Not-as-Newlyweds

The Time Has Come...

2008-11-28T18:00:00.000-05:00

...to update things a tad. Please visit our new blog!

After 3 years of marriage, it's time for something a little different. Go check it out and let us know what you think! :)

Love,
The Kubos

Bekah

2008-11-21T18:34:00.001-05:00

In case you are checking this...

I tried to email you, but we have a new computer and I don't know if I'm using the right email address. :) We are coming up to TN next week for Thanksgiving, and I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see you while we're in town!! Please email me or leave a comment so we can try to figure out a time! I am missing you and can't wait to (hopefully!!) see your smiling face!! :)

Love,
Becca

3...2....1.....

2008-11-19T22:34:00.002-05:00

Countdown to going home....

6 days!!!

Humming the Birthday Song...

2008-11-09T20:31:00.004-05:00

Thursday was my birthday, and we had the distinct delight of having my parents join us for the celebration. :) :) :) :)

My kids were really sweet at school on my birthday, and I received several flowers, a card from each of them, and a couple other things. :) Then after I tutored Thursday afternoon, I got to come home to Dad and Mom--what a treat! Matt came home, and we had a yummy dinner together, cake and birthday cake flavored ice cream (one of my favs), and then opened presents. I felt very loved, and it was a GREAT day!!

On Friday, Matt and I both worked. Dad went to a nature preserve to take pictures (though the wildest thing he saw was.... a squirrel.... no bison, gators, or deer, as we know actually live there). Mom stayed home and caught us up on some things around the house. Sammy apparently played outside most of the day! So we all the FL residents were on the receiving end of huge blessings! :) Friday evening we had a second, yummy home-cooked meal (more later on why that's special). YUM!

On Saturday, the guys inspected our damp laundry room. It turns out the water heater may or may not be leaking, but it's far enough along in age that we plan to get a new one. As for the washer, the line it empties into is backing up, so water is pouring down the wall and onto the floor. Lovely, right? We have a plumber coming tomorrow to hopefully clean out the line and get that sorted out. Hooray for Dad the diagnostician!

That night we had another yummy dinner, some popcorn, and a movie. :)

It was a quick trip :-(, but it was soooo good to see Dad and Mom! AND, we'll see them again in 2.5 weeks for Thanskgiving (only 10 work days until then!).

I have tomorrow and Tuesday off, which I am really excited about! Then it's a full week next week and a 2 day week after that. Tomorrow I am planning on doing some school stuff since I have to be home for the plumber anyway. Tuesday I'm hoping to craft--I got great craft stuff for my birthday, like books, patterns, and awesome hippo fabric. :)

Before I close, here are some birthday pictures (because I KNOW those of you who know my family are waiting for them)...

with my special brownie pan (every piece ends up with at least 2 edges, so you get that perfect chewy bite every time)

With my Hoops & Yoyo card from Matt--it sings a really fun song. :)

Making a face when Matt called me "old" during the birthday song (HE would know!)

With Matt and Mom

With Matt

2008-11-02T21:14:00.002-05:00

So I'm a posting slacker. Sorry!

A couple activities from the last couple weeks:

lots and lots of grading--the end of the first quarter
entered grades into the computer system for report cards
went away to Destin to celebrate our anniversary... more on that to come
found out we think either our washing machine or water heater is leaking...
but thankfully, my parents are coming this weekend and Super Dad is going to help us check it out
they're coming to visit because my birthday is this week (!!)
my class really liked my costume parade "costume" of an umbrella with dog and cat beanie babies hanging off it with fishing line... "it's raining cats and dogs!"
it was really cool because we had just talked about idioms and the history behind that particular idiom... they "got" it right away
I survived Halloween with a bunch of highly excited 8 & 9 year olds :)
we voted on Saturday... the line to pull into the library parking lot was so long, we just walked from our house (our neighborhood is almost exactly across from a library)
we actually didn't have to wait too long, because we got there in the 2nd quarter of the "big game"
by the time we were done, it was half time and the line was really long again
Sammy dog is the sweetest, snuggling, cuddling dog :)
it's starting to be chilly here!
I saw a colorful tree!
we go home for Thanksgiving this month!!
Matt is ROCKING his new job. :)

So there's glimpse at our lives. Stay tuned for more info and pics from our anniversary getaway... and my birthday. :) :) :)

Happy Anniverary....

2008-10-16T22:15:00.002-04:00

.... to us!!

This post is actually a day late, but that's okay. :) We're celebrating our anniversary over the next week and a half or so. :) hehe

Yesterday marked three WONDERFUL years with my husband! He is such a gift, blessing, and answer to prayer in my life. We have been together 5 years as of a little later this year, and it's amazing how it's hard to think about what routines and life were like before him. I am so thankful for his friendship, having someone so safe and strong to be completely comfortable with (which is especially nice when you're feeling goofy), his love, his patience, his forgiveness, his wisdom, his SUPER hard work to take great care of us, his help, his gentleness, and so many other things. God blew my dreams WIDE open when Matt came into my life. And we are both all the better for it.

The past three years have seen us through exciting changes like, well, getting married, starting our first "real" jobs, buying our house, finding a church here, and adopting Sammy dog. Sure there have been hard times too. But you know the best part? Even in the hard times, I am living with my best friend. And even better than that, He loves Jesus more than He loves me. So when we're tired or stressed or feel bewildered, He points me to Christ. There is no better way for him to love me well!! Our hard times have brought us not only closer together in relying upon each other and turning to each other (not too much of an option since it's just the two of us down here in FL), but turning to God together. We have grown so much closer in the Lord and each other as a result of each trial. I can honestly say, I would go through them again because of how I have seen God work in our tenderness to each other and desire for obedience in Christ. It's more than worth it.

So here's to the past three years, and here's to many, many (MANY) more!!

I love you, honey!

p.s. Our celebration continues, because we're headed out for a day trip on Saturday. And then next week we are spending four relaxing days at the very same resort condo where we spent our honeymoon!!

Just a Little Note...

2008-10-10T18:04:00.002-04:00

Matt and I are headed out this evening for dinner. I am really looking forward to it! He has worked really hard this week and is loving his new job. If I failed to mention it before, Matt is now working as part of the knee design team (as opposed to his previous work on the hip design team). He is still working for the same company, but he's on a different team. Someone on the knee team is moving over to marketing, and Matt was asked if he'd be interested in switching to knees. He is loving it and the challenge (and familiarity--he did work with knees in grad school) of having a full plate and knocking things off his "to do" list left and right. :)

We are also counting down to our THIRD anniversary on... Wednesday! I can hardly believe it's been three years already! And that we've been together five years. I know 5 is small compared to many couples in my family (being the youngest and all), but five seems like such a big, grown up number. :) A year (okay, 10 months) of dating, 1 year of engagement (alright, 54 weeks ;)), and now 3 WONDERFUL years of marriage. To celebrate our anniversary, we're going to the beach for a LONG weekend later this month. We're actually getting to stay in the same condo as we did on our honeymoon! Our intention is not to relive our honeymoon, but to build more sweet memories in a place we love. It's perfect this time of year, and we are realllllly looking forward to relaxing and getting away together.

Sweet Samantha is sleeping beside me on the couch. She loves this time of year with a touch of coolness in the air. I think she could stay out playing and patrolling "her" backyard for hours in the fall. All the squirrels scurrying about for acorns also provide her quite the amusement. :)

Alright, Matt should be home any minute, so I ought to get ready to go. We hope you have a great weekend!

Love,
Becca

A Brief Hiatus...

2008-10-04T22:50:00.003-04:00

I know I said I wouldn't post too much on here about sewing, but a friend of mine asked me to help her embroider some onesies a week or two ago. Our first attempt didn't go too well (I hadn't embroidered a knit fabric before), but I read up on it today and tried again. Here are a few of the designs I came up with so far.

I saw a onesie with this slogan for over $20 in an online store.... this was much cheaper. ;) Though this one is off center, it was my first try (now that I've read how to stabilize knits better). I think I can go back and add a heart in front of the words or something to make it look more centered. :)

And Matt thought this one up... the biohazard symbol on the rear end of the onesie. ;) It'll be perfect for an engineering friend or something (there are people expecting all around us it seems). :)

Found

2008-09-20T08:38:00.003-04:00

I saw this on another blog, and while it's kind of strange, we've had several laughs over it. We hope it makes you chuckle as well. :) And it's actually kinda cool because bees actually do a dance when they find nectar to tell the other bees in the hive where it is and how far away it is (I read about it for science, and I'm going to have my class do the real bee dance in the next week or two!). Amazing, huh?

An Exciting Day!

2008-09-14T21:58:00.002-04:00

Today was an exciting day at our church for a couple reasons.

#1 We both wore shorts to church (just kidding... Well, we did both wear shorts, but that's not why it was an exciting day).

#2 We celebrated the ceremonial ground breaking for the church building! That's actually why we wore shorts. Instead of meeting at the school where we usually have Sunday worship, we met on the property that has just been cleared this week. Imagine an outside service in Florida during the summer. That's why we all dressed comfortably and cool. ;) We did have a big tent that kept us pretty shaded though. It's an amazing blessing to be a part of the church in the midst of so much growth. It was planted about 11 years ago, and in the last 3 we've been here it's just amazing to see how God has/is working and moving. And even better to know the vision is to use the building to SERVE others, not just have a pretty place, and secondly to know the church isn't really a building. ;)

#3 We ordained deacons, including Matt! Four deacons were ordained, and it's really neat to see God provide a place for Matt to serve in this capacity, as his heart is so oriented to serve.

I took my camera, but I didn't get any pictures because we were on the greeting/question answering team and I didn't want to walk around with my camera. I'll post some from our pastor's blog as soon as he puts some up!

We hope you had a good weekend. :)

THE Question....

2008-09-11T20:26:00.002-04:00

... until tonight, I had made it unscathed through every parent-teacher opportunity of the year. THE question had not been asked. The one I'm asked every year. Do you know THE question?

It comes in two forms, and it goes a little something like this:

(nonchalantly) So, how long have you been teaching?
(not subtle at all) Is this your FIRST year teaching?

Either way, the parent is getting at one real question and one only: How old ARE you?? i.e. Are you old enough to each my child?

I made it all the way to TODAY without that question. I was so excited thinking I had turned a corner. That I was no longer the totally baby-faced teacher. I thought too soon.

Tonight at open house someone lowered the boom and asked, "So, is this your first year teaching?"

My response, "No, actually it's my 4th year at this school."

silence

"Oh."

.... Oh well, there's always next year!

It's Been Awhile....

2008-09-10T19:20:00.001-04:00

..whew ! August 23 was my last post. Eek!

I guess you could say things have been pretty busy around here. I haven't been able to do any more embroidering or sewing since TS Fay came through and I had those 2 days off for the storms. But I am hoping to this weekend, especially because I have some more gifts to make. :) And the fabric is already picked out, so that helps a LOT!

It has been SUPER busy at school. On top of keeping a team of 6 (3 brand new to our school) going, I have my own classroom things to keep running. Tomorrow night is open house, so that adds a whole other element to the current stress level. And then Monday is our last day to enter progress report grades. In the past, we've done them by hand (on carbon copy forms). But this year we have a fancy schmancy new program that we have to use. I need to grade some reading and writing assignments, and then I should be good to go. We had a slow start with reading since we didn't have our whole kids (just TEs and student books). And the pace I think is just a lot faster than lots of my new-to-my-school students are used to. I was trying to give them a chance to complete their folder work, so I wouldn't have to enter incompletes for assignments. And then writing has been delayed because we JUST got the writing criteria finalized/approved yesterday afternoon! Ay ay ay!

Last night I got home at 6, and tonight I got home at 6:30. While I have a GREAT class (really, I do!), it's still a long day when the alarm goes off at 5:30, you chase 8 year-olds around all day, and then stay in your room until 6:30. Matt is oh-so-sweetly picking up our favorite Chinese on his way home tonight. Yum!

It's amazing the things that fall by the wayside when your day is filled up with work. You know, things like:

laundry (especially ironing... but really, it's not AWFUL... yet)
**depositing my paycheck that I received Sept. 1**
vacuuming (and getting a replacement belt for the vacuum, because I think mine will wear through ANY day now)
grocery shopping/meal planning
walking the dog
sleep

You get the idea. ;) Then you add the WONDERFUL addition of our newest niece, Isabella Rose, to the mix, and you have a FULL plate! On top of all that, we drove to SC last weekend to meet Isabella. :) We wouldn't have wanted it any other way, but I didn't get anything done around the house. I was "lucky" do get my grading done in the car and figure out what I was teaching for Monday on Sunday night!

So, I think you have a snapshot of our life right now. There have been some other confounding factors that makes it seem like that balls we're trying to juggle are actually dropping left and right, but we know Who's really catching them--and we're unspeakably thankful to know Who really has it all in control (we'd be in SO much trouble if I was truly in control, as I'm so apt to think I am). Hopefully those things will settle out in the next couple weeks and with that will go a huge load we've been carrying.

Thanks to everyone who's been praying and encouraging us through this absolutely crazy time!

Love,
Becca

More Sewing and a Treat

2008-08-23T22:12:00.006-04:00

I know I said I wouldn't be loading this blog up with sewing, but I can't help it--it's how I've passed the time the last few days. :)

Today I made a nursing cover for a "baby shower by mail." I need to take my gift to some ladies at church tomorrow so they can put it in a big box to mail on Monday. I made two things, a burp cloth and a nursing cover. Here they are for your viewing enjoyment. :)

Close up of the ribbon I found to match for the straps :)

Close up of the fabrics I chose

Secondly, the treat mentioned in the header. :) That sweet, thoughtful hubby o' mine brought me a surprise on Monday... flowers! He said he intended to have some sent to school the first day, but due to some other things going on the week of pre-planning when he was going to place the order he got a little side-tracked and was not able to accomplish that original plan. Instead, he stopped on his way home the first real day with this sweet bouquet. It has livened up the family room for the past week and been a colorful reminder of his love and care. :)

Embroidering Fool!

