Halloween Treat

One of the reasons I love Halloween so much is that there are so many yummy treats to enjoy! From roasting hotdogs and marshmallows and the seasonal supply of candy corn, I love it all! Below is one of my favorite treats that I call "Addictive Awesomeness!" It's easy to make and even easier to eat. The only problem is making myself STOP eating!




To make: Combine 1 bag of candy corn, 1 bag of M&M's and 1 jar of roasted peanuts.

My friend Amanda is having a giveaway on her blog! Check it out at: www.everythingelsewastakensoichosethis.blogspot.com

Snow Day!

Yay, it snowed! I know it's been a few days since, but I've finally got some time to post them. We had a fun morning playing with the puppies then I went over to Jody's house and played with her and her boys, my parents and some church friends. Wow, four-year-olds like to have snowball fights!

The view from my front porch.


Yup, he pelted me just after I took the picture.


One of my flowers in the backyard.


My sweet puppies. The only reason I got this shot is because Thelma Lou REFUSED to move when Michael had the audacity to put her down on the cold, wet ground!


The Brasher Girls


Sam making a snow angel.


Looks like trouble!


My neighbor's back fence.


Hope you enjoyed the pictures and the snow!

Read Anything Good Lately?

As my friends and family know, I am an avid reader. I read so much and get so into books that my wonderful husband threatens to burn all of my books! This could have something to do with the fact that I can stay up 'till 3 am reading when I have to go to work the next day. To you non-readers, this sounds crazy, to those who love to read, like me, know that it really "just happens", and you're usually not aware of the passage of time when you're into a story. Anyway, I went to see High School Musical 3 with some of my friends this weekend, and we had literary discussions. They're readers, like me, so it was a lot of fun! From this discussion comes the following list of books I have read, some recently, some not so recently, that I'd love to share.

All Time Favorites:

Gone With The Wind - movie is ok, book is WAY better!
Little Women
Pride and Predjudice
Braveheart
Harry Potter Series

I know these are all movies, too, but I read 3/4 of them before seeing the movie(s). The books are ALL better than the movies!

Recent Favorites:

The Twilight series. I know, to some of you they seem creepy, juvenile, etc. Don't hate 'till you've read them! If you have only seen the movie, please do not judge the book from it! I'm not the biggest fan of the movie. The movie left way too much out and did some things in the wrong order or in the wrong place, etc. These are some of the most well-written books I've ever read! Stephenie Meyer has a way of writing that pulls your emotions into those of the character and you just have to read more, right then! The leading man, Edward, is like a modern day Mr. Darcy w/ a twist!

Luxe - This is a great story set in the early 1900's that follows the life of a New York Debutant who struggles with following the expectations of her "class" instead of her own heart. Pretty easy read, and very descriptive. There are two subsequent novels to come out this month.

Meteor's Tale - This is the story of a dog's life with his family told through the eyes of the dog. Very sweet! I read it in one night.

The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes - This story is about a young girl in need of love and acceptance makes choices that alters her entire life, and the lives of those she loves. This is a good read, but there is some language that I didn't really enjoy.

Falling Leaves: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter - This book is a lot more serious than the others on my list. I am fascinated with Chinese culture, and this book follows the life of a girl who was deemed unlucky at birth and who was mistreated by her family. If you read it, get ready. It's gonna get tough at times.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan - This is another novel set in China. This is the story of two girls who are brought together by the "matchmaker". One is poor with "perfect" feet (remember, they bound the feet of young girls to make them small?) the other is from a great family, but in need of something the poor girl can give her. Mom couldn't finish the book b/c she had dreams about the foot binding. It is pretty disturbing, but if you can get past it, it's good read! This book teaches a lot about the culture.

Mr. Darcy's Daughters - This is the story of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's 5 daughters 20 years after the couple's marriage. Each daughter has their own very unique story line. It is a great book, even for those poor souls who have not had the pleasure of reading Pride and Prejudice. For us lucky ones who have read Pride and Prejudice, it is a fantastic sequel! I believe there are about 2 more in this series, but I haven't read them yet.

Reads for the future:

Marley and Me - Mom loaned me her copy of this book before the movie was even planned, and I've dragged my feet. I vow to read it before I see the movie!

Blue Bloods - My book friends assured me I would enjoy this series. It is another vampire series, so I'm gonna give it a shot!

Tess of the D'Urbervilles - I saw the first part of this on APT's Masterpiece Theater, and I'm intrigued! I have not watched the rest of this series, and I vow to read the book before I do!

So, there's my list of reads. I hope that if you haven't read some of these, that you will, and let me know what you think. If you already have read some of these, let me know what you think! If you have any suggestions of books you love, please, suggest away! Hope to hear from you all soon!

