confessions & freckles.

sweet summertime.

2014-06-23T07:12:00.002-07:00

Hard to believe that June is almost over, right? As a teacher, I feel as if my summer is already flying by me and I'll be back to work before no time. Those of you who aren't teachers are thinking I should count my blessings. I get it, trust me. So, this summer, I'm trying to change my focus. Rather than focus on the time flying by me, I'm trying to view these couple of months as a time to rejuvenate...to feel renewed so I can give 100% to the next group of students. It'll be hard for the next group to live up to this last group. They gave me a real run for my money, but stole my heart in the process.

So, what is going on in the life of a teacher out for the summer? I've already encountered moments of JOY and some moments of disappointment (more to come on that later). I've spent time with friends and family. I've read some wonderful books. I've sipped my coffee in the morning...slowly, might I add. I've watched reruns after reruns of Criminal Minds and SVU. I've walked the dogs. I'm teaching Zumba. My brother might say I'm "living the dream." He always did have a smart mouth ;)

Miller is enjoying an afternoon walk with mommy.

Enjoying live music and drinks with my mother-in-law. Love downtown Greenville!

Ok, so let's get the disappointment out of the way first...Just before school got out, I interviewed for a position with the school district and...yep, they didn't choose me. I know what you're thinking--"How could they not choose HER?!" I'm only kidding. But seriously, rejection can really take a toll on a person. It's like a break up; even if you know you don't belong with that person, the breakup is still hard. It can cause one to think all sorts of things--What is wrong with me? What did someone else have to offer that I didn't? The list could go on. BUT, in thinking and praying about the situation, I've come to a realization. They didn't choose me for the position because God has chosen something else for me. I find a tremendous amount of peace in knowing that my future rests in His hands, and not in the hands of people. In addition, I also realize that I will be back in the classroom with a new group of students who need love and structure and sometimes, only sometimes, the wrath of Mrs. Lansche ;) Alright, so that's out of the way...

A couple of weekends ago, my mom came for a visit. This came at just the right time because I needed to see her. I was feeling like a 10 year old off at summer camp who is super homesick. That was me. Needless to say, we had a great time together shopping and eating and just enjoying one another's company.

Visits with mom always include good drinks.

We went downtown Friday night to listen to live music...such a good time!

My good friend, Steph joined us too.

Saturday morning, Mom and I headed back downtown to check out the farmer's market. I'm embarrassed to say that I hadn't been since we moved here last summer. They have an awesome selection of organic produce and the prices are very reasonable! Mom and I stopped for a cup of fresh peach apricot tea and it didn't disappoint.

Later that day, I drove mom out to our lot so she could see the progress on the house. We stopped for lunch at Stella's Southern Bistro, a local restaurant that everyone raves about. Holy cow, it was delish! I enjoyed a Fried Green Tomato BLT and mom had a Pimento Cheese Burger; we shared them both. We enjoyed fried okra as an appetizer. Needless to say, I was feeling slightly overweight when we left...no biggie though.

It's coming right along! Bo and I drove back over there after church yesterday and they've made even more progress...

We are super excited to get in our new place and feel settled. Renting is no fun, especially when your rent is as sky high as ours! Yikes.

In addition to this house business and visits with mom, my teammate and friend married her best friend. She was stunning! Danessa was my date, and we had a great time celebrating her big day.

I know this is a super-lengthy post, but I've got two more things to share with you before I go.

First things first. She Reads Truth is an online community of women who are committed to growing closer to Jesus through studying and sharing the Word. There is a handful of women who manage the site and write the plans for each study. I wanted to share this with you mainly because I'm that person who struggles to read the Bible...I struggle with knowing where to start, what to read, how to interpret it all, etc. Each study carries you through the Word, giving deeper meaning to the text while also providing life applications. It is amazing, and I recommend anyone who is seeking to grow in their faith to check this out. The women behind the study are committed to reading the Word alongside you...what more can you ask for, right?

Ok, last thing, I promise. I read a lot of blogs and one thing I always look for is a good book recommendation. I absolutely love to read, and now that it is summertime, I actually have the opportunity and the time. I'd seen the same book recommendation come up on many blogs, so I finally bit the bullet and went to Barnes and Nobles to purchase it. Probably the best $15 I've ever spent. Redeeming Love is a story that will leave you changed, literally. I don't want to give any of it away because I think that every woman should read this story at least once for herself. I promise you that you will not regret reading it. I felt I could relate to the story in so many ways. It is a story of how God's unconditional, redemptive, and all-consuming love can restore anyone's soul...even yours and mine.