2008-08-21T18:00:00.002-04:00

On July 7, I ordered the software that allows me to use my embroidery machine to the fullest extent--including embroidering with almost any font installed on my computer (one of my favorite parts)!

Jump 1.5 months later, and the software finally came in! There was a hold up in customs, but I picked up my software and installed it yesterday. Today and tomorrow I am home because school was canceled for Tropical Storm Fay (yea for now, boo for making the days up later... maybe even having to go an extra day before Christmas break). All in all, I am hoping to make the most of the time (though I'd rather be continuing to establish those routines with the kiddos, etc.) by catching up on the pile of things I've been (not always so patiently) waiting to embroider and monogram!

I'll post more on my craft blog about my embroidery adventures than here, but I just had to show you my latest one. Not only do I think it's really cute, and not only does it reference one of my favorite collegiate campaigns, but it's actually CENTERED (that's been my big struggle of the day). Check it out! :)

On your mark....

2008-08-16T23:41:00.003-04:00

... the school year is about to begin and we are SWAMPED!

I started getting my classroom ready the week before preplanning (actually, the Friday before that !). With 2 teachers on my team who are new to my school, one of whom is a first year teacher and the other hasn't been a homeroom teacher before, I thought it best to get my room as ready as possible to be available to help them and answer questions. Boy, am I glad I did! They are both GREAT, and I'm really excited to have them on the team, but I was running around getting answers to lots of questions and working on things for the writing committee that came up. I cannot imagine where I would be if I hadn't already put most of my room in order, because I was still at school 12 hours yesterday--8 to 8! Whew! Then we stopped by again today (Matt came with me) and we stayed for probably 2-3 more hours, I think.

I have one thing left to do for prep that really needs to be done for Monday. The other things I want to do can wait until the second week of school. And I need to finish deciding on plans for the rest of the week after Monday. Add to that a tropical storm that is projected to hit the gulf side of Florida near Orlando as a hurricane and then basically cut right up through us--the first week of school--and it makes for one CRAZY week coming up!

So, we're about to make the 2 week spring to Labor Day weekend, at which point we catch a little breather before diving in again. I really think I have a *fantastic* group this year, and I am very excited to get started with them. I have 19 in my homeroom, I keep all of them for reading, writing, science, and social studies, but I'm currently slotted with 4 (count 'em, FOUR) students for math. Amazing, huh? I can only imagine the things we'll get to do with only FOUR! At most, I might end up with 3 additional students.... that's still only 7!!! WOW!

I need to head for bed--our church is starting back up with 2 services again for the fall beginning tomorrow and we are on for ushering. We hope this finds you well, and please be patient as the first weeks of school are hectic. I'll be back to more regular posting soon, I hope. :)

Love,
Becca

Top 8

2008-08-06T21:44:00.007-04:00

I saw a link to this blog, on which the author is providing topics for people to respond to with lists of 8. I wish I'd caught it a few days ago, but today's is fun, too. :)

Without further ado, 8 things I love (in no particular order):

1. Jesus

2. Matt

3. My family: I have to lump them together, or I'd go way over 8 between my parents, my siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, niece, nephews, and then Matt's family, too! Whew! We are blessed with lots of wonderful people. :)
Here's a shot I *love* of two particularly wonderful people :)

4. Samantha

5. Strawberry lemonade (especially from Chili's)

6. The beach

7. Our friends (again, lumped together ya'll, sorry!)
The picture currently still on the hard drive that included the most friends in one shot :)

8. Successfully making something and it turning out the way I pictured in my head :)

Tortilla Pie

2008-08-01T20:59:00.002-04:00

Tonight I tried a new recipe. It's actually on the cover of one of my cookbooks (well, a picture of the finished product is, anyway), and I've been wanting to try it. I decided this week was the week, and in fact, tonight was the night.

It's from the Southern Living at Home Easy Weeknight Favorites cookbook (a great cookbook!). The meal is called Tortilla Pie. I have to admit, I made several changes to it to suit our tastes... and suit our tastes it did!

Here you go!

Tortilla Pie

Prep: 11 minutes (!!)
Cook: 25 min.

1 (16-oz.) can refried beans (or black beans)
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
8 8-in. flour tortillas
1 cup chunky salsa
2 (4- or 6-oz.) cartons guacamole
1 (8-oz.) package shredded Mexican blend cheese
Garnishes: sour cream, lettuce, more salsa & guac

1. Combine first three ingredients (I combined black beans, 1 tsp. chili powder and I increased the cumin to 1 tsp. because I really like cumin)
2. Place 1 tortilla in the bottom of an 8-in. cake pan. Spread half the bean mixture on top. Place another tortilla on top of the beans. Spread 1/2 cup salsa (I didn't have any salsa and don't like chunks of tomato, so I did 1/2 can of refried beans then sprinkled chili powder and cumin on top). Top with another tortilla, and spread half of the guacamole, and top with another tortilla (I spread La Victoria taco sauce on this layer instead, as we don't care for guacamole). Next, sprinkle half the cheese, and top with a tortilla.
3. They tell you to repeat all the layers except the cheese. I just did one more layer for each type of bean.
*You can also put in a layer of meat, they suggest shredded chicken.
4. Cover (I forgot to do this, and it came out just fine) and bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cook 2-5 more minutes. Cut into wedges and serve (6 servings).

We used sour cream and shredded lettuce as our garnishes. Matt picked off the black beans, but he really liked it! He especially liked the tang of a little sour cream with each bite. I really liked it, and I loved how easy it was. :) Even without meat, we were both satisfied. :)

Happy tortilla-ing! :)

Gifts and Samantha

2008-07-30T16:49:00.004-04:00

We are expecting the arrival of our newest niece, Isabella Rose, in a little over a month! I have had a couple little projects in mind for her, but I was holding out until my order of the Husqvarna 4D embroidery software came in. Well, now it doesn't look as though that will happen before I go back to school. So, I decided to go ahead and sew some steps of the projects, and I'll have to go back and embroider later. Isabella's nursery is decorated with sweet ladybugs, so I made a coordinating set of burp clothes to go along with that theme.

You'll have to stay tuned to see what I embroider on them (eventually.... when my software arrives!)

Secondly, Samantha received a really fun gift from my parents. :) It's a huge black bear stuffed animal--only it doesn't have stuffing (except for the head) and it has a squeaker in each leg and its head!

We were sure she would have it torn open in a matter of minutes. But she's never had a toy this big before, and she's been treating it very differently! Sure, she shakes it and bites at it sometimes. She looked like she thought she'd REALLY caught something when we first gave it to her. But now it's like it's her buddy!

We just might need to come up with a name for it with the way she's keeping it around! :) Such a sweet puppy. :)

Today's epidode is sponsored by the letter K!

2008-07-29T21:51:00.002-04:00

THE FIRST LETTER
give it a try!

(from E's blog)

*Use the 1st letter of your last name to answer each of the following...
*They have to be real places, names, things...nothing made up!
*Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial. (WHICH BY THE WAY IS HARD IF YOU ALREADY READ THEIR ANSWERS) You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl...

You can only use an answer 1 time!

1. What is your last name ?...............Ku**

2. 4 letter word......................................kite

3. Vehicle: ............................................. knee board (kinda sorta)

4. City, State or county........................ Kalamazoo

5. Boy Name: .......................................Kristopher

6.Girl name: .........................................Katie

7. Occupation: ..................................... king

8. Something you wear:...................... karats (my wedding band and e-ring)

9. Food: ................................................ kneaded bread

10. Found in a bathroom:................... kids

11. Reason for Being Late:............... kindergartner lost her shoe

12. Something you shout:................... Know thyself!

13. Animal:............................................. kangaroo

14. Word to describe you:................... kind

15. Color:................................................ kool aid red

p.s. k was hard! :)

2008-07-25T15:37:00.001-04:00

Here's a really cute "counting to 4" Sesame Street version of Feist's song, "1 2 3 4." Check it out! And Mom, you will totally love all the Sesame Street birds! :)

Sneak Peek

2008-07-23T23:35:00.003-04:00

Here's a sneak peek into some of what we have been up to this week...

The master bathroom! It used to be a kind of faux-finish of pea soup green... along with our avocado green counter, floor tiles, and stripe of avocado green tiles in the shower---too much 1970s green for me! The new color is very happy and bright and brings us much closer to the 21st century. :) Eventually, the door will be a new, white door, too. :)
p.s. Ignore the burned out light bulbs! We'll be putting a new light fixture in here, too, so I haven't worried about replacing them just yet. :)

Welcoming Mom. :)

A really fun pear we found at TJ Maxx. It's covered in artificial leaves. The girl at the check-out flipped out over it and showed the other cashiers because she liked it so much. :) It adds the perfect, fun, quirky, and green touch to our living room. :)

2008-07-23T20:58:00.002-04:00

I'm sorry I haven't been around this week... my mom is visiting, so of course I am soaking up as much time as possible while she is in Florida. She hits the road tomorrow, and while I'll be croaking, I know some special people in TN will be doing a happy dance upon her arrival back home. :)

We've done a lot of hanging out and browsing, and we even painted the master bathroom! Stay tuned for pictures. :)

Soooo Excited!!

2008-07-17T17:23:00.002-04:00

I just went to check the mail, and I as I flipped through the envelopes and magazines (yea, Real Simple!), I saw our utility bill.

Dun, dun, dunnnnnnn the moment of truth!

Our first bill that includes time with the new HVAC...

Has it made as much of a difference in efficiency as we hoped????
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

YES!!!!

Even though this bill includes time we still had the old unit, even though we're at our hottest time of year, it's $100 cheaper than our summer bills last year!!!! It's cheaper than our monthly average!!!! I am so, so, so excited!

Thank you, Lord!! :)

I did it!

2008-07-10T19:17:00.001-04:00

I sewed a dress!! Go check it out on my craft blog!

Matt's Final Birthday Party

2008-07-08T23:01:00.004-04:00

Matt gets to have 3 birthday parties every year (it's so unfair!). :) This year, we celebrated on his birthday (July 1) with his parents and sister; then we celebrated on Saturday with my family; and lastly, he and I celebrated "just the two of us" this evening. I thought I'd share some pictures from our party. :)

Since we had a themed party back in TN, and he sprung on me yesterday that he wanted his party with me tonight, I got an exemption from thinking up another theme (I did Transformers last year). :) But we had a great time all the same.

I made chicken tortilla soup, bread bowls, and corn on the cob for dinner. As an appetizer when he got home from work, I had his favorite Green (iced) Tea waiting for him with some quesadillas, chips, and a yummy dip.

the bread bowl awaiting the soup

the birthday boy during dinner

pretty vase my birthday bouquet(s) came in now used as a votive holder... see how the design shines through to the tablecloth?

Bitsy's chocolate cake made an appearance! Mmmm mmmm good!

the loot

a cd he wanted

I wonder what this could be?

We like the wii. ;)

His final gift was hidden in the trunk of my car. This is Matt scurrying out to the garage when he figured out the clue I gave him as to the gift's whereabouts.

excited because he knows what it is AND where it is

an air compressor with 3 nailers--every man's dream (j/k)... he really did want it though, so he can finish our/do more crown molding

South Carolina Snapshots

2008-07-07T23:39:00.004-04:00

The first part of our vacation (July 27-July 2) we were in South Carolina to visit Matt's family. Our time there included a baby shower for Matt's sister and our niece-to-be, Isabella; a birthday celebration for Matt; wild animals; and a great visit with Matt's best man, Tyson.

Isabella's nursery will be decorated with a ladybug theme, so guess what the theme of the shower was! :) Adorable ladybugs!

the cake

Matt's sister with a ladybug outfit we gave her

One morning, we went with Matt's parents to a kind of zoo/ranch place. We had a picnic lunch and the ranch had all sorts of animals and a wagon ride where the animals all come right up to you for food. I fed a giraffe, and Matt's mom almost lost a finger!

lily pads on the pond surrounding the lemur island

a blue and gold macaw

One evening, Tyson took us to a park his church owns as a ministry to the community. It was dark so my pictures aren't great, but it was BEAUTIFUL! Also, Tyson almost got attacked by an egret (he started it by pestering the mama bird)--fun times. :)

looking into a field

looking out over the river

We also got to celebrate Matt's birthday (July1) with his parents, sister, and his parents' dear friends Bob and Cindy.

Matt's yummy cake

In addition, we had a great lunch with Matt's sister one afternoon, got to see her house's remodeling progress (it looks great!!), all the baby gear she's acquired so far (so cute!), and enjoy a sweet time with his family. It was a wonderful first half of our annual "family tour." :) We can't wait to return early in September (or maybe the end of August???) to meet Isabella!

Quick Update

2008-07-07T14:09:00.001-04:00

We spent the last week split between our two families in SC and TN. We got to spend much-needed time with each of them, celebrate a baby shower, a birthday, Independence Day, catch up with friends before the move, see a beautiful park, wakeboard, and play with the kiddos. It was GREAT! I'll have pictures soon, but first I need to let you know about another perk of the new HVAC system (I'm sure you're groaning, so I'll try not to talk about it too much more).

This may be gross to some or just completely boring to others, but every time we have gone on vacation during the past 2 years we have lived in this house, we have come home to moldy, mildewy toilets. The bowl and underneath side of the side have been yucky every time. Now, it's not like "left food in the fridge for 2 months and it has its own head of hair" gross, but still, gross when you're used to keeping a clean house!