Busy Weekend Part II

Ok, so I only got as far as Friday night in my last post. Now for the rest of the weekend...

Saturday morning, we got up early (well, early if you didn't go to bed until around 2am the night before) and began preparations for Michael's Dad's family's Thanksgiving/Christmas get-together. I got up and made cornbread to go with the soups and chilis that the rest of the women folk were preparing. I also made sure to have a box of mini saltines (if you haven't seen these yet, you're missing out!), cheese and drinks to add to the meal. After a filling and yummy meal and a round of "Dirty Santa" in which I received a hot chocolate kit, complete with snowman mugs and Michael received a cool multi-head screwdriver set, it was back home and clean up for my staff Christmas party that night. After a yummy dinner at Trigger's Hideout (owned by one of my co-teachers!)we played yet another round of "Dirty Santa", but played as couples. We took home a Dwarf figurine (We think it's Happy) holding a basket. We then played a game of Taboo, which was so much fun!

Sunday morning, we got up and went to church. Directly after church, we went home, changed, picked up Thelma-Lou and headed to Mom and Dad's house to go to the Christmas Tree Farm! Each year our entire family trekks to the farm together to get our trees. By the time we head home we have 7 grown ups, 4 dogs, 3 trees and 2 kids. Pretty full day, huh? We went to Old Baker's Farm and had a great time. Their trees are all beautiful this year! We chose our tree pretty quickly, which is surprising, if you know me. After scoring the most beautiful tree on the farm, calamity struck. Since we didn't have any sharpie's to mark our trees, I requested Michael carve a K into the end of thee tree. I don't know what I was thinking!! My husband, who is a wonderful provider and (0bviously) a very patitent man, doesn't have the best track record with knives... Do you see where this is goiong? Well, he came back to us holding his thumb at the very bottom knuckle with blood steadlily streaming from it. Now we had no need for a sharpie! Yes, he just stuck his bloody hand on the end of the tree to mark it as ours. Very clever, huh? I had a pack of tissues in my pocket, so we used them to try and stop the blood as we headed to Ryan (my wonderful paramedic brother-in-law!) and Jody's truck to bandage him. We went back to Mom and Dad's and Dad bandaged him up with better tools (Ryan had gauze and camoflage duct tape!) and we ate a yummy dinner with them. When we got home, Michael put up the tree and we went to bed. My poor tree stood naked until this past Friday! More on the reasons for that in my next post... I had another busy week! Enjoy the (few) pictures from the tree farm below!

Hey, can I help?


Cool! I can handle this!


Success!


Sam begged to take a picture. Not bad for a 4 year old! :)


Smooch!


Who authorized Uncle Michael to use a knife?!?


The first bandage.


More to come soon!

Busy Weekend

Ok, I know it's been FOREVER since I've posted anything, but now I finally have something to post! Since I don't have any children of my own or an exciting life, I rarely have noteworthy occurances in my life. I know, it's sad!

Anyway, this weekend was the first of MANY busy ones this season. It started out with my first trip to Sips 'N Strokes on Friday night. I went with my sister, Jody, my two cousins, Brandy and Stacey and our "adopted cousin", Carrie. We met for dinner beforehand and then headed to Sips 'N Strokes. Our picture was a snowman in a snowy field and they all turned out well! Since it is the Christmas season, the owner is doing like Oprah and giving away some of her favorite things until New Year's Eve, when she will be giving away a trip to Hawaii!! Each day she is giving away other prizes at each location. I was the only lucky one of our group that won anything. I received a $25 off certificate for my next visit!! I can't wait to go back! Below are some pictures from our experience.

This is the original picture that we were trying to paint.


Brandy had a little bit of trouble getting into her "sips"!


There we go! (Jody was NOT sipping!)


The Family getting ready to paint.


This is my painting at the first break.


Sisterly Love!


The "Painter Sisters"


Break #2


Havin' fun at the break!


My finished product!



Stacey, the seasoned pro, put us all to shame!


Ok, so this has turned into a longer blog than expected. Stay tuned for the rest of the weekend!

The Results are In

So, this past week was homecoming at Shelby Academy. In addition to the required dress up days, the elementary classes participated in a pumpkin contest, made floats and decorated banners. Although my class didn't win, we still had fun participating! I also slept REALLY well all week 'cause I was worn out every day! Below are some picures of the festivities.

This is a picture of my class with our float. Stomp 'em, Raiders!


This is my class with my aide, Miss Darcey. We LOVE her!


This is our beautiful peacock pumpkin. Pretty creative, huh?


Last, but not least, here are my "Rocker Boys" who went all out on spirit day!


Have a great week!