Now, go enjoy some of this sweet summertime...don't waste it.

yes, i made them.

2014-06-08T15:06:00.001-07:00

You'll find this very hard to believe but I actually made something in the kitchen today. You know before reading any further that it must be something super easy to make. So, meet veggie squares.

Ok, so I haven't cut them into squares yet...BUT this is a pan of easy, delicious, not-so-bad-for-you goodness. This is a great go-to recipe that you can make in 15 minutes for any get-together or potluck event and I promise you they will be a hit! To make them, you'll need the following ingredients:

1 can of crescent rolls (I used the reduced fat)
1 pkg. Ranch dressing mix
1 8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese (again, I used the reduced fat)
2 c. fresh broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots
1/2 c. of shredded cheese

Directions:

Open the can of crescent rolls, but do NOT tear them apart. Roll them out in the bottom of a glass baking dish and bake according to the directions.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and approx. 3/4 pkg. of ranch dressing mix.
Chop the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots until fine.
When the crescent rolls have cooled down, spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the crescent rolls.
Sprinkle the chopped veggies on top.
Finish by sprinkling the shredded cheese on top.

Serve and enjoy!

If I can make these, anyone can.

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So, after I finished up in the kitchen, I decided to take the kids for a walk. Mind you, it is very hot outside but they needed the exercise...especially Miller, who has become quite overweight. His vet suggested we cut his food in half and mix it with green beans which helped to cut a few pounds. We are just not quite where we need to be yet. So, off we went. The walk lasted an entire 15 minutes.

This is what happened after a whole 15 minutes...

Gotta love them though, right?! Up next for me...a shower and heading over to Danessa's house to watch the Miss USA pageant. Girls do these kinds of things, you know.

stamp me a liar.

2014-05-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

I had such big plans to blog, blog, blog this year. Much like many of my best intentions, I've failed miserably. Stamp me a liar. Ok, not going to dwell...

So, it's spring and life is in full swing for Bo and I. Among other things...

Bo has recently been named Travelers Rest High School's Head Wresting Coach. He is super excited to be back at it. He could barely handle a season away from what he loves to do the most--coach. I have to admit I'm pretty excited too, and I'm ready to get back to weekend tournaments and life as a team mom.
I've been licensed to teach Zumba and TurboKick for several months now, and I've done nothing with it YET. Monday, I've got a meeting at Anytime Fitness about teaching group fitness classes and training and I couldn't be more excited about it! I've been working on Zumba choreography all. day. long. Wish me luck!
Bo and I are in the process of building our first home together! We found a great neighborhood in Simpsonville, which is about 15 minutes from where we are currently renting. The projected completion date is the end of September. Did I mention that's right after school starts back? Yikes. Our lease ends July 31st, so my gracious in-laws are allowing us to stay with them until the house is finished. With two dogs, that's not just gracious of them...that makes them saints!
In February, I was chosen as a Golden Apple Teacher. Being new to Greenville, I wasn't even sure what it meant at first but I found out soon enough that it was a huge honor. I can't believe that out of the thousands of teachers in our district, I was nominated for this award. My room dad, Rip, is responsible for my nomination. He is phenomenal, and he deserves more credit than I do honestly. He has been such a blessing to my class!

Rip in action with the kids!

My students made a toast to me for receiving the Golden Apple Award :)

If you're brave enough, you can see the video here. View at your own risk. I can promise you'll see sweat on my upper lip...talk about nervous!
I've made an incredible friend through work. You only come across these kind a few times throughout your lifetime...the kind who you click with quickly. The kind of friend who gets you, and still loves you. Danessa is that friend, and I'm SO thankful for her friendship!

Ok, so last, but most importantly...this girl is missing her family! I'm so sad to say that this is the first Mother's Day I won't be home to spend it with my mom. She's truly an amazing lady, and she's made me who I am today.

Happy Mother's Day to the world's best mom!

new year.