Since the new HVAC controls for humidity, I wondered if this would solve our vacation bathroom issues. IT DID!!! For the first time in over 2 years, we came home from vacation to toilets as sparkling white as the day we left them! So dorky to be excited about it, but we are very happy. :) And now I'm wondering if the new system might also help curb the mildew that pops up in our master shower within a week of scrubbing it.

So many perks to the new HVAC... who knew??? :)

Stay tuned for vacation pictures! And happy belated birthday to my WONDERFUL husband!!

Some Outside Shots

2008-06-30T09:08:00.001-04:00

Here are some more recent pictures of the yard, and Samantha. :)

A flower that popped up last week out of nowhere! :) So bright and happy and PINK!

GRASS IS GROWING and filling in the bare spots! We are SO excited! Matt's vision for a GREEN backyard might actually come true!
Praise the Lord for cleaned up yard debris and especially for much needed rain!

The hanging planter I filled with clippings from the yard (fern, ivy, elephant ears, etc.).
Still going and still growing!

Sammy surveying her yard.

Samantha hunting for lizards among the logs and sticks (from a dead tree we took down). The sticks used to be a neat stack, but the stack was the FIRST place she would run when we let her out. In her attempts to wrangle a lizard, she has managed to completely dishevel Matt's hard work! But BOY does she love to hunt lizards. :) I think she would literally spend hours in that one spot if we let her. Only, it's made her slightly neurotic. Now, even if a stick moves because she paws it, she is *convinced* there is a lizard there and stands guard, pointing, just waiting to make her move. It's pretty cute to watch. :)

The Sound of Silence

2008-06-27T07:00:00.001-04:00

When one of the HVAC guys was showing me how to use the new "user interface" (I'm sure they'd love that we're using their term), aka thermostat, he made a funny comment. He told me they actually received a call this week with a complaint from a customer.... she called to say her house was TOO COLD!! :) hehehe That seems almost unimaginable to us after 3 weeks of a limping along and probably overheating a/c, so we basically left it as warm as we could stand so the a/c would come on a little as possible. Anyway, they asked the customer what temperature she had her system set to, and she replied that it was at 78 and she *always* kept it at 78 before. They suggested she bump it up a few degrees to 79 or 80. She called back later in the week to tell them she had tried that and everything was perfect now. :)

Matt and I laughed when I shared the story with him, and then we came up with our own "complaint." It is WAY TOO quiet around here! It used to be that you'd hear the monstrous furnace start blowing and you'd hear the loud whirring of the condenser outside anytime the a/c was running (which was becoming more frequent and more prolonged as the system began to fail). The condenser is between our bedroom and the "man room" outside, and we could always hear it loud and clear when it started up and ran. You now stand in our bedroom and do not hear a single sound. You literally CANNOT hear it running. And not only that, but I'm sitting in the den and can only tell the a/c kicked in because I feel cold air coming from the vent above me--I did not hear the furnace kick in to blow the air. It is again, A-MAZ-ING.

So, we're considering calling and telling the contractor we still can't sleep at night. Only instead of waking up 3-4x a night hot and "glistening," we can't sleep because it's too quiet! :) hehehe

Of course, we're only kidding and it's really a lovely and welcome change. It's just shocking. Who would have thought we'd be so excited about an HVAC system? Does that mean we're really grown ups now?

Frigid in Florida....

2008-06-26T20:38:00.003-04:00

...and feeling fine!

Today was the big HVAC day! Around 9:00 this morning, the HVAC people showed up to give our house a complete overhaul. It is A-MAZ-ING and we are loving it!

Matt worked from home for the day, since I am teaching summer institute this week. He was here for all the action, and they were just finishing up when I got home. Both men were exceedingly friendly, and our rep even stopped by to make sure everything was going okay. He'll be scheduling an appointment for the work to be inspected as well. We really couldn't be happier with their service and definitely will be recommending them to everyone we know here. :)

Now, for some pictures! :)

Our old condenser unit outside.

The new condenser unit outside.

The new furnace inside, including some new piping, a gas valve shut off (imagine that!), and they even sealed the bottom air return compartment of the closet.

The new thermostat, only because it's so sophisticated don't you know, they call it a "user interface." It can even adjust the humidity inside the house!

I obviously need to touch up the walls... the old thermostat was a horizontal rectangular shape, and I couldn't paint all the way behind it... and there are some finger smudge marks.

And lastly, for the first time in WEEKS, the fan is not on high.... it's not even on at all!!

Praise the Lord!

Quick Update

2008-06-19T23:21:00.002-04:00

Just a little note to say we are getting A/C! :) Woo hoo!

After asking around to several coworkers at Matt's work and my school, we came up with the same name repeatedly receiving glowing reports. And it was even one of the contractors we had contacted! We are sooo thankful for God's clear leading in that. :) Initially, they were going to come July 15, because they fix "emergency" cases of people with NO air conditioning before people who are replacing but still have a/c. That was okay until the house became hotter and hotter and more and more humid. Seriously, I woke up 4 times one night because I was so hot and sticky--and we had the ceiling fan on high and believe me, I was sleeping on TOP of the covers. Whew! The final straw came when we noticed a very hot "overheating" smell coming through the registers and near the furnace closet after the a/c has run. I called yesterday, and our contact said he'd check the calendar this morning. PRAISE THE LORD, they're going to come a week from today instead! We are SOOOO excited (and so is Sammy who has taken to napping on the hard wood or tile floor instead of her beloved couch... we assume because the floor is much cooler than the couch). We can't wait for a/c that actually works!

Other than that, Matt's plugging away at work, I've been enjoying my first full week of summer break with little jobs here and there before I teach summer institute next week. I went to an inservice on our new reading curriculum yesterday. Wow. Does it ever have a lot of components! I've cleaned out the guest room and some of the garage. I am also working my way through my classroom, finally having time to carefully go through things the previous teacher left in the room and decide what I really want to keep (and being able to set aside some things for a brand new teacher who'll be in 3rd grade next year).

In other school news, our district's budget has been slashed for the 2nd time with more cuts expected. This latest round resulted in art and music being cut in half for elementary schools. Art and music teachers will have two schools each--they'll teach at one first semester and the other second semester. I kind of feel like it's the kind of thing you hear about happening "other" places. It makes me a little nervous about my position with the magnet program, as the magnet program requires a great deal of extra buses to run. They could cut the magnet program county-wide, I suppose. But the good news I am holding onto (not that anyone has suggested magnet is in immediate danger of being cut) is that I am now on a TENURED contract!! :) :) So, I guess they'd have to find me a job SOMEwhere in the county even if I couldn't stay at my school (but I do think they'd try to keep me.... I hope they would!). I don't mean to concern anyone, because it really hasn't been mentioned recently as a possibility. It was just brought up as something the county COULD do awhile back.

Our weekend plans include deacon training for Matt and then a coworker is replacing the timing belt in Ace (another praise as it will be $100s less than at the dealer). So Matt will hang out with him while he works on the car. I think I'll do some sewing... I'll just need to move the floor fan to the dining room as it has no ceiling fan, and as I mentioned the house is HOT. I want to make a sandwich wrap-and-mat with some fabric I just got, maybe a lunch bag with some fabric I got, and I would like to sew for Lakey's baby shower. :)

Well, this turned out longer than I expected. I need to go get my hubby in bed, because even though I can sleep in (happy sigh), he has to head off to work in the morning. I have had the distinct pleasure the past two weeks of having lunch with him several times while I've been on break. I do love that man! :)

We are looking forward to seeing many of you soon as we trek northward!

Love,
Becca

DONE!

2008-06-11T23:50:00.004-04:00

I'm alive, I promise. Just recovering from the baby shower and the end of the school year! :)

And now, trying to determine with Matt which contractor to use to replace our HVAC. Right about now, I wish I had a "choose your own adventure" book. It would be entitled The Amazing Air Conditioner Adventure. On about page 10 or so, it would give you the option of contractor 1 (turn to page 11), who installs a brand with the lesser reputation but the 99 year condenser warranty, 2 years of free servicing 2x/year, and proclaims to pull permits and have the municipal building inspector come inspect the finished job; or contractor 2 (turn to page 25), who quotes you on a superly efficient unit with a better reputation and seems more professional and thorough. I would read ahead and see how each contractor panned out, and then go back and make the right decision.

But, there's not an HVAC choose your own adventure book. I believe we are about to choose our own adventure indeed, don't get me wrong. I just hope the adventure is one we're pleased with in the end! Does anybody have a "best contractor" detecting device we could borrow?

Hostessing

2008-06-07T00:13:00.005-04:00

Tomorrow I am hosting a baby shower for a sweet friend who is due with a baby girl in August. This will be my first time really hosting a shower (I co-hosted a wedding shower for Matt & Ariana with Joy, but Joy did most of the prep as it was at her house). Whew! It's a lot of work, but I am pleased so far with how it's come together. Only 3 big boo-boos, and 2 of them were fixable. :)

What are the mistakes, you ask? Well, #1 A recipe I tried didn't work like it was supposed to, but instead of rolling it and then cutting swirly slices to bake, I just kinda plopped it all in the dish and baked it. It still smells delicious. :) #2 Publix forgot to put an "e" on the end of "welcome" as in "Welcome, Baby Katie," on the cake. I checked to make sure they spelled Katie right, but I didn't think to check the other words. Thankfully, my cashier looked to see what the cake said and noticed! Don't you just love Publix? :) They whipped up some pink icing and fixed it right up! #3 is the unfixable one. I was trying to make these as a favor for the guests (3 for each guest, and I was going to pipe a "K" on top of the "cupcake" for the baby's name). Well, I opened the fridge to put some bread away, and out came my cookie sheet of red velvet truffles. Only 18 out of over 50 survived (i.e. stayed on the cookie sheet, as opposed to the floor). I was pretty disappointed. :-( But you can't have it all, right? If I'd had time, I thought about finishing them off (they still needed the chocolate bark coating) and having one for each guest as birthday cakes, because one guest's birthday is tomorrow. But it's after midnight, and I'm EXHAUSTED! So, I'll finish them off for Matt later this week. :)

Lastly, I decided to take a trick from my mother, and I went ahead and set everything out for tomorrow (she does that for Thanksgiving or other really big, lots of people types of situations). Since it was all set up, I decided to take some pictures to show you!

The "cake toppers" that I made to match Baby Katie's nursery decor. I think I'll actually end up setting them right next to the cake, but all the same. :)

The cake (with an e at the end of Welcome :) )

In the foyer

On the coffee table in the den... may switch to living room. :) In fact, I probably will. :)
p.s. Don't mind the crazy pooch in the background.

Pitchers for orange juice and apple juice, a punch bowl for a punch I made, the coffee maker ready to go, and cups for all. :)

I even tried to set out serving utensils I think I'll need.

The food set up in the dining room. I tied a fork, spoon, and knife together in a pink napkin with a pink polka-dot bow. They're all in a basket, followed by plates, next will be a crockpot egg and cheese casserole, followed by the apple dumpling thing I had to dump instead of swirl, then a coffee cake, mini blueberry muffins, and mixed fruit. In the center 3 tiered platter I have cut up blueberry bagels and cinnamon/raisin swirl bagels and I made craisin scones. I also have strawberry and regular cream cheese and honey butter for that area.

The other side of the table.

So there you have it! I'm sure there will be more pictures tomorrow. Stay tuned!

One More Day!

2008-06-04T22:52:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow is the LAST day of school!! I can hardly believe it!

I can't wait to join Sammy as we recently found her.... sleeping in, here I come!

Out of My Mind!

2008-06-03T23:00:00.002-04:00

2 half days left with the kids (where has the time gone??)
the kids did so well with our "picture pet show" today
they were GREAT during the end of the year party and class awards ceremony
I am officially (kinda sorta... it goes into effect the coming school year, but I have the contract!) tenured! Woo hoo! I am on "professional services contract" (i.e. tenure) as of the 08-09 school year! What a cool blessing! :)
I am so out of my mind with end of school stuff that I cannot for the life of me find our tax refund check--great, huh? Thankfully, if I can't find it after some more hunting, the IRS is kind enough to issue a replacement check so we can still get our money back. Whew!
I can't wait for next week when this year will be over and I can feel sane again (no wise-cracks about my sanity, please)! ;)

Baby Shower Prep

2008-05-31T19:52:00.004-04:00

Today I got to work on a couple things in preparation for the baby shower I am hosting next Saturday. :)

First of all, here are the topiary trees for the dining room table.

Then I was trying to think of some other "fun" thing for decor. I considered a diaper cake, but I also know they're quite time intensive, and I already had the topiaries. Then I came across a diaper wreath. Perfect! This will be on the front door to great the guests (and guest of honor).

I used a styrofoam wreath from Michael's and wrapped overlapping diapers around it. You tie each diaper with ribbon (I used pink polka-dot to coordinate with the shower invitations). Then I added some fun curly ribbon and an "it's a girl" balloon before adding some baby essentials to finish it off: various Johnson's baby care items like baby powder, lotions, shampoo, etc., a paci clip, 4 washcloths, some spoons, and some forks (obviously for when Baby Girl O is older).

A close-up of the top half.

A close-up of the bottom half.

I love how it turned out, and I love that it's a little more "novel" than the ever-popular diaper cake (as cool as those are). And I LOVE how easy it was!!

Lastly, I sewed the mother-to-be's gift of a nursing cover.

the terry cloth corner

the pocket

Today we also bought plates, napkins, cups, etc. So now I just need to finish the cake toppers, finalize the menu, and then I think we're set!

Woo hoo!

