY questions for the day. I hope everyone is doing well. Not a whole lot going on with me. I'm almost 26 weeks and Sprout is just kicking along. I'm looking forward to the baby showers and all the classes (childbirth, etc...) starting. I can't believe it is almost time for all of those things. I am very glad that THIS is the year that I am pregnant and will be out on maternity leave. I am currently having a crisis of ... not faith, but lacking the love of my job. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I am teaching and LOVE my kids. It's all the other junk that comes along with the territory of being a teacher in a public school. Please say some prayers for me as I venture to look for a job in the private sector or maybe change careers all together.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Fuzzy slippers

Today, I got out my slippers... They are kinda fuzzy. They are red, slip on, terry cloth feeling UGA slippers and I LOVE them. I know it's not winter yet, it's not even that cold. In fact, I'm loving the chilly, fall weather we are having. During this time of year, we open our windows and it's just so pleasant in the house. However, our hardwood floors get very COLD to my toesies... SO, I pulled the slippers out today.

I have some new favorite shows.... which I think I've already professed NCIS and Glee as being some of the new favorites. Don't get me wrong, I still love my old favorites too... HOUSE, Bones, Greys, Private Practice... BUT I have another new favorite... The Good Wife. I was intrigued by the show for a few reasons. I've always liked Juliana Marguiles, but what sold me was Chris Noth (LOVE Mr. Big). So, last week, I set the DVR (because it's on past my bedtime) to record it. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I wasn't even sure that I would like it. But I REALLY, REALLY like it. I was quite impressed and totally love the cast. Josh Charles (an old favorite from Dead Poets), Matt Czuchry (was Logan on Gilmore Girls), Christine Baranski, Mary Beth Peal (Jen's grandmother from Dawson's Creek), etc... If you haven't checked it out, I definitely recommend it. Another new favorite is NCISLA- gotta love LLCool J and Chris O'Donnell :)

Monday, September 21, 2009

Random things

Well, I am currently posting from home... all the flooding has canceled school for us. I'm actually glad because I have a ton to get done here at home (including updating the blog).

Pregnancy is going well. I am 23 1/2 weeks and am feeling well (aside from the congestion... either allergies or returning from my infection a about 2 weeks ago). Here's my new favorite picture of Sprout. We had another ultrasound last Thursday.

Anyone out there watching GLEE? I must say that it's definitely one of my new favorite shows. (along with NCIS, which isn't new, but new to us). If you haven't seen it, definitely check it out... music rocks, it's so funny!

It seems like I had a lot more random thoughts before I started the post, but now my brain seems empty. Sprout must have stolen my thoughts :)

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Tugaloo


Chris raced in the Tugaloo Triathlon this morning. It was a training day for him (his next big race is in Augusta in two weeks). He did really well and finished in 2 hours 41 minutes (or so.. that's what my watch said anyway). We headed up to Anderson to stay with my step sister last night. We had a great visit with them, even though it was short.

Not much going on here. Our wireless has been out, which is why I haven't posted much lately... Luckily my brother in law ROCKS and let us borrow a wireless thingy ... (like my technical terms?) until he can fix our computer.

I have been fighting some sort of infection all week (of the ear, nose, throat variety) and was home most of the week. It was nice having a week off of school (basically) even though I was sick. Sprout is doing well, in spite of my recent sickness (as I still sniffle and cough).

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

MIA

Sorry I have been MIA lately. Last week, our internet went out. Then the wireless wasn't working (Still isn't so I'm hooked up the old fashioned way). I've had a busy couple of weeks... curriculum night at school, 20 week ultrasound, visit from Chris's parents, doctor appointment, and I've just been plain old tired when I've gotten home.

Aside from all the school stuff going on... Chris's parents were here last weekend to visit for Frank's birthday. We spent the day with them on Saturday. We took them to the Varsity (they had never been before) and then we headed to the World of Coke. VERY COOL! (if you haven't been to the "new" one yet).

Also had the pregnancy stuff going on... 20 week ultrasound was last week. It was so AMAZING to see. Had my normal monthly doctor appointment yesterday, which went well. All in all things are just going well (check out other blog for more, if you're interested).

Here's Sprout!


Saturday, August 22, 2009

Here they are...

As promised... here are pictures of the four cakes I baked for Zach's wedding. First, I have to say that when you make a caramel cake...you really never know what it will look like when you finish. Sometimes it will look great! Others.. not so much. This is cake number one.. .which after I iced it, I called my dad in tears because it looked so horrible.

When I started icing cake number two, this happened to the second layer...

Not good... so cake number 2 ended up being a two layer cake... it looks pretty (of course!)

Cake number 3 went a lot better...

Cake number 4 was the "display" cake. It actually looked good sitting out (looked very small compared to the wedding cake, but still looked good). You will notice it is leaning a little bit and please disregard the mess on the counter... icing is messy business!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

I promise...

I did take pictures of the grooms' cakes. I will upload them this weekend and post for you guys to see. :) The wedding went really well. It was a LONG weekend and a tiring one for me, but he looked so happy. I've missed him this week while he's been gone on the honeymoon.