2014-01-03T08:43:00.001-08:00

Holy cow, it's been way too long. Life just kind of happened. Between starting a new job, finishing grad school, and getting my personal trainer certification, I've had little time to do anything "extra". All of that's behind me now, and I'm ready to get back into the swing of things and back to blogging!

To catch everyone up, life in Greenville is wonderful! Bo and I love this new place we now call home. We have adjusted to our new jobs, and we've finally achieved a sense of feeling settled.

Ok, on to the nitty gritty...it's a new year, and of course that means resolutions and fresh start. One of my resolutions is to be more consistent in blogging, because I truly enjoy it. My blog will now tie in with my new Facebook page - Finding Balance. My hope is that others might find a little bit of inspiration and motivation, whether its in the realm of fitness, food, or life in general. Check in and like my page PLEASE :)

Here's to a healthy and happy 2014 friends!

confessions.

2013-08-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

It's amazing to me how God works...how he orchestrates the events in our lives. Four days ago, the doctors said my brother would be on a ventilator for two weeks following surgery. After being sick for months and enduring the operation we'd feared all along, he came off the ventilator in only two days. Yes, two. His body, overwhelmed with infection, is fighting tooth and nail to heal. He is exceeding the doctors' expectations for recovery. Who else could orchestrate these events? I am so overwhelmed with thanks--for this brother who won't quit, for my supportive and loving family, and for daily reminders that God is real and working in our lives. I don't mean to sound "religious" or even as if I am this super person who has it all together. I don't. BUT, I know that I know (that I know) that I need Jesus all the time and He is here all the time...and I'll leave it at that.

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Confession. My body is revolting. I never do that well staying on track when I leave home, and the past four days are confirmation of that. What is exercise?! What is fueling my body?! I wouldn't know because I've done neither of the two. My menu for today--

Breakfast: Bacon, Egg whites, and Cheese on a Asiago Bagel

Lunch: Angry Birds Gummies, Goldfish, and yellow melon mom cut up yesterday

Dinner: Does a Starbucks Skinny Vanilla Latte count?

Cut me some slack. I've been at the hospital all day. I know, no excuse. I vow to get back on track tomorrow. Say a prayer!

Confession. I am ridiculously excited to go back to work. I know, I know, teachers everywhere are wondering if I'm sick. But honestly, there is so much excitement that comes with change and new beginnings. I love my teammates already, and I adore my instructional coach who has been nothing short of incredibly helpful and supportive.

Confession. I'm a freak of nature. I am still recovering from sun poisoning from two weeks ago. My legs look absolutely ridiculous, and there is no possible way they will heal in time to wear summer attire. On the plus side (yes, there is a plus side), my ankles are no longer swollen and I can walk without piercing pain all the way down my legs. On the not-so-plus side, when my legs do heal, they will be just a pale white as they were before. Winning.

Last confession, I promise. I miss my husband soooo bad when he's gone whether that's 30 minutes or 5 days. Being the wonderful man that he is, he brought me home to take care of my brother. Unfortunately, he had to go back home and work but is driving all the way back to get me this weekend. A week apart is just too long when you love someone just this much...and it's a HUGE much. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I am really lucky to call him my husband. Truth <3

downtown and a little cafe.

2013-07-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been such a ~~good~~ great time and so full of family, friends, and fun...oh, and FOOD. How could I forget food?! I couldn't. I can't think of a better reason to splurge than a birthday, and I definitely splurged on mine. This year's theme--cupcakes. My husband knows me so well, he had these in hand first thing Sunday morning.

If you haven't had a Strossner's cupcake, you are definitely missing out. Thankfully, my mom and her friend were coming for a visit so between family and myself I only actually ate two cupcakes. Ok, I lied. I had one every day for three days in a row. But I'm done. I'm back on the right track, and I honestly feel much better! And yes, the birthday celebration lasted a solid three days. I feel so lucky to have such wonderful family and a husband who treats me like a princess.

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My mom and her longtime friend, Louanne, came to Greenville for a visit to help celebrate my birthday. We've been learning our way around Greenville and finding all of the best shopping spots. This morning, we headed downtown to check out the shops and find a local place for lunch. While I didn't find much in the way of shopping, we hit the gold mine of restaurants. I'm talking heaven on earth people. While in a cute little cooking store, we asked the store clerk where might be a good place to eat downtown. She sent us to Tupelo Honey Cafe. This super-cute place served up the goods! My favorite is their Signature House-made Rosemary Peach Lemonade. But at $3.50 a glass (no refills) and an unknown number of calories, I stuck to one glass. You better believe I savored every sip.

