A Time of Thankfulness and Reflection

This week has been spent making a new and reflecting on the past. I have been so bogged down with work and studies, I haven't been able to think straight! I have taken time this week to think for myself and get things in order around the house. We've painted the hallway and began the kitchen, exchanged refrigerators, and put up Christmas decorations. 

I'm so excited about my first Christmas tree!

During Thanksgiving, Forrest (the big little brother) and I traveled to 3 family dinners in one day. As busy as it was, it was so great being able to see everyone and spend some time with our very large family. We even got to take some family photos on the farm. 

I'm so blessed to have the family has given to me. We have our ups and downs but we all love each other very much. 

With 2.5 weeks of grad school left before graduation, I only have one major project to turn I and I could not be more thrilled!i can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for me in education. Recently I have been looking into art therapy and I'm ready and willing to explore that avenue. Check back in the coming weeks for new recipes, weightloss, and life updates.... 92 lbs to go!

100 Days of School

I can't believe I have made it to my very first 100th day of teaching! It's been such a crazy, fun year at school. The day started in pajamas, and my lovely mother Dottie came with me to spend the whole day with me at school!

It was so nice to finally introduce her to all of the kids and coworkers that she has heard about all year long. She learned very quickly how busy a school day is. By 9:00 am she was asking when we got to sit down! HA! We spent the whole day together and finished up decorating for the talent show that night. By the time we left it was time for dinner so we went to The Rookery downtown and completely pigged out...It's gotta happen sometimes right? We had pimento cheese dip for an appetizer, I got this amazing turkey burger with a tomato roumalade, The Walden Greenback.

Dottie had the Little Richard Pattymelt

and both of us had a glass of wine, it was a must. Oh you thought that was it? No I do believe I said we pigged out...right? We finished with this amazing dessert. Some sort of chocolate alamode with pralines and vanilla ice cream. Don't drool....

Sorry the photo is blurred. We finished the evening with the movie Lovely Bones and were both knocked out from a food coma by 9 pm...Such a wonderful ending to a busy, stressful week. Now to catch up on homework and do some painting! Have a great week!

Don't falafel, feel fantastic!"

Good Evening Y'all! I was going to only post on weekends but I'm so super excited about this recipe for falafels that literally just made! Check out the full recipe here: CrockPotFalafel

I did mine a little differently because I got home at 6 pm from decorating at school... And I didn't want to eat at 9:00, so I just cooked mine in the oven instead of the crockpot. I cooked them in muffin tins for about 15-20 mins at 400. AMAZING. End of story. I put tiny amount of olive oil in each muffin tin and drizzled some on the tops (no flipping). Another change I made was draining the chickpeas, cooking them, and then processing them with the mixture. Finally the dill sauce, the store I went to did not carry plain Greek yogurt (I know, right?) so I got fat free sour cream and Miracle Whip (love it) and mixed it with the celery seed and dill to taste. Just as she mentioned in crockpot blog, it looks like a lot, but it is super easy and fast. 20-25 mins prep and then 15-20 cooking... Can't beat that! Try it and let me know what you think! Write y'all this weekend! P.S. Piper was excited about falafel night too!