2008-05-29T17:38:00.002-04:00

Grades are in the computer! It's only a matter of days at this point... WILD!

Gardening and such

2008-05-28T23:10:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, two of these popped up in the back yard....

And this weekend I took various plants from the backyard and filled this hanging planter (its original vegetation all died while we were home for Ruthie's wedding)...

I took some elephant ears, some ivy, some fern, and the purple things. :) They all seem to be propagating quite well around the yard, so hopefully they'll make it and fill in my hanging basket, too!

Then I planted some things in the corner we cleared out. We decided the chain link isn't our favorite look now that we removed all the overgrowth. We're devising a plan.... but in the meantime, here's what we have in this little spot (we're taking it one spot at a time).

I'm not sure I have the greenest thumb ever. In fact, this sign I found on clearance at JoAnn's just about sums it up for me (and so it is hanging on the lanai now).

If I can't get anything to grow/stay alive, I guess I'll just stick to flowers like this (another JoAnn's clearance find).

:) But let's hope I can get some real things to stay perky!

Bye, Bye, Beard

2008-05-26T23:08:00.005-04:00

After 6 months of having facial insulation (a beard), Matt decided to shave it all off and return to his baby face. Instead of the "street cred" his beard usually affords us, we now BOTH look like high schoolers/undergrads. :) I love his beard, so it was a sad, sad day. But I love his sweet face all the same (even though it IS all scratchy now). I know it will be much cooler in the hot Florida summer, and he was ready for a little change. :) After seeing a shaving progression on another blog, Matt wanted to document each step of his beard's removal. Here are a couple shots for your viewing pleasure. :)

The "before"

an unflattering, "sad to see it go" picture

chops + a goatee

you might be a redneck if....

70s stache

there's the face of the man I love! (aka the "after")

**vote in the poll on the upper right part of the sidebar for your "favorite" (most silly) look! :) Poll closes June 2!

8 and counting....

2008-05-24T10:35:00.003-04:00

There are now EIGHT days of school left. And we have no more full weeks. This coming week is only 4 days (Monday off for Memorial Day), and the following week has only one full day (Monday) with three early release days (T-Th). After that, I have only 2 days of inservice (Fri. and Mon.), followed by a two week break, and then one week of summer institute.

I cannot BELIEVE this school year is winding down to a close. It's probably been my hardest year, but not for any "how to teach" reasons. More for "other hats teachers have to wear" and my-heart-breaking-over-things-some-students-go-through reasons. So, it's been emotionally exhausting although very rewarding. I feel guilty for saying I'm looking forward to summer vacation--I don't want to be the kind of teacher who counts down and can't wait to be rid of her students. It's not that I can't wait to be rid of them... my counting down is more like counting down to sleeping in and moreso to my heart hopefully having a bit of a respite so I can do it all again next year just as whole-heartedly and without holding back. These kids NEED to be loved fiercely, and I need a refill before I can do that again.

So, we're off for a mini "heart filling up" Memorial Day weekend, mostly just relaxing here in town ($4/gallon for gas?!?!) . But we are REALLY looking forward to it. We both made it through big weeks (big meeting for Matt Friday, last full week of school--with lots of testing and FCAT scores released and catching up from being gone 3 days for the wedding--for me), and we are ready to celebrate. :)

Have a great long weekend!

2 Important Announcements

2008-05-21T21:06:00.007-04:00

1. My birthday twin and dear friend is now a MRS!!!
We had the distinct pleasure of traveling home for Ruthie and Eric's wedding. It was such a sweet time of celebration and just reveling in God's goodness, faithfulness, and provision. It was SO, SO, SO good to be with family and friends this past weekend. Oh, how my heart is at rest there and surrounded by loved ones. We love you, the new Mrs. V, and we can't wait to see you in July!

I have to say, I'm amazed at how long my hair is here compared to the profile picture here on the blog (above and to the right)! Wow!

While home we also squeezed a game of Catan in with Brad and Joy (and I had my WORST game EVER), WE played WII with Brad and Joy--including old school Tecmo Bowl and Double Dribble, a visit to McKay's (where, of course, some teaching books were procured), play time with Charis and Cai, and even a family-famous birthday party for Joy. We are sorry we missed Matt, Ariana, and Sam, but hopefully we'll see them in July! And the wedding festivities allowed us time with some of my favorite ladies from my old Bible study and especially our favorite D.C.-bound couple, Jessica and Eric. :)

2. My class totally ROCKED the FCAT! Praise the Lord!! :)
Sigh of relief.

Nearest Book Meme

2008-05-14T23:07:00.002-04:00

Joy posted about lines 6, 7, and 8 from page 123 of the book closest to her. Here's my response!

From Beth Moore's Praying God's Word Day by Day

Lord, if I allow truth to perish in my life and never return to it, I will be held in bondage the rest of my days.
Savior and Lord, You are my way. You are my truth.

You are supposed to pick 5 people to do it, but I'll tag E (Alice).... and/or anyone else. :)

Front Door Flowers

2008-05-10T17:39:00.003-04:00

Today I had a coupon for Home Depot for "buy one hanging basket of flowers, get one free." While there, we decided to get a few more plants to spruce up the front door (especially with the baby shower next month). While I don't have pictures of the hanging baskets yet, here are the front door planters. These are also the ones I hope to switch out (the vessels themselves, not the flowers--I would transplant them all) to something more our "style." The grape clusters just aren't doing it for me. ;)

There is an end in sight!

2008-05-04T22:13:00.003-04:00

When we first moved into our house, the yard was SO overgrown! We are finally at a point that the "clean up" efforts seem like they will come to a close. Sometimes I wondered if we'd ever get there! Here are some pictures of the progress we made this weekend. :)

plants we bought for one of the cleared spaces

Look at that! The debris piles are REALLY shrinking!

We took out really scraggly bushes on either side of the front door. I would like larger, not "grape cluster" planters for this area, and I waited all of last year for when they would go on clearance at the end of the season.... it's like it stays so warm here that never happened. So we might have to just bite the bullet and get some on sale (instead of on clearance).

A dead tree we cut down (with the kumquat tree in the foreground and palm to the right)

Some Virginia Creeper-like thing had climbed all the way up to these branches from the ground! I yanked it down--that stuff drives me CRAZY!

Pink, pink, PINK!

2008-05-01T18:45:00.006-04:00

Sweet friends of ours who live in ATL are having a baby girl in August! I used to teach with her at my school and we were in a Bible study with them. We are thrilled for them that this new one will be joining their family before we know it. Even though they live far(ish) away now, I really wanted to do something for them down here in FL with their "old" friends. So, I am hosting a baby shower in June! I am really excited and trying to just be organized and not too perfectionistic about it. :) It's the first shower I'm hosting by myself, and I think my biggest thing will be to pace myself and not feel like I have to use ALL my shower ideas in one shot.

I had to mail some bills, so I thought I'd sweep through JoAnn's and see what they might have to offer for decor. I ended up finding these for 50% off.

They look a lot better in person, I promise!

I am really excited about them! The peach blossoms and fake bigger green leaves attached to berries aren't my fav. Uhhh, then why did you buy it, Becca? I plan to remove the blossoms I don't like (I tried, it's very doable), and instead place sweet PINK blossoms in the styrofoam. A lady from our church has some topiary bases with real oasis at the tops, and she always uses them for parties and showers--covering each oasis with real greenery and roses that coordinate with the party colors. I *thought* about rigging that up, but I decided not to for 2 reasons. One, I didn't see any bases I liked at JoAnn's.... and there aren't *that* many other places to try down here. And secondly, I only have 5 weeks of school left before this shower. I need to be realistic on the DIY level I can handle right now. :) I think it'll turn out sweetly, and later on down the road, I could plug in blue or yellow blossoms for a baby boy shower. Or white for a bridal shower. And I'll probably change the raffia bows to a color-coordinated ribbon. ;)

Secondly, I browsed for fabric to make J (the mom-to-be) a nursing cover. I ALMOST got the same Kleo fabric as I used for my last one. They did not have the coordinating Necco, but they DID have a coordinating "dots" pattern. But somehow, it just didn't seem to fit right for J. It was a little too froo-froo for her.... all the pink and such. I LOVE the combo of the two fabrics, and I'm not saying they are in-and-of-themselves froo-froo, but I felt like they were too much for J. So, instead I found this rich, red, gold, and green fabric, and a fun yellow polka-dot for the back. I haven't decided if I'll use red ribbon for the neck or fabric straps yet.... we'll see.

Next, I bought a yard of the Sage Kleo and Dots just because. My stash really NEEEEEDED them. :)

Lastly, I bought some pink paper (on sale 5 sheets--even 12x12 size--for $1, so I spent $2 total) and some pink ribbon for invitation materials. I hope to get started on them tonight.

I also need to decide on the menu. I'm gathering ideas. I'm thinking "brunch," so maybe fruit salsa with the cinnamon flour tortilla chips, the fix-it-and-forget-it souffle Ariana had at Samuel's dedication brunch, some kind of yummy sweet bread or something (?), coffee, juice, water.... any other suggestions? Oh, and I've been really wanting to try to make a fruit bouquet or veggie tree.

Aren't they amazing?

And as much as I'd love to pull out my cake stuff I got for Christmas, I think I'll have one made. We'll see how the time goes though with the end of school. I might do a small diaper cake as well, I haven't decided. Ohhh, so many decisions, and I just want it to be fun, beautiful, and most of all a blessing to our sweet friends. :)

Stay tuned!

Hilarious!

2008-04-30T19:01:00.003-04:00

As I was changing some seat assignments today, I came across two notes (laying on top of a desk) that made me laugh out loud. I don't know if they were written during our career unit video or while I read the last chapter from Vacation Under the Volcano (a Magic Treehouse story set in Ancient Rome... perfect for third grade's study of ancient civilizations), but I cracked up! Please excuse the spelling and errors... let's just assume they were rushed to write and not be caught. ;)

Here you go, from two lovely ladies in my class:

M: I forgive you best freind! I'm sory we fouwt!

B: Did I rewen [ruin] (it spelled wrong) your [name] hearts [name]?

M: Kinda, but where still friends.

M: WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what do you mean? WHAT!!! please answer imeditly!!! restart conversation

M: W-E-ver. Why do you allways act like this, I want to pull my hair out! [complete with drawing of angry person pulling hair out]

B: You by it!

M: What do you mean?

B: I'm practicing for a play.

M: Ohhh. Sorry!! Can you forgive me?

B: Yah!

M: Your the best!! I can't wait to show you my cat and frogs!

B: FROGS! Oh come on?!

M: You WANT touch them

B: no, it's just you are like a zoo keeper

M: I try!

B: Oh, by the way, do you like pickes?

M: not really. (get another peice of paper)

[next piece of paper]

B: Do you think a lion would know what a pickle is?

M: no, but, maybe

If this is not the stereotypical "love-hate" girl friendship, I'm not sure what is! Gosh we can be hard on each other, huh?

Praises!

2008-04-30T18:55:00.002-04:00

I just got lined up with another tutoring job. I've been tutoring for a sweet, sweet family from church. Their daughter needed some bolstering in math, and it's truly been a blessing and delight. She is so sweet and fun, and I am a geek who loves math. After meeting weekly since January or February, she now tells people, "I like math now!" If THAT doesn't bless my socks off, I don't know what does. :)

The family's neighbor has asked me to come try working with her elementary-aged daughter and high school-aged son (yea, algebra!) on Tuesdays (after previously mentioned tutoring) and Wednesdays (some kind of funky block scheduling where the son has math only on MWF). She's had a girl from UF coming, but she's graduating and leaving this week.

So, we'll try it. School is only in session for another month. Can't be that bad, right? And the most exciting thing of all to me is that the church family's mom said she could probably hook me up with as much tutoring as I want (and more!). :) We have "always said" that, Lord willing, when we have children and I'm staying home, tutoring could be a nice way to supplement Matt's income. But I wasn't sure how to go about getting my name out there. The families at my school tend to be trying to just make ends meet; tutoring is not in many of their budgets. But now, even though it's on the other end of town, the Lord is building some business for me! How exciting! :)

God is good (not just because of tutoring). :)

Moving Forward

2008-04-29T23:05:00.002-04:00

This past Sunday, our church voted on some decisions that allow us to move forward with building plans. The church owns the property outright, thanks to the Lord's generosity through the Body. And now the building plans have been approved and we're looking forward to hearing a ground-breaking date! It's an exciting time!

Two Times the Fun

2008-04-23T21:44:00.003-04:00

I think I've written before about getting to hang out with my friend T and her twin boys, Taylor and Wesley. The boys are growing so fast! We first met T, her husband R, and the boys back at the beginning of the year through our Bible study. R is finishing his first year of residency on top of the boys being born in October! What a whirlwind year for them, right? I have had the pleasure of going to hang out with T about once a week to talk and play with the boys and catch up from our week's events. It's been a huge blessing to me and answer to prayer in God providing a friend!

Last week T took a fun picture of Taylor and me, and tomorrow Matt and I have a special treat! R and T have concert tickets, so WE get to babysit the boys! Granted, they'll probably be asleep the whole time, BUT, I am really excited to see the boys and to help T and R have a date! They pour themselves out raising these two boys on top of such a stressful year of medical training. We are thrilled for them to have some "grown up" time together. So, here's one of the cute little guys I'll be listening for through the monitors tomorrow night. :) I'll let you know if we hear many peeps. :)

Catch Up

2008-04-20T21:55:00.011-04:00

Wow, it's been a week already since my last post! I guess that means you can tell it's been a busy one! Report cards went home Monday, and overall there is a feeling in the air that "the end [of the school year, that is] is near." The kiddos' last day will be June 5... it will be here before we know it!