Yes, those are FRIED okra.

After lunch, I took the girls to see Liberty Bridge...

The view from Liberty Bridge.

It is truly beautiful in downtown Greenville! It's still hard to believe this is now my home, but I can honestly say it feels more and more like home each day.

Off to pick up the mother-in-law at the airport, and soaking up the rest of my visit with my mom this evening. Wanted to leave you with this thought...

"You've only got three choices in life--give up, give in, or give it all you've got." Make each day count. Choose happiness over the negative. Choose to love others. Whatever you do, do it with you're whole heart.

they're how old?!

2013-07-18T02:29:00.001-07:00

Last week, Bo worked at a wrestling camp in Wilmington for a few days. It only seemed obvious that I'd go home for a visit during that time especially since my sisters were having a BIRTHDAY! It's so hard to believe that they are 11 years old now, going into the 6th grade. It seems like yesterday that they were just learning to walk and talk. Now, they starting to think about "big girl" stuff. It's scary. I am so thankful to be so close with them and I pray that they always want their big sister around.

On their birthday, I took them to the beach. I was worried the weather wouldn't hold out, but it ended up being perfect...well, other than the rough waters and gloomy sky!

That's my favorite. If you look closely, you can see that they gave Alex boobs! So silly :) That evening was the real celebration. My family took the girls to their favorite restaurant, Musashi. Musashi is a Japanese steakhouse and the girls love to watch them cook the food right in front of you. And, of course, there were presents and dessert. Three desserts to be exact.

Camryn, Emma, & Alex turn 11!

Awaiting their gifts :)

Needless to say, they had a good day and I was thrilled to be able to spend it with them <3

our new home.

2013-07-17T14:05:00.001-07:00

So many are asking for pictures of the new home, so here goes! If you didn't know, Bo and I moved to Greenville, SC on July 1st to start a new adventure together. Sometimes change is a good thing, and I believe in my heart of hearts that this was a great decision for us. We absolutely love it here!

The trip down here was a hoot! Bo drove the moving truck, pulling my car behind it, and I drove Bo's truck. Lucy rode shotgun with me and Miller hung out with daddy in the truck. What should have been a 5 1/2 hour drive took almost 7 hours. Those trucks are slow!

After arriving, it took me a short two days to get all the boxes unpacked. My OCD kicked in full gear! While it's still a work in progress, here's a sneak peak at the new place...

On a side note, I finally got a job! I'll be teaching 5th grade at Hollis Academy, and I am more excited than I've been in a very long time. It'll be a challenge for me since I'm changing grade levels and teaching all subjects, but I'm up for it. As soon as I can get in my classroom, I'll be posting progress pics of the room as I transform it into my own. I'm looking forward to building new relationships with coworkers, and getting to know my 5th grade babies :)

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Heading to our NEW gym to take a Zumba class with my sister-in-law! So nice to have a workout buddy here. Check back later...I'll be posting pics from the birthday festivities last week with my sisters. Don't miss it!

life through my iPhone.

2013-05-11T12:29:00.002-07:00

It's been crazy hectic. I'm the world's worst blogger, I know. Between work, drill team, and grad school I can barely catch my breath. Add something else to that...Bo and I are moving! On July 1, we will move in to our new place in Greenville, SC!! We are really excited to start this new chapter in our lives. Of course, it is bittersweet. My family lives in New Bern and we both are having a hard time leaving our teams.

Bo was offered a job as AD, coach, and health/PE teacher and he couldn't turn it down. I still don't have a job, but I am confident and have faith that with God's help, I'll end up exactly where I belong. I've been doing some pretty extensive job hunting but haven't had any bites yet. I don't have children so being a stay-at-home mom just isn't an option ;)

My spare time has consisted of lots of workouts, food prepping, and spending time with family and friends. I wouldn't trade my busy life for the world because I know I'll never get these moments back.

Stephanie's birthday outing!

Post-5K at Furman University

Lots of food shopping and prep, prep, prep work.