I am definitely looking forward to this weekend where we have nothing on the calendar. I definitely need some rest. School is wearing me out! I finally started seeing my kids yesterday. I missed them. It makes the school day much better when I get to see them.

I'm 19 weeks pregnant today (check out my other blog if you want some little details).

And that's about all in my neck of the woods. :)

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Tired

Well, I was going to use the title "Worn Out" but Melissa beat me to it! Oh well. I'm very tired. School is definitely wearing me out. It's been great to see the kids back this week. It makes me smile when I see some of my old second graders and third graders, who are now the third and fourth graders... they still get excited to see me and have to give me a hug (YAY!). We haven't started seeing any of them yet in their gifted classes. I'm definitely looking forward to getting my schedule fixed and getting back in the groove of things. The first week of school is always tiring but I feel more tired this week than normal. I'm also (on top of school starting) baking 4 cakes for Zach's wedding. Cake #2 is in the oven as I type.

Not much else going on. I will be 18 weeks tomorrow. I haven't felt Sprout yet, but Sprout constantly makes me hungry.

We did have a sad day on Sunday. We had to put our dog Chance to sleep. :( Sammy (our other dog) seems to be okay. He either doesn't notice that Chance is gone or doesn't care. We definitely miss our Chancey.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Last week

Last week is a bit of a blur to me. Monday, I spent the day with Chris. He decided to stay home from work to hang out with me before school starts. We ran errands and he changed out a door in the house. I think most of you know we've been slowly working on "updating" and improving our little home. Tuesday, part of the day was spent at school. Sue (my wonderful step mom) helped me in my classroom. In fact, she did more than help... she moved EVERYTHING where I wanted it. She helped me clean and when we left on Tuesday, my trailer was pretty much ready for students! I also had a doc appointment on Tuesday afternoon (see my other blog for details). Then it was back to school on Wednesday. I will admit, Wednesday- Friday were long and rough days for me. My ankles and legs were swollen by the end of each day (from all the sitting in meetings). Friday night I spent the evening (with Sue's wonderful help again.. .Sue is a great sous chef!) making 4 batches of banana cupcakes, which I have to admit were pretty tasty! However, something I ate for dinner (or during the day on Friday) made me super sick. Friday night starting at about midnight until now, I felt HORRIBLE. I have never felt so icky in my whole life. In fact, I hadn't gotten "sick" like that in 23 years (aside from the self-induced/alcohol sickness over the years). On a bright note, I am feeling SO MUCH BETTER today!!! Just finished breakfast (grits)... my first real food since I tried to eat rice for lunch yesterday. YAY! :)

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Sorry

I really have no good excuse for not blogging. I've been around... in fact, I've done nothing the last two weeks. The past few days have been a little busy. I went shopping on Friday (new dress for Zach's wedding and new school clothes... that fit!) Yesterday, I ran a bunch of errands plus had a very yummy lunch with Lonebutterfly.

Not much has been going on in my world. One of our dogs, Chance, is not doing too well. He's having neurological problems and is in a lot of pain. We've had to crate him. (Normally he's just out and about). The vet thought he might have a slipped disc in his neck which is causing him pain and swelling in his spinal cord. She talked to a vet at UGA, who mentioned another condition that is common in Chance's breed. We're trying another medicine now that would treat the other condition. So, we're trying that.

Aside from Chance, I caught Chris's cold and am fighting that.. FUN! I have two extra days of summer (Thanks gov't for furlough days...) I actually can't believe the summer is over for me. Go back on Wednesday to work. I have a few busy weeks ahead. Not only will I be preparing my classroom and all for the start of a new school year, but I have a HUGE order of cupcakes for a one year old's birthday party next weekend. THEN, the next weekend is Zachs' wedding. I can't believe my little brother is getting married. He requested that I make his groom's cake...a caramel cake... the ONLY cake that my brother likes. So, the next week I will be a baking queen and will bake 4 caramel cakes for his wedding. BUSY BUSY BUSY!

Friday, July 24, 2009

Another blog

So, when I found out I was pregnant, I started a blog/journal of my pregnancy. It has been private but I thought my blogging friends might like to read. So I am posting the link below. I made it public... it was private... but I also reserve my right to make it private again (I'm just saying... fair warning). If I do make it private again and you would like to read it, you'll have to email me with your email address so I can add you to read it. :)

My Journey


Sunday, July 19, 2009

Girls' Day

I had a GREAT time at Girls Day and am so thankful that Rebecca planned it for us. I hope that we can at least make it a yearly thing, if not do it more often. It was fantastic to see everyone in person (as opposed to reading blogs). We went to a place called Just for Giggles. You pick a painting and they teach you how to paint it. I love to paint, so it was very enjoyable for me. Let's definitely do it again soon!



Saturday, July 18, 2009

What's been going on...