I thought I'd give you a couple pictures of how we spent our time at the beach and a couple fun finds from this week.

First of all, how we spent our time at the beach:

BEACH
I LOVE the beach!

BIKES
Dad and Mom rented four bikes. Sam got to go on several bike rides around HHI and on the beach. Matt, Matt, and Dad also had a couple "spin out" contests on the bike. Lastly, my CRAZY husband decided on a whim to build up as much speed as possible and drive STRAIGHT into the ocean. Brad documented that adventure, so I'll have to post pictures of it later. Just know that Brad, Joy, Matt, and I were all dying laughing, and Matt was SOAKING wet. :)

CATAN
Brad, Joy, and Matt each won a round. I did not. I was close a couple times, and had the lead at times, but I just could not pull out the big W. It was so fun to have people to play with, though. :)

SOUVENIR
Here is our "wooden guy" shelf, now with our HHI souvenir added. Mom and Dad got TJ (a fun(ky) wooden bird when they first got married, and Matt and I got some wooden creatures (sand dollar, sting ray, and pelican) on our honeymoon. We have tried to add to the collection. We got a Dcuk at Edisto Island 2 summers ago, E ("Alice") gave us the elephant from Disney's Animal Kingdom when she and I met at WDW for about a week (and we gave her one as a housewarming gift for her condo and her fiance/now husband) ,and now we found this fun bird (the tall, white, speckled one) at HHI on our last day. :) I was SOOO excited to continue our tradition. :)

FABRIC
Ariana found a quilt shop on the island, so she, Joy, and I headed over to peruse the selection. I had a lot of fun, and I loved that the shop already had quarter flats of basically everything cut and ready to roll. Apparently there's a store back in Knoxville that carries quite a few of the same patterns, but since all we have here is JoAnn's (though I WILL be thankful we have JoAnn's), I really enjoyed seeing some new things.

Here's a shot Joy took of the shop.

Here are the patterns I chose.

I can't resist a cute duck.

So sweet! And I love the lion and the green, polka-dot dog!

I love, love, love these fishies!

Partridge in a Pear Tree fabric! I plan to make some Christmas oven mitts. :)

FLOWERS
I picked these two flowers from our back yard and set them up next to a picture of us that sits in the window sill above the sink. :) They've brighten dish washing time for sure. :)

THIS WEEK
Here's a 1/2 yd. of flannel I fell in love with from.... Walmart!

We hope you have a good week and that you have enjoyed rest this weekend! We are excited to see many of you when we make our summer travels. :)

Love,
Becca

Jiggety-Jig

2008-04-13T20:12:00.002-04:00

Home again, home again....

and everything is WAY too quiet.

We're still trying to figure out what to do about that. We got Sammy back today (hooray), but it's STILL too quiet. Hmmmm.... at least we'll be home again next month for a special wedding. :)

The first batch of pictures is posted over on my Refrigerator Art site. I'll have more up here soon.

We had an AMAZING time at the beach. I just wish it didn't have to end. Back to the "real" world tomorrow.... ugh. But only 7 or so weeks of school left (not that I don't think my kiddos are great). It almost can't be here soon enough.

Tales to come:

the "circus"
Gma's new floor and dishwasher
the quilt store
my phone
fishing
Catan
and lots of pictures to accompany those stories :)

Stay tuned!

???

2008-04-05T09:22:00.004-04:00

What could the following list possibly mean?

FCAT done!
report cards done!
reading unit test done!
math end of the book test done!
science test done!
Friday folders packed with NO homework for a week check!
Becca & Matt packed with more than enough clothes for a week (and more than enough shoes, to be honest) check!
Loving on Sammy a little extra last night check!
Matt staying late last night to finish up a few things check!

It could only mean one thing.....

......SPRING BREAK!!!

We'll be here.
on Hilton Head Island.

Don't expect to hear from me while we're gone. BUT I should have some great stories, pictures, and hopefully some successful Catan to recount upon our return. :)

Are you in that?

2008-04-01T23:57:00.003-04:00

I know I should be in bed, but I just took a couple pictures of my latest sewing project and remembered a funny story from today.

We were watching a Brain Pop! video (educational, humorous cartoons) while the class ate some treats to celebrate a birthday (yes, an April Fool's birthday!). The birthday girl chose one on broken bones, and toward the end it talked about bones becoming more brittle and easily broken as people age. At one point it said something to the effect of, "Women are especially susceptible to broken bones due to osteoporosis," and mentioned something about that becoming more of a problem after menopause. One of the kids turned to me and said, "Mrs. K____, are YOU in that (menopause)?"

Wow. What do I even say to that? I just smiled, replied, "No," and wondered if the birthday girl's mom heard that question.

Gosh, I thought I'd been really fun lately, and I'm cold all the time, not hot.... Hmmmmm..... :)

Itchy Scratchy

2008-03-26T23:14:00.003-04:00

I've been really itchy the past few days and trying to figure out why. At first I thought it was because our weather changed back to cooler, more dry air. Then I thought maybe it was post-FCAT skin disruptions (when I'm stressed it usually manifests itself after the fact with eczema or the skin on the palm side of my fingers bubbling and peeling--lovely, right?). But I think I finally figured out the true source this evening!

Last time I bought detergent, the store only had a new "concentrated" form of All available. I didn't really think anything of it other than, "Is this the scent I like?" and "Why can't they just ever leave things alone?!" I only recently used up my last bottle of "regular" All and had to switch to the new concentrated bottle. It completely coincides with me being reallllllly itchy and developing a rash on my legs (more lovely details for you!). Sounds like classic Guilford skin, doesn't it?

So, I guess if they only make All concentrated now, we try All free and clear. If that doesn't do it.... I don't know what to do! But All free and clear has been working for Brad (is that 2x concentrated now too, Joy? Is Brad still okay with it?) last I asked. Hopefully it will work for me too!

I'll keep you posted. ;)

P.S. Tomorrow we are going on a field trip.... (click to see their webpage)

Sing a Song

2008-03-25T17:45:00.002-04:00

While we're on the topic of favorite (and wedding) songs.... here's one from our wedding. Naturally, it's one I love!

O God beyond all praising,
we worship you today
and sing the love amazing
that songs cannot repay;
for we can only wonder
at every gift you send,
at blessings without number
and mercies without end:
we lift our hearts before you
and wait upon your word,
we honor and adore you,
our great and mighty Lord.

Then hear, O gracious Savior,
accept the love we bring,
that we who know your favor
may serve you as our king;
and whether our tomorrows
be filled with good or ill,
we'll triumph through our sorrows
and rise to bless you still:
to marvel at your beauty
and glory in your ways,
and make a joyful duty
our sacrifice of praise.

May we truly marvel as God's beauty and blessing and praise Him in all circumstances.

In Christ Alone

2008-03-23T21:45:00.001-04:00

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love, this righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save:
'Til on the cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid;
here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day
up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine,
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
‘Til he returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand!

On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.

Happy Easter!

Head On Over

2008-03-22T21:29:00.001-04:00

If you click over to my craft blog, Refrigerator Art, you can see the final installment of the set of kitchen coordinates I've been sewing for a coworker's bridal shower this week. :) I made a second attempt at the oven mitt, a reversible apron, and a casserole tote. The bride-to-be LOVES pink and green, so hopefully she'll like the fabric. :)

From Kay

2008-03-22T21:23:00.003-04:00

A little survey from Kay:

A) Four places I go over and over:
school, church, Trish's (friend who has 5 month old twins and her husband is in his first year of residency--I go help about 1x/week), Olivia's (tutoring)
B) Four people who email me: (Regularly):
Mom, Joy, facebook, school
C) Four of my favorite foods:
peanut butter, pasta, bread, milkshakes (especially Matt's)
D) Four places I would rather be right now:
Knoxville, Knoxville, Knoxville, Knoxville (ha!)
But seriously, Knoxville, the beach, the mountains, craft store
E) Four people I think will respond:
Erin, and other than that, Joy and Kay already did it, maybe Mom will do it and leave her answers as a comment ;)
F) Four movies I would watch over and over:
SOOO hard to narrow down to 4:
Father of the Bride, Father of the Bride II, Heidi, Little Women

BAM! WHAP! ZOW! ZOINK!

2008-03-19T16:44:00.004-04:00

My class is currently using the software Comic Life to create comics about an animal they researched. There are specific guidelines (including some choice--I'm all about building the autonomy) they followed, and one group is finished with the other 7 *right* behind them. I just HAD to share one with you though. Theirs are a little different than this, but here's an example I made to post on my class's blog for the parents to see until the kids are done. I think it's so fun!!

you simply MUST click it to see it enlarged and read the comments!

oops, Matt pointed out a typo to me in the lower, right box.... please overlook that for now ;)
I have a fever.... does that excuse it?

Fun surprise

2008-03-13T18:04:00.004-04:00

I was browsing my subscriptions' updates on Google Reader when I came across a sale announcement on Bargain Shopper Lady. Sale announcements are not unusual on her blog, but this one said all items were marked to $10 and decreased to $5 if you bought 2 or more items, with $5-6 shipping. I had never heard of the company (IOS), but had to check it out.

Look what I picked up for $5 a piece plus shipping (thank you, honey!)!

"Laura" sweater jacket, originally $89

"Infinity" Linen Circle-Dot Easy Crop Shirt, originally $68
(I think this looks perfect for an evening boat right when next we're home)

Is that a fun surprise, or what?!

Halfway Through

2008-03-12T22:07:00.002-04:00

After tomorrow we will be over halfway through with FCAT testing--hooray!

The kids have done a great job so far. I see many of them using test taking strategies we have talked about (reading the comprehension questions before the reading passage so they know what to look for in the passage, "retaking" the test when they have extra time, underlining important words in questions, etc.). No one has run out of time either, which is good. :) They have finished the SSS (Sunshine State Standards) reading sessions, tomorrow is both SSS math sessions, and then next week we have one session each of reading and math for the NRT (norm referenced test). Busy, busy! Then it's two weeks til spring break and Hilton Head with the fam! WOO HOO!

During our "down time" these testing weeks (after tests and on days we don't have tests), we are reading through Mr. Popper's Penguins. Every year I've done this unit during FCAT, the class has loved it. But this year's class REALLY loves it. They beg me to keep reading and are SUPER enthusiastic about it. It makes it extra fun for me. :) We are also writing poetry, and if their brains seem need some recuperation time before we dig into penguins and poetry, I do some step-by-step drawing with them (I still *distinctly* recall Mrs. Love doing some step-by-step drawings with us in first grade, and I teach my kids some of those *same* drawings!). Yesterday we did a frog, turtle, and bunny. :)

Samantha is asleep on the couch across from me, and Matt is playing one of his games for a little bit. He took the last of the leaf bags down for our trash pick up yesterday--hooray!

Last weekend we had the sweet treat of a visit from Dad and Mom. It was much needed! The distance has been wearing on me, and we LOVED seeing them and spending time with them. Their time here involved wrinkle-free clothes (Mom caught me up on some ironing), remote controlled cars (Matt got one before Christmas with some e-bucks, it's like Monopoly money from his company you can trade for real $$, and has wanted to show Dad ever since), fan checking (the light control of our remote died :-(), file transferring (a new-to-us computer), and fabric hunting (for a casserole tote to match the apron), among other things. :) I'm glad Hilton Head is less than a month away. You'd think about 2.5 years after I moved (how can I have been gone that long???), it would get easier. In some ways it does, but it still go through cycles of aching for home more than usual. Ugh. We have lots of opportunities to go home coming up though--Ruthie's wedding, our usual July trip, then we'll be in SC in September, back to TN in November, and both in December. Whew. Matt wants to try to fit in a trip home for the big football game, but I'm just not sure we can make that work this year. I do, however, REALLY want to try to get our condo for our anniversary in October. But we need to go to St. Augustine or Ormond Beach or something between now and then. Maybe some O-town action to see Uncle Randy and Aunt Janie, maybe even a jaunt down to see Kim and the kids (?). I don't know yet what my summer looks like. I know I have summer institute the end of June, and Mom is hoping to come visit this summer. We are getting a new reading curriculum, so I know some time will be spent getting acquainted with it and determining how that affects our new writing curriculum we wrote last year. And I hear we might be making changes to our math pacing, so I don't know what summer committees will look like yet.

Honestly at the moment I am just TIRED. This is the first night this week I did not fall asleep at 9, but it doesn't really count because I feel asleep from about 4:30-5:30. :) I'm EXHAUSTED--and I'm not even the one taking the FCAT tests! And honestly, when I'm missing home, being tired makes me more emotional than usual. So, sorry for this steam of consciousness update. I'm just missing everyone and wanted to catch you up. I wish I had something more interesting to write about, but we're just kinda plugging along right now. :) We miss our family and friends very much and really do welcome you for a visit ANYtime!

I should go check on that hubby o'mine. He wanted to watch the AI results on Tivo before bed... :)

Love,
Becca

Yes, Virginia...

2008-03-03T19:01:00.005-05:00

...Matt & Becca DO have grass.