Field tripping at Shackleford Island

Jesus Calling...a daily staple.

Homework never ends.

Grover's new mascot. In case you're wondering, it's a naked hamster.

Binge eating.

Stole my phone. Weird.

Dates with my soulmate <3

So, while I may not be blogging, I am doing something. In store for this weekend...a Mother's Day dinner with my mother in law, and lunch tomorrow with mom and the family! Love family time :) Make it a great weekend!

happy place.

2013-04-08T17:45:00.000-07:00

Confession. I've spent WAY too much time worrying over what I eat, how big my thighs are, what my tail looks like in a bathing suit, and what other people think. I realize that self-critique is an unfortunate trait that sort of just goes along with being a girl, but when you think about it--really think about it--it's just kind of sickening and self-destructive. Instead of praying for new thighs, I've come to realize that I am able to feel good about me through staying active and fueling my body the right way. Yes, I've always loved to exercise and be active but I've never actually stuck to anything consistently until now. I've finally found my happy place and it feels so good.

"She is energetic and strong, a hard worker...She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." -Proverbs 31:17 and 25

That's been my source of motivation lately. Proverbs 31 is probably my favorite passage in the Bible.

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Ok guys, ~~good~~ great NEWS! I'm running in my first race this Saturday! Don't get too excited, it's only a 5K. BUT, I've never run in any race so it's a starting point. My knees have been achy with all the extra training I've been doing at the gym so I'm sticking to the elliptical until I run Saturday. Otherwise, I'm worried I'll overdo it and be unable to race. So, check back and I'll have racing photos posted this weekend!

Short post, I know, but Dancing with the Stars is calling my name...and that glass of wine Bo just fixed me. He <3's me :)

spring break forever.

2013-04-05T14:22:00.001-07:00

Can spring break be everyday? Honestly, I needed the break way more than my students needed it and now I'd just like to stop time and stay in spring break mode forever. It's been heaven...waking up late, gym visits everyday, shopping trips, dinner with friends, and visiting with family. But it's Friday now, which means I've got three days left. Just. Three. Days. I plan to soak up every minute of it.

I spent the first four days of break in Georgia visiting with my Aunt Kathy and Uncle Randy. Aunt Kathy is one of my favorite people, always has been. The first day, we drove two hours just to eat. Yep, you know you love food when you'll drive four hours just for food. The restaurant, Blue Willow Inn, was tucked away in the cutest little town called Social Circle. The restaurant is in a big historic home in the downtown area.

How beautiful is that?!

The restaurant serves the best of southern foods from collards to fried chicken to peach cobbler. Of course, I didn't eat the chicken ;) But, I had some of everything else. Literally. I left feeling 20 pounds heavier and glad to have a 2 hour drive back so the food could settle.

While we were in Georgia, we also visited the set of Fried Green Tomatoes, a southern classic.

And, of course, who could forget the celebration of Easter?! I am personally so thankful for a Father who loves me so much that He sacrificed His only son to take away all of my (and yours!) sins. While Easter is a time for coloring eggs, filling baskets, candy, food, and family, those are all secondary to the real reason we celebrate. I've been listening to a song a lot recently that just captures everything I've been feeling lately about Easter and my Jesus...

"Lead me to the cross where your loved poured out,

Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down,

Rid me of myself, I belong to you,

Oh, lead me...lead me to the cross."

It's my favorite song right now, because it's a perfect reminder that my life is not my own, but that it's His. While I'm not perfect, I aim to be more and more like Him.

Squinting, but still so cute :)

Time to dye eggs!

Happy Easter!

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The most exciting topic of discussion...Bo and I just celebrated ONE year of marriage. I cannot express just how blessed I am to have found this man. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Ever. We celebrated with a night out on the town--dinner and movie, followed by drinks and laughter.

We'd decided we wanted to stick to the traditional anniversary gifts each year, and for those of you who don't know, year one is paper. Bo bought me tickets to the Carolina Ballet, and I bought him a year's subscription to men's health magazine. I also gave him a coupon to pick out tickets to a summer concert or sports event of his choice. Can't wait to see what he chooses! We had a blast, and I cannot wait to celebrate many more years together.

Yep, we went there.