Well, Tuesday was the end of summer school. Summer school has definitely worn me out (that's why I haven't posted much lately). The rest of my week has been busy as well. Wednesday I went to see the new Harry Potter movie. Thursday I went to lunch with my wonderful friend Kristin (who I wish I saw more of) and we went to Babies R Us and started my registry. Thursday night we were given tickets to Legally Blonde at the Fox. I was pleasantly surprised at it. It was cute. Not my favorite, but entertaining. And then yesterday, we spent the morning at the vet with Chance (our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel). He has a slipped disc in his neck and is in a lot of pain :( poor puppy. Last night we were able to go to the Braves game with Lonebutterfly and friends to celebrate Lonebutterfly's hubby's birthday. Before the game, the Braves retired Greg Maddux's number. It was a great moment in Braves history. We had a great time. Today I'm looking forward to Girls' day (With many of you) and Lindsay's bachelorette party tonight (I'm just going to do dinner with them). With that being said... I need to hop in the shower. More next week! Oh and check out the new signature... better?

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon

Chris competed in the Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon on Sunday, July 12. I didn't get as many pictures as I normally do, but we had a good time in Chattanooga. He competed with the Team In Training Team and he did well. I think he did anyway, he's not happy with his finish. It started raining while he was out on the run. I had no idea it was supposed to rain and was not prepared for it. Luckily TNT always has a tent, so I hid there while it rained. I did brave the rain to get a couple of shots of him finishing.

Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon 2009


Thursday, July 9, 2009

Just an update

Just a quick update... I am 13 weeks today, which means I am out of my first trimester (FINALLY) and beginning my second. I am feeling pretty good, though really tired after a long day of summer school. I'll write more later, just wanted to give ya'll a update on how things are going :)

and, yes, as soon as I'm up to changing my signature I will. I think the masses decided that even though it's pretty, it's hard to read (even though you all know what it says!) :)

Friday, July 3, 2009

Testing...

Checking out my new signature...

And baby makes three!

Yes, you read correctly! I've had this burning secret for 7 weeks now. I've been itching to post but just HAD to wait until today. Today I am 12 weeks and 1 day pregnant. Chris and I are expecting "Sprout" to arrive in January (14th is my due date). We are SUPER excited!!! Many of you know that we experienced a miscarriage around Thanksgiving so this is definitely a HUGE blessing. We have seen "Sprout" twice on ultrasounds. In the last one, Sprout was kicking and waving at us. It was such an amazing experience to see the Sprout. We have not decided if we're going to find out the gender. We have until August 27 to decide, which will be the next time we are going to see Sprout.

As for me, I have good days and bad days. I have not been sick but have certainly felt like I was going to be sick. I'm exhausted all the time and am looking forward to the next trimester. I'm hoping that the good feelings of the second trimester come sooner rather than later!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Woo Hoo!

Just had to give a quick shout out about one of my favorite shows starting its new season tomorrow night!!! Yes, that's right... The Secret Life of the American Teenager starts its third season on ABC family. LOVE it and am super excited about tomorrow night!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Nothing

Life is kinda boring these days. Not much going on. The dreaded summer school begins on Monday (for only 15 days). I'm hoping it won't be too bad. I do have to say that we have one 5 day week, two 4 day weeks and then end with a 2 day week. That can't be too bad, can it? Speaking of summer school, I have NO idea what to expect. I guess I've been teaching long enough that I'm okay to just "wing it." I am NOT looking forward to recess, seeing how hot it has been and will continue to be.

This morning Chris is doing Muddy Buddy with friend, Paul. He did this two years ago and had a blast. It was fun to watch but I decided to skip out this time. I feel like a bad wife at the moment, but I do have a really good reason for missing. I'm sure you're wondering what would keep me from supporting my hubby in participating in yet another race... it's my health. I haven't been feeling good for a few days. Stuffy nose, headache, etc... and the thought of standing in the humidity (even though it's only about 80 degrees right now) just wasn't sounding fun to me. In fact, I'd probably be pretty miserable.

That's really about all. The past week, I had lunch plans just about everyday. I enjoyed seeing friends and spending lunchtime with them. Plus, it got me out of the house. Otherwise, I probably would've just been sitting on the couch, all day everyday.

One thing that Chris and I have been doing each night is watching NCIS. My dear friend, Lonebutterfly, is a HUGE fan and insisted that we start watching. She kindly loaned us all of her dvds, since we must watch from the beginning. We are currently in Season 4 (out of 6). We are hoping to catch up by the time Sesaon 7 begins. BUT we LOVE Abby, Duckie, Gibbs, McGee, Ziva and of course, DiNozzo!

The other thing I have been doing is rereading the Harry Potter books. I've read them all many times, but as the movies have come out I haven't read the first books in a LONG time. I'm currently reading the 3rd book (Prisoner from Azkaban). I'm hoping to finish at least the 6th one, in time for the movie release next month. We shall see! It's a battle each night between Harry and the gang of NCIS.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Chocolate Chunk Surprise

Today we (Evil step sister and step mom) are throwing a shower for my soon to be sister in law. I decided to make cupcakes for this glorious occasion.

I got the idea out of this book.


So last night I made up the batter and then unwrapped a bunch of these...


...to put in the middle.


Then they went in the oven, and the aroma was heavenly (I wish I could share the smell on the blog)..
.

Then of course, they had to cool.


I then used a technique from the book (Carrie's blogged about it before)


I decided to go the monogram route and put Zach and Lindsay's initials on the cupcakes.


I can't WAIT to try one!!!