Errr, well, okay. Matt & Becca have grassy spots. :)

On Sunday we ate lunch on the lanai (which I cleaned on Saturday while Matt picked kumquats). Sitting out there and having the lanai all cleaned up made me wish the yard was cleaned up too. After lunch I decided to begin raking. You might think "palm tree" when you think Florida, and while we do have a palm tree, we live in the more northern part of Florida where you have plenty of pines and other coniferous and some deciduous tress as well. When I saw year yard nearly 2 years ago for the first time, it did not send the message "days' worth of raking and bagging leaves." Oh, but it does now. :)

While Matt picked more little orange fruits on Sunday afternoon, I raked and bagged 7 bags worth of leaves and pine needles. Seven. That might not sound like a lot to people with large lots, but in Florida? Small lot, palm tree Florida? I'm not kidding! And that was less than 1/2 the yard! I won't admit how long the leaves had been piling up (I don't know the last time I raked, but I DID mow last year.... does that count?) , but I had just had it. This afternoon I raked and bagged 5 more bags. The whole back yard (except for the little corner outside our window, which I left because it was dark/for comparison's sake in the photos/due to blisters, has been raked and bagged! On Sunday I also used the blower to get leaves off the driveway and to blow leaves off the yard and into the natural area in about 1/3 of the front. Whew!

Now onto pictures to prove this amazing feat! :)

Part of Sunday's bags

Looking to the right from the palm tree

I know it's blurry, but look! You can see GREEEEEEN grass!

More GREEEEEEN!!! :)

This is to compare... this is the side yard (and a crazy pooch) still covered in leaves. The whole yard used to look like this.

PLUS, I cut out as much of the seam allowance as possible in the thumb of the oven mitt and cut a slit in the wrist, and it's actually functional! I'm not going to give it as a gift, but right now it's on display on top of our fridge. It's a great hubby-swatter. :) Hehe

If you're tired of the cold, come visit! We are in bloom already!
(this one obviously "coming soon")

Lastly, we recently received this in the mail.
I already asked off for it, and I can't wait to come home in May! Not only will we be coming HOME, but we'll be come HOME to CELEBRATE and REJOICE in Ruthie getting hitched!
I can't wait, I can't wait! :)

Ooops... lastly (for real) you can never have too many Sammy pictures. :)

One Final Shot...

2008-03-01T15:14:00.002-05:00

I forgot to post a pick of the oven mitt turned (as much as I could get it). I got a TINY bit more of the thumb turned, but it's still not usable. You will see it's certainly not perfect either. But for a first attempt, I'm pretty proud. :) I wish the thumb would turn just a little more, so I could at least hang it over my oven for a spring time decoration.... I might have to play with it some more. :) Here's your parting glance. :)

Apron: Success; Oven Mitt: Nosomuch

2008-03-01T11:06:00.005-05:00

I decided to check out my fabric stash last night to see if I had any fabric suitable for lining the oven mitt. I did! I was so excited! Back at the beginning of the year, a teacher set out several cuts of fabric free for the taking. Those cuts (which I scooped up in a heartbeat) included a simple pink and white stripe--perfect!

So I set to work on the oven mitt. Basically it boils down to me underestimating just how much I needed to make my pieces oversized to accommodate seam allowances and turning a very bulky final product (2 layers of batting in the top and 2 in the bottom--to protect hands from heat). The wrist is tight and the thumb is too skinny (for me) to turn. Bummer. :-( It looks so cute... if only I could turn the thumb, maybe I could re-do the wrist. Oh well... live and learn, right? I have now printed off a "pattern" from someone online, and it is indeed much bigger than mine was starting out.

But you just have to see the cuteness, even if it's not really usable. And I love the idea. I loved quilting the layers together in fun swoops and swirls. Ariana and Joy are making seasonal pillow cases for their kiddos. As much as I love that idea and my husband is wonderful, I'm not sure what he would think of my stock-piling seasonal pillow cases for children that do not yet exist. :) So, I'm thinking seasonal oven mitts! :)

So, here you have it. The oh-so-cute (in my humble opinion) and now defunct oven mitt.

Friday Night "Therapy"

2008-02-29T22:18:00.007-05:00

After a particularly tiring week, I decided to let the creative juices flow. A teacher at my school is getting married the beginning of April, and we usually have wedding and baby showers at school. I was trying to think of something I could sew for her, and first I thought of an apron. I emailed Joy, of course, to ask if she thought that would be too hard for me. She pointed me in the right direction, and off I went!

After waiting a long time at JoAnn's (a story for another day), I got my fabric cut and was on my way. This particular teacher is very fashionable and seems to be quite fond of the bright pink/bright green combination you see around. So, I found some fun fabric in those tones and set to work. I started probably around 5:30 or 6, stopped to get dinner with Matt, and then I finished up around 10. Without further ado, I present the apron...

This project included several firsts. It was my first time using the pom-pon trim (at least for me, I had to be particularly careful not to let the strip the pom-pons dangle from show through). That required thinking through right sides together and wrong sides out and turning and whew. I almost had a brain cramp, but I figured it out!

I also made the apron reversible... since I would be lining it anyway, why not make it fun?

I would also like to make her a matching oven mitt. I just need to get some plain fabric for the lining (or dig through my stash, but I don't think I have anything).

I've also considered making a 9x13 casserole dish carrier (like the brown, flowered one Mom has). I think it would be really cool and perfect for a new bride! :)

I am a little nervous--do you think they're good enough to give for gifts to someone outside the family??

We hope you have a great weekend and get even a smidge of time to do something fun you enjoy, too. While I don't want to wish this one away, Mom and Dad will be here next weekend!! :)

Love,
Becca

P.S. This is what your dog does while you are sewing. Isn't that nice? It's one of the shoes I bought for E's wedding... oh well... goody thing I don't wear heels much. :-( :-(

P.P.S. Here's Samuel's very belated birthday present. I just need to hand-tie it and send it in the mail!

The Sound of High School Musical

2008-02-25T21:38:00.004-05:00

I found this on someone else's blog. My students would probably be in uproar over this, but it *is* humorous... especially if you know what a HUGE deal High School Musical is.

Enjoy (and turn your sound on)!

P.S. "Found this on someone else's blog" is code for "procrastinating on my progress reports and laundry." :)

Hooray!

2008-02-23T17:23:00.002-05:00

I just did a rough draft for our taxes. My rough draft last year was off, after going over it with Dad (thank you, Dad). We ended up owing a teeny, tiny bit. I was so disappointed, especially because I thought we were going to get a tiny bit back.

My dad is coming to visits in a few weeks, so we'll go over this year's (I hope). But if I didn't make any mistakes *this* time, we should get a couple hundred dollars back. I guess mortgage interest and high property taxes are good for something. It was also neat to see how much the Lord has allowed us to give in supporting His work through our church this year.

We are thankful!

More Valentine's Photos

2008-02-18T21:10:00.007-05:00

Here are some more pictures from around Valentine's Day...

The weekend before Valentine's Day...

Tyson flew down to visit us. On Friday night, we broke out the Star Wars edition of Monopoly for the first time. Matt dominated (see below). JUST when I thought I might actually do well (the last time I played I was a little kid and my brothers let me play along, but I ALWAYS went bankrupt first as a kid), Matt turned on us all.

This is how he looked...

This was Tyson's reaction to dishing out the dough to Darth Matt...

This shows Matt's pawn crushing Tyson's pawn

And Darth Matt desperately wanted a picture to capture all his "hotels and motels" for posterity. He says he'll never do that well again.... we'll see.

My only consolation is that I DID have all the railroads for a short time...

Valentine's...

For Valentine's Day, I got Matt tickets to see Cirque Extravaganza. Here we are dressed up for a evening of entertainment and dinner out.

And a picture of me with my new necklace (though it's hard to see in this one)

Odds & Ends...

Here is Samantha being a NUTTY DOG on the couch...

And yes, Charis, unforunately, Sammy "made a mess" again!

Happy Valentine's Day! part II

2008-02-15T17:47:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was another day FULL of candy and sugar at school (Halloween being right up there as well). One student told me he'd already had a box of candy with/for breakfast (and I lovingly tell you.... it showed!).

Let me actually go back one day. On Wednesday we helped a friend of Matt's from work load his belongings into a moving truck. He and his wife are moving on to a new job in TX where they'll be closer to his family. We were there from about 6:20-10:20. By the time we got home, I admit I was tired (which is sad, because they still had a 3 hour drive ahead of them to make it to her mom's house). Matt really wanted to see who made the top 24 for American Idol, so we watched that on Tivo. I was so tired, I didn't even write my kids' names on their Valentines. I know, I know... but I was tired!

So Thursday started with a bang. The kids were SO excited about the party at the end of the day. We made it through writing and reading, had a very short math period due to Jump Rope for Heart, and tried to squeeze (mostly successfully) our Valentine's party into 30 minutes before it was time for art. Whew! While my class was jumping rope and at lunch, I finished prepping Friday folders (I had to add missing assignment slips after I checked off homework) and finally signed their Valentines. :) We had a wonderful guest reader during the party while the kids enjoyed cupcakes, punch, brownies, carrots, cheese, M&Ms, pretzels, and some delicious strawberries.

These are the Valentines holders we made on Wednesday...aren't they cute? I got instructions from my team mate and plan to do them again next year! They're super easy. :)

After school I came home to let Sammy out, and then it was off to Trish and Rusty's. We met them through our small group, and they have sweet twin baby boys! Rusty is in residency, and I've been trying to go over to hang out and help Trish on Thursdays. The boys got shots yesterday, but they were doing so well! Rusty actually got to come home early, and they asked if Matt could come over for a Valentine's double dinner date. He thought it was a great idea, so he took orders from us and picked up Fazoli's on his way over. :) We really enjoyed their company and getting to talk and know them better. While the boys (the baby boys, not the husbands) were napping, Trish and I made Valentines for our husbands. Here's the front of the one I made for Matt. :)

I says MATT with other phrases around it. I picked "turbo" because Matt always says,
"Slow down there, turbo," when someone speeds by him on the road.

Trish also found some fun pink stuff for the table (and then she made pink lemonade for us to drink with dinner). I'm really thankful to have met them, and we even got the boys to sleep before dinner---and they STAYED asleep through dinner! Hooray for Taylor and Wesley! :)

When we got home, Matt and I exchanged Valentine's gifts. We don't always do something "big," but we each had an idea for each other this year, so we went for it. I got great tickets for tomorrow night for us to go see Cirque Extravaganza. Matt's been wanting to see a Cirque show for quite some time. With this show, it's coming right to our town and features performers from SEVERAL Cirque shows, so you get a taste of many of them (but I checked, not the yucky one thankfully)! He is really excited! :)

In addition to the SUPER Whoooo's Sleepy fabric Matt gave me earlier this week, Matt also gave this me.

It's a yellow sapphire surrounded by diamonds. Isn't it beautiful? I have to admit, Matt has great taste! :) I love how it's a nice, relatively simple shape but with the yellow sapphire to catch your eye. :) I can't wait to wear it tomorrow night when we got out to dinner and then to see the Cirque show!

As you can see, we had a really nice Valentine's Day full of fun surprises. :) We hope yours was filled with reminders not only of loved ones here, but of God's love most of all!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T21:59:00.003-05:00

Kid Quotes

2008-02-11T16:54:00.000-05:00

The third grade team at my school has "poetry tea parties" a couple times a year (usually 3 times) at which the students read poems they have selected or written and their parents are invited to come hear the poems, enjoy some "tea" and treats, etc. It's a fun time, and I love being able to recognize my students as authors and give them an opportunity to have the full attention of the rest of the class and several adults. It's a neat experience.

We all usually try to dress up for the poetry teas. As such, and because I had a little extra time that morning, I wore a *little* bit of make up. Normally, I do not wear any. I know, I know, I look like I'm 16 and it might help. But, I just don't... unless I remember it's picture day or there's some type of open house.

Anyway, so I had on the lightest, most subtle smidge of a brownish-gray eyeshadow on Friday for the tea party, and the thinnest line of eyeliner. No mascara, some foundation, that's it. I even did a sweep of eyeshadow the same tone as my skin over my eyelids at the end to make sure it was really subtle.

Well, the kids noticed. It was the talk of the day on Friday. "Did you see Mrs. K's eyes?" "She has on the eye goop." You would have thought I had on clown make up, seriously. Come on, now.

The best "line" came as I was filling tea cups at one table (with warmed apple juice):

"What's with the scary eyes?"

"Pardon me?"

"What's with the scary eyes?"

"What scary eyes?"

"Yours."

"What do you mean?"

"You have all that dark stuff on your eyes."

At that point I was starting to wonder if the lighting in our bathroom at home was way off and my make up wasn't as subtle as I thought. I checked in my room's bathroom after the tea party. Nope--hardly noticeable... unless you're 8 and your teacher NEVER wears make up.

Matt says if I look frustrated or upset, from now on he's going to say, "What's with the scary eyes?"

Valentine's Survey

2008-02-09T11:37:00.000-05:00

taken from E's friend

My Valentine...

What is his name? Matt!

How long have you been together? We have been married 2 years and 4 months (the day after Valentine's Day), and we have been together for about 2 additional years before we married (10 months of dating, 1 year of being engaged). :)

How old is he? 27

Who eats more? It depends on what food you're thinking of, we each have our favorites. He is an ice cream fiend. :) I love Chili's chips and salsa.

Who said I love you first? Matt... and then I freaked myself out that I was making my heart that vulnerable, so the poor guy waited a couple months before I said it back. But when I *did* say it back, he KNEW "this was it." :)

Who is taller? I am (!)

Who sings better? We both like to sing along with silly songs in the car. He would probably say I sing bettter, but I like it when Matt sings, too.:)

Who dances better? Neither? hehe

Who is smarter? I could never do Matt's job, and he says he could never do mine. We have marveled over how perfectly our strengths fill in each other's weaknesses.

Who does the laundry? I do.

Who pays the bills? I do (I have more time at home since I get off earlier in the day... and also I took a basic accounting class in high school and am just enough of a nerd that I LOVED it.).

Who sleeps on the right side? Matt

Who cooks dinner? Usually I do, but Matt grills (especially in the summer) to give me a break. :)

Who drives? Usually Matt.

Who is more stubborn? Hmmmmm.... we probably tie there. ;)

Who kissed who first? Matt kissed me (my first ever)

Who proposed? Matt

Who has more friends? Matt has more friends in FL, I might have "more" outside of FL, but you know how girls hang out in groups... and I moved when I was little, meeting a variety of people.

Who has more siblings? I do

Who wears the pants? Matt, and I am thankful for his love and leadership. :)

Blessing...

2008-02-04T19:06:00.000-05:00

...needing 2 leaves added to the table to accommodate 8 people for dinner (one chair looks missing because I'm sitting on it at the computer)! Who'd have thought?

(sorry the left side of the photo is fuzzy)

a silver-plated pillar candle holder we got over Christmas in SC... Judi got a great price for us! :)
It needs to be polished, but still!!

It even has beading around the bottom like:
a) our china (as seen behind the candle holder)
b) our silverware (everyday and extra nice)
c) my engagement ring
d) my wedding bands :)

Menu Plan Monday

2008-02-04T17:23:00.000-05:00

Monday: pasta bake
Tuesday: chili
Wednesday: taco pie
Thursday: teriyaki chicken with ginger rice
Friday: depending on when Tyson gets in town maybe veggie burgers, maybe pizza, we'll have to play that one by ear...
Saturday: chicken pot pie or grilled pork chops (that'll be the men's call) :)
Sunday: crockpot roast

**I am having trouble coming up with Tuesday night "beef" recipes that aren't basically Italian or Mexican recipes (to of our other dinner "themes" in the course of a week). Any ideas? Also, I'm going to start tutoring Tuesday night, so it'd be great if they were fast recipes. :) Am I asking too much? hehe Even if it's not fast, please share--I can always move an "easier" themed night to Tuesdays now that I'll be tutoring.

Yum Yum!

2008-02-03T15:26:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting a good AND easy recipe for chicken and dumplings for awhile. I came across a recipe on this blog recently, and after that blogger's friend also gave it rave reviews, I just had to try it.

They were both right! It's SO good! If you have an "authentic" recipe, you may groan at this short cut, but it was perfect for us!

Normal Recipe - makes a big pot:
2 pounds of chicken boiled and deboned (save the broth)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
4 cans of biscuits
Salt and Pepper to taste

Boil the chicken in enough water to cover it. (about 15 minutes.)
Take chicken out of broth and debone and cut into small pieces.
Boil the chicken broth and the can of soup, and while boiling tear biscuits into small pieces and stir into the boiling broth.
When you have all the biscuits in the broth and stirred up, add the chicken and salt and pepper to taste.
Turn heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.

NOW, Jenn's way:
6-7 good sized Tyson chicken strips
1 can cream of CHICKEN soup [her husband hates mushrooms...]
2 little cans of biscuits (or one normal sized can - about 10 biscuits)
About 1 cup of chicken broth (she covered the chicken MOST of the way with water to boil it, then use chicken broth to cover the rest.)
Salt and Pepper to taste

Cook as instructed above.

We highly recommend it! We used the "Jenn's way" making about half, and we even have some left-overs for lunch sometime!

Enjoy!

2008-02-01T23:57:00.000-05:00

Joy tagged me on my craft blog to tell 7 things you might now know about me... I thought that it would be fun to do on here too (just for fun) and try to tag some of the people who read *this* blog more. :) Some might overlap if I can't think of 7 new things.... or it might just turn into 7 random things...

I once convinced Matt over the phone while he was out of town that I had dyed my hair red in his absence (I hadn't really). Even when I told him I was kidding, he didn't believe me.
I have a beautiful bouquet of 3 roses (the same kind that was in my wedding bouquet) on the kitchen counter that Matt gave me last weekend when I was so broken-hearted.
I didn't know what my wedding band looked like until Matt slipped it on my finger at our wedding! It was a super surprise!
I cry at Publix commercials (the really sappy ones for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, etc.).
I love grammar...I really love grammar (which is a good thing since I have to teach all the parts of speech and simple, compound, and complex sentences, etc. to my *3rd* graders!).
My vacuum cleaner is stuck on self-propel... I might need to take it to the vacuum place. I tried opening it up myself, but couldn't unstick the switch.
I REALLY want to learn how to smock (website or book suggestions? Anyone?).

I still tag Erin, and I tag Jessica. :)

Baby Blanket.... again

2008-01-29T16:55:00.000-05:00

Here is the blanket for Baby C. again. I decided to go with the hand-tying suggestion and found some yard that coordinated with the spaceship flannel. :)

What do you think? I think it adds a fun bit of whimsy, and I love that it's now keeping the layers of the quilt together. :)

Hope

2008-01-27T13:47:00.000-05:00

We sang the Chris Tomlin song "Everlasting God" in church this morning. The chorus was particularly poignant with what's going on right now.

This Truth is what I'm clinging to!

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

A sweet reminder from the Father. He knows, He cares, and He is able.

A First!

2008-01-26T21:22:00.000-05:00

I made my first baby blanket, and it's even a quilt! That was not my original intent, but it's how it turned out. You can see more pictures on my craft blog.

I'm debating two things:

#1: Green satin blanket binding.... yes? Or leave it the way it is?

#2: Actually "quilt" it or hand-tie it? Or leave it the way it is? It's a little "travel blanket" size for a baby shower..... now sure how I want to "finish" it off. Suggestions?!

Thanks!
Becca

p.s. If you think of it, please pray for a situation in my class at school. Thank you.

More Funnies

2008-01-23T23:00:00.000-05:00

As read on mymeanderings (a blog):

(Conversation in the kitchen while I made dinner)
Me: Jeff do you want me to write little notes to you and stick them in your lunch bag for school?
Jeff: YEAH!! I would love that!
Me: Really?! I thought you would not even read them, I am so sorry I would have been doing it all along but I thought it might embarrass you.
Jeff: It's okay Mom, I sit by _______ at lunch every day and when he is done reading his note from his Mom he gives them to me. It feels like I get my own note. And she is really good at writing notes, sometimes she sends him notes from his dog and she signs it with a paw print.

(that's SO my mom, and I loved it!!) :)

And more...it's tooooo sweet!

I will sometimes give Jeff some change to bring to school which is a big deal to him. For a quarter he can choose from milk or a bag of chips. This week Steve gave him a dollar. It was placed carefully in his Winnie-the-Pooh wallet, checked and re- checked.
Last night before going to bed he told Etienne that he was going to spend all his change the next day on three bags of chips one for Eti, one for Chloe, and one for himself.
Earlier today I got an email from his teacher who is a good friend of mine, in the subject line it read CHIPS?
Here is what it said:

Jeff ordered 3 bags of chips today. he said something about a party with his
brother and sister. I was quite confused and I thought they were coming for
lunch or something, but he said they weren't. I asked if you knew he was
ordering 3 chips and he said yes. So I guess you are having a chip
party at home?! He cracks me up. He was very excited about this. :)

have a good day!
Rachael
When I called and asked her if I could post the email she laughed and said "I had to email you because usually kids wait half an hour before placing their lunch order and he came in all determined and without taking his backpack off said 'Mrs. _____ I have to order three bags of chips!' And I was thinking 'This does not even sound like a normal situation'!..."
All day today Etienne was saying "I am so filled with excited joy!!! I can't wait until Jeff gets home to have our chip party!"
I do feed my kids
I think they were this excited because they could sense Jeff was trying to do something special for them. The day before he had bought them a bag of Sun Chips, he said "After I bought the chips I was looking and looking at the bag and trying not to think about them, they looked so good. I ended up tearing them open and I ate a few but then I put them away". When he came home he got out two bowls and counted the chips one by one to make it fair.
So you can imagine the delight today when he came home with a bag for each!

BRRRRRR!!!

2008-01-21T16:09:00.000-05:00

Just a little "funny" from last night. We are now hosting a Bible study in our home on Sundays. I was busy cleaning up some last minute spots that needed tidying (I had cut a bunch of fabric for a baby blanket and desperately needed to vacuum), and I was feeling pretty warm when I was done. Matt is *always* hot, so I just decided to turn off the heater for a little bit.

After Bible study, one of the couples invited us to come over later for dinner, so we fed Sammy after everyone left and then got ourselves ready to go have dinner with them. We had a tasty dinner and really enjoyed visiting with them. When we came back home, I was struck by how COLD it was in our house. Matt commented on it, too, but I said, "Let's just grab a fleece blanket. We're going to bed soon anyway." So, we made do for an hour or so. When we DID head for bed, I did a double take as I passed the thermostat. In the winter, we normally set the heater to a cool 67. There aren't THAT many cold months in FL, and usually if we're still chilly at 67, a sweatshirt or blanket does the trick. Anyway, the thermostat said it was 61 in our house!! I forgot to turn the heater back on! BRRRRRRRRR!!! I laughed and told Matt (as I turned the heater on and gladly heard/felt warm air begin wooshing through the vents). I'm so thankful we caught that mistake, and we got to sleep snug as a bug in a rug! :)

A New Recipe

2008-01-19T23:12:00.000-05:00

Today was mix and match day on our new menu plan, and Matt has been asking me to make chicken tortilla soup since, well, for a really long time. :) He loves to get it in a bread bowl from McAlister's. I do not order it there, so part of my hesitation in making it at his request was I didn't know what it was supposed to taste like. :)

But, he asked again today, so I set to work looking for a recipe. I pulled several up on allrecipes.com, but then I searched google for chicken tortilla soup + McAlister's. Two contenders popped up as good options amongst the masses. Matt took a look at them and picked the one that sounded "closest" to him. :)

Off we went for a quick trip to Publix, and then it was cooking time! Here is the recipe we used:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1 1/2 tsp. olive oil
1/2 medium onion, minced I used onion flakes
2 Tbs. minced garlic I used garlic powder
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 (14.5 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1 (28 oz.) can low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 c. plus 2 Tbs. water, divided
1/4 c. corn starch
1 (4 oz.) can green chiles
4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 c.)
1 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro I skipped this
2 c. tortilla chips
1 bunch green onions, sliced

Bring about 1 inch of water to a boil in a skillet large enough to hold the chicken in one layer. Add chicken, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until chicken is done (about 15 min.). Drain chicken; cut into 1/2-in. cubes (I shredded the chicken instead of cubing it).
In a medium stockpot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; saute until soft.
Stir in chili powder, oregano, tomatoes and their liquid, chicken broth, and 1/2 c. plus 2 Tbs. water
Stir together cornstarch and remaining 1/4 c. water in a separate bowl, and then stir into stockpot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 min., until broth is slightly thickened.
Stir in chiles, cheese, cilantro, and cooked chicken. Stir until cheese melts, then let simmer for 10 min.
Ladle soup into bowls, serve with chips on the side (or crumble a few chips over each bowl of soup). Garnish with green onions.

Yield: 4 servings

I actually doubled the recipe so we'd have some for the freezer. We each had PLENTY for dinner, and I have 3 more heaping qt. sized freezer bags for another day now.

Matt **really** liked it. He didn't recall the McAlister's soup being tomato-based, but he said this was delicious and the tomatoes just added a little sweetness to it. Per other recipes I saw, I added some black beans to my serving as well (Matt does not like them). Oh, and I added a shake or two of cumin, because I saw some of the other recipes called for fajita seasoning. Even though I had hesitations initially (I'm not a big soup person), it was really good, and I'm glad to have another recipe that cooks up a lot of extra food for the freezer. :) Even if I hadn't doubled it, we would have had at least one more *hearty* dinner in the freezer. :)

Enjoy!

A Few Photos

2008-01-15T21:23:00.001-05:00

Sammy peeking at me over the back of the couch. :)

The new cork board! We totally stole this idea from a family at church, but I love it! :) My old picture board is now just inside the laundry room so I can see the smiling faces of you family and friends whenever I am doing laundry. :) This new one is 3' x 4', we bought the K at Hobby Lobby and painted it black, and now we have pictures and fun mementos/announcements (Cai's baptism announcement, a baby shower invitation, our parking pass from Disney World, etc.).

The cool glass jar with my monogram from Mom and Dad. :)

Sammy resting. I know, we have a silly, silly dog. She's not falling--she actually plopped down this way (I thought Charis might like this one--she runs like a crazy woman, Sammy sleeps like a crazy dog)!

One of my favorites of the Jesse Tree ornaments (I just uploaded and posted the rest of the close ups on my craft blog Refrigerator Art)--Elizabeth and John the Baptist. :)

Menu Plan Monday

2008-01-14T18:37:00.000-05:00

So, I am going to try something new with meal planning. I definitely don't prefer to just "think something up" when I get home from work. It's too tempting to #1- eat out by default (which we really don't do much), or #2- have Matt stop and pick up a few ingredients, which means I am not taking as much advantage of sale items at the grocery store. I usually make a weekly list, but to help me think of what to put on the weekly menu, I'm going to try a rotating plan. I'm not planning a whole month at once, because I do like to take sales into account in my planning. I design our weekly menu around what is on sale. But this way I'll have right in front of me some regular meals to rotate in and out depending on the sales. It also breaks things up into different "tastes" each day. It will not be hard and fast, set in stone. But I think it will cut some time off of deciding what to cook for the week, and hopefully help me rotate new/different recipes through more frequently.

Here's the schedule we'll try:

Mondays: Italian
Tuesdays: beef
Wednesdays: Mexican
Thursdays: chicken
Fridays: easy
Saturday: mix and match
Sunday: crockpot (now that our new small group meets Sunday late afternoon/early evening... more on that later :) )

So, then my Italian dishes to choose from currently are:
spaghetti
manicottis
alfredo
pasta bake
spaghetti pie
baked ziti
chicken parmesan
chicken cacciatore

beef:
stew
pot roast
goulash
chili
cubed steak
porcupine meatballs
hamb. stroganoff

Mexican:
hard, soft, or fractured tacos
enchiladas
taco pie
burritos

chicken:
chicken and biscuits
chicken pot pie
chicken and stuffing
company chicken
pineapple chicken
baked chicken
grilled chicken
teriyaki chicken
chicken ceasar salad
cornflake chicken
chicken packets
rice crispy chicken

easy:
frozen pizza
crescent roll pizza
frozen lasagna

mix and match:
pork chops (cook top or grill)
barbeque
ham slobs
something from another category
baked potatoes
potato soup

crockpot:
bbq crockpot chicken
crockpot pork roast
Italian chicken
(stew/pot roast)
(chili)
chicken and dumplings

They Made It!!

2008-01-07T20:53:00.000-05:00

You can go to Joy's site to read about the Jesse Tree ornaments (for Advent) I made her for Christmas.

This is the great "group shot" she posted. :)

I'm uploading individual photos to my "craft blog" (I set it up so I could leave comments on crafters' blogs without linking back to this journal, since it has more personal info for you family and friends :)). Most of the "solo" shots are up there, but not all yet... Stay tuned! I just need to pull them off the other memory card. :)

I'm SOO glad they made it okay, Joy, and that you like them. :) I loved making them, and I love you!

Menu Plan Monday

2008-01-07T17:12:00.000-05:00

Today commences our official thrust back into the swing of things (you should have seen Sammy's "what is going on?!" face when I was leaving for work... it was like she didn't even remember the days before lazing around the house with me home most of the day the last few weeks). Between traveling and just being totally out of routine, it's been awhile since I did a serious grocery shopping trip and planned a menu for the week.

Thankfully, there were some good sales, and we look forward to some good meals shared together! With just two of us, I usually just make a main dish and a side...

Sunday: spaghetti with rolls

Monday: chicken and biscuits with mashed potatoes

Tuesday: soft or fractured tacos

Wednesday: chicken alfredo with corn and rolls

Thursday: pork chops with mashed potatoes

Friday: lasagna with corn and rolls

Saturday: grilled chicken and potatoes

click the logo above to find more menus (some with links to the recipes!)

Bummed in FL

2008-01-04T15:21:00.000-05:00

We hatched this great scheme last winter to go back to the exact condo where we spent our honeymoon for our second anniversary. The rates are lowest in winter AND I have a 4 day weekend for President's Day, so that's what we planned toward. With money put away each month, we excitedly checked the booking calendar online periodically. Still open... yup! Still... yup! Today (I called to try to book it): still??? Well, according to the website, yes. According to the actual reservation agency, no.

Bummer. Big time.

What could better than 4 days (beginning Valentine's night!) reliving our honeymoon, I ask you??

So, now we have this money saved up... do we try to find somewhere else? Try to go sometime else? Hmm......

Four Foods on Friday

2008-01-04T09:42:00.000-05:00

#1. Brownies. From a box or from scratch?

I admit, I love the convenience of a box. :)

#2. Chicken noodle soup. Does it cure everything? Do you make it from scratch, from a can or from a package?

I've usually had it from a can. If I can stomach it, I prefer tomato soup with Saltine crackers. :)

#3. Red skin potato salad. Do you think the red skin provides flavor or color?

I don't eat potato salad because mayo does NOT get along with me. But I do like red potatoes!

#4. French toast. How do you make yours?

On a "normal" Saturday morning I beat a couple eggs with some milk, and I'll often add a little cinnamon, vanilla, or even maple syrup. Soak a couple slices of bread in the mixture and fry them on the stove top.

For special occasions, I make a baked French toast that is delicious! We call it "gourmet French toast" for fun. It has a crispy outside, but it's so warm and melt-in-your-mouth inside. I cannot find the original recipe I used our first married Christmas, but here's the one I used this year which is very similar. :)

INGREDIENTS

5 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup half-and-half cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 (1 pound) loaf French bread, cut diagonally in 1 inch slices

1/2 cup butter, melted
1 cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 cup chopped pecans (I omitted this)
(I add a couple shakes of cinnamon)

DIRECTIONS

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cream and vanilla. Dip bread slices into egg mixture and place in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Refrigerate overnight.
The next morning: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a small bowl, combine butter, sugar, maple syrup and pecans. Spoon mixture over bread.
Bake in preheated oven until golden, about 40 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

We have even saved the cooked left-overs in the fridge and had them the following weekend--tasted great! I have some in the freezer now too, and I'll let you know how those defrost. :) It's extra nice when you need something for a special day or group of people, because you make it ahead of time and just stick it in the oven on the day you need it!

Make Ahead French Toast from allrecipes.com

Funny

2008-01-03T18:29:00.000-05:00

I'll Have Three Scoops of Iowa Caucus On a Waffle Cone, Please

This morning I was listening to some political talk radio, and the boys asked me what I was listening to. I explained it was big day for our country, sort of the official start of the presidential election.

(Let's just pause for a moment of eye-rolling at the idea that the election is only just now starting, and let us wail and gnash and our teeth together at the thought of the lovely mud-slinging that lies ahead in the next ten months. Anyway, back to the post.)

I went on to tell the boys that today is the Iowa caucus.

"What's an Iowa caucus?" Adam asked, but before I could answer, he said, "'because it kind of sounds like a bug."

"Or a flavor of ice cream," offered Stephen.

"Or maybe a new teen band," Adam continued.

Thus concludes your civics lesson for today, courtesy of the Dryer boys. You Iowans get out there and do the rest of us proud. And tell those politicians the rest of us said to play nice.

from Rocks in My Dryer

Forget Sugarplums...

2008-01-02T08:29:00.000-05:00

How about "visions of fabric" :)

My fabric "pile" received several new additions during Christmas travels. Not to mention all I got from Ashley's gift card and the deals at jcaroline :) Without further ado...

Hancock Fabric near Matt's parents' had a huge table stacked with bolts marked down to $2/yd. They also had Christmas fabric 75% off, and I found some I liked that came down to $2/yd, too.

it's little pink ballet slippers!

all sorts of sewing notions

cowboy fabric!

I didn't get this the first time--couldn't think of what I would do with it. But I couldn't stop thinking about it, and Matt took me back to look for it. It was buried, but the Lord let me find it again! I have several ideas for it now. And, it was produced with proceeds going to St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis. Cool, huh? I love the fishy shadows and bubbles in the background.

This is some fabric from Japan that Ashley gave me! It was SO good to see you, and I hope you had smooth travels back across the ocean!

Happy Happy

2007-12-20T09:40:00.000-05:00

BIRTHDAY

to Brad and Kim!!

Wow--it feels like I was JUST writing this, but it's already been another year! We are so thankful for both of you and your sweet families. You are amazing blessings to us, and we praise God for you!

Kim, one of these days I am determined we will get down to see you! We loved seeing you back home last Christmas--what a treat! :) Please tell D and the kids hi for us!! :) We LOVE you!

Brad, what can I say? You are a WONDERFUL big brother! You plug in all sorts of electronic equipment for me when I think it's broken. :) Kidding aside, you really are an encouragement to me, and I always leave our phone conversations with a smile. I'm so sorry we're missing your party by only one day, but we can't WAIT to come be with you!! We'll be there soon!!! We LOVE you!

Picture Tidbits

2007-12-18T20:45:00.000-05:00

Matt definitely decided I picked the right profession when a student brought HIM a gift, too--his own bag of cookies!

Peanut Butter Ritz Sandwiches I made for Matt to take to work.

Pinecone Christmas trees we're working on at school.

Nigella fabric from jcaroline.com It's normally $14/yd
I got it for $1.50!!! :) I'm thinking handbag.

The extra quarter flat included in my Sew, Mama, Sew order. :)

Adorable carolers a student made--one for every student (plus resource teachers and principals). They are filled with candy. :)

Class Christmas tree with ornaments my students made.

Orange and White candy cane from a student I had last year (!) :)

I'm Going...

2007-12-16T14:31:00.000-05:00

...to Disney World!

Yesterday, Matt and I drove to Orlando to spend the day at Disney World. I have never been to Disney when it was decorated for Christmas. I have wanted to go at Christmas ever since I found out we would be moving here. This year is our third Christmas in Florida, and we finally went!! We had a GREAT day, even though it rained off and on, and even though it was warm enough for shorts and a tshirt with the rain. Here are some pictures of our time. :)

(p.s. Sorry some are blurry--it was dark by the end ;), and sorry they are out of order)

You Know the Saying...

2007-12-14T17:02:00.000-05:00

"With friends like these, who needs enemies?"

Well, how about "with windows like these, who needs doors?"

Naughty or Nice?

2007-12-12T23:23:00.001-05:00

Sammy must not think Santa Dog is watching. In the past few days she has:

rendered my debit card unusable (it's all crumpled and punctured with dog tooth holes)
eaten THREE handmade ornaments off the Christmas tree

She must know we already bought her Christmas present. We have the receipt, Samantha, we have the receipt!

Thank you, Ashley!

2007-12-12T19:56:00.000-05:00

About one-half yard each of the following fabrics is headed my way, thanks to a birthday gift certificate to Sew, Mama, Sew from sweet Ashley. :) Thank you, thank you!!

I have to admit, I'm not sure what everything will turn into. I have a couple ideas for some of them. But I decided, since it was a gift certificate, to let myself just go with what stood out to me. Projects can be determined later. :)

Thanks again, Ashley. It was absolutely delightful to scroll through their inventory and fill up my "shopping cart" with the click (or two, or three) of a button. :) I can't wait for them to get here!

Also today, we finally got our digital SLR ordered. I have wanted one for *quite* some time. Matt kindly agreed that we could use the money I earned by teaching summer institute to purchase a digital rebel (canon's line of digital SLRs). Amazon dropped their price dramatically recently, which Brad alerted me to (thank you!), and now it's on its way! I can't wait to use it! :)

We hope you are having a good week. I have only 1 week of school left. We'll be on our way home for a "tender Tennessee Christmas" before we know it! Hooray!!

Love,
Becca

A Good One of Big Boy

2007-12-09T20:16:00.001-05:00

Big Boy complete with tree skirt

"Family" apple ornament

Another ornament :)

A sleep pooch

O Christmas Tree 2007

2007-12-09T13:33:00.000-05:00

Here are some photos of our house this Christmas with a surprise at the end! :)

nativity in the living room

ornaments on a shelf of the entertainment center

lambs on the entertainment center

snow village buildings (school, pet shop, and cabin) in the entryway
(Matt's mom gave me the school last year, and then we got the pet shop and cabin at after Christmas sales)

Matt putting lights on Big Boy

More sheep :)

Big Boy!! I still have an even more updated picture to post with the tree skirt around it and some close ups of ornaments :)
(Do you see the Christmas duck??)

Family apple ornaments that have since been added to the tree

The mantle (and Sammy on the couch)

mantle closer (ignore the liquid nails still on the mantle, please) :)

top of the computer armoire

placemats in the kitchen

Poem and painting by a student's mom (way back from my child dev. lab days)

Dining room

Dining room place setting

All the boxes when we got them down from the attic (how do we have so many after only 3 married Christmases??) :) Plus there are two more we keep in the house all year (candles I don't want to melt in the attic and linens I want to protect from the possibility of moths, etc.)

My little elf coming back down from the attic

My fall berry wreath now "framing" a snowman hotpad above the stove, and Christmas measuring cups/spoons to the right

gingerbread man napkin holder

Snowmen above the laundry room door

Here comes the surprise....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

fish #1!

fish #2!!

fish #3!!!

Ahh, Sweet Relief!

2007-12-06T22:00:00.001-05:00

Last weekend I began developing some type of cold I think I caught from one of my students (I have a particular suspect, too :) ). Through the week it has built to the point of aggravating my asthma, which turned into coughing all night last night. I was hoping it wouldn't get to that point. Today we had an all-important field trip to see A Christmas Carol (starring one of MY students), and there was no way I was going to send my kids with a sub. So, I made it through today. I am, however, taking a sick day tomorrow in an attempt to recuperate.

I was lamenting to Mom the oh-so-sad demise of my FAVORITE cough medicine. It's an All Star. Seriously. It's the only thing that works for me. I think it was the end of undergrad or sometime during my internship year when I got hit harder with an asthma bout than I had in quite some time. The doctor completely revamped my inhaler options (apparently I was using quite the old "technology"), and wow--did it make a difference. Amazing! I could breathe! I could even use one of them (everyone's favorite purple flying saucer--Advair) preventatively. And I did for our wedding! It was not uncommon for me to have an asthma flair and lose my voice in October. So, I started on the Advair about a month before the wedding in hopes of having a voice for my vows (and I did!). Anyway, the doctor also recommended something to clear out my head. He told me what active ingredient to ask the pharmacist for. That is how I was introduced to...

Robitussin Severe Cold

The magic pill. No, really.

But then came all sorts of cold medicine reformations and pulling things off the shelf due to meth production fears. And sadly, Robitussion Severe Cold (or our equal favorite, Waltussin :) ) disappeared from the stores.

BUT (yes, it's a big BUT), today in scrounging for some cold medicine to clear my head, I came upon an unfinished box of Robitussin Severe Cold. I was so excited I took a picture.

Sweet turquoise green pills.... I am so glad to see you again! Please help me sleep tonight!
Love,
Becca

I can't wait!

2007-12-05T17:37:00.000-05:00

While perusing the ol' picture files for one to include in our Christmas letter, I came across the following....

I can't wait to see my niece! Charis, please save a game of Stack for Auntie Beas (& Uncle Ox, he loves Stack, too)!!