Aunt Kathy got a little camera-happy...but don't worry, I didn't post them all :)

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Ok guys, I'm off to celebrate one of my closest friend's birthday! Stephanie is turning the big 34! (She's gonna kill me for posting that!)

the girls.

2013-03-21T18:07:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, I went to Flat Rock, NC with my mom and my little sisters. The girls are in the AG program at school and participated in Destination Imagination, a competition for the "smart kids." The girls were on a team that performed a silent skit in which they had to write the plot, design their costumes, and create a disguise for at least 2 characters...I think that was the requirement, anyway. They did an awesome job, bringing home FIRST place!

How cute are they?! They had such a good time, and I am thankful I could be there to share the experience with them. On a side note, it is truly the first time I've realized how much they are growing up. Ten years old doesn't sound very grown up (and I realize it's not that old), but it's a long way from the little babies they were yesterday. They've developed very unique personalities. They have different interests. They're silly, but they're smart. They are absolutely beautiful, and I feel sorry for the boys who will meet my dad one day. What I love most though, is that they all three have a heart of gold. They love each other, they love their family, and they love Jesus. It doesn't get any better than that!

On the way there, mom and I did some shopping...always a plus...and we spent quality time together while we were there. We don't get the opportunity to do that often.

It was hard to go back to work this week after two long weekends. Back to reality. Yuck. On the plus side, Spring Break starts in exactly one week! We've got some pretty exciting things planned for the break, most important being me and Bo's ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! Yep, we made it a whole year :) I can't wait for all that God has in store for us for many more to come.

bittersweet.

2013-03-11T18:28:00.002-07:00

This weekend was the big weekend. The team left New Bern, excited about the experience ahead of us. Unfortunately, we didn't leave Florida today with a trophy; however, I left feeling incredibly proud of the 16 girls I'm lucky enough to coach. They spent a lot of time preparing and practicing for the moment when they took stage at Hard Rock Live. While they didn't win the competition, they certainly walked away from this experience with so many good memories. They've also learned a lot about hard work and dedication in the process.

Here's our weekend in a nutshell...

At the park with Danielle, our choreographer, who has become a great friend <3

The girls

Supportive husband <3

Right before competition...

Cuties.

Catching some waves!

Favorite ride!

Butterbeer at Harry Potter World...my favorite. A MUST-HAVE!

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I can honestly say that I learned a lot from this experience too. I'm learning to be ok with the fact that there's not always an answer for everything, but God always has a bigger purpose and plan. For that, I'm so very thankful.

fresh look.

2013-03-03T08:12:00.002-08:00

What do you think?! Thanks to Little Leaf, confessions & freckles has a new look. I'm in love with it...it's super cute, but not overdone. I've been holding off posting until all of the changes were complete. So, here we are.

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Bo and I have been two very busy bees the last several weeks. He's been getting ready for the Individual State Wrestling Tournament and I've been spending much of my time getting my girls ready for Nationals next week. Between working full time, long practices after school, and being full time grad students, we are stretched thin right now. But we are truly enjoying every moment of the ride. Since my last post, so many things have happened--Valentine's Day, my brother's birthday, visits with out-of-town family...the list could go on. Rather than recap on it all, I thought you might like a peek into the madness.

Heart-shaped bagel for breakfast

Conversation hearts + glue gun + love = perfect card

Heading out for our V-day date <3

Hello SLEET and SNOW! It was SO cold that night!

Perfect ending to a perfect night :)

There's been lots of Bachelor-watching going on at my house...and you can see what the rest of the family does during this time.

Stopped to snap this picture on the way to work...thankful for what God created.

Holy frozen yogurt. Get in my belly!

Sisters' Day Out

A card and flowers from my best friend...just because.

The team that prays together, stays together.

My beauties

Before the match...

Coach love

State Champion and teammate/drill partner/friend

Mommy/daughter love

Currently reading and LOVING it.

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Like I said, just a peek.

This week, my girls will put the finishing touches on our routine and we leave Friday to head to Orlando. Preliminary competition starts Saturday and finals will be held on Sunday. The girls have worked so hard to get ready, both mentally and physically, for this competition. They'll compete against teams from all over the nation in the category of Pom. We are more excited than ever for the trip. I'll be sure to post updates and pictures while we're there.

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On another note, I've just started Chalene Johnson's 30-Day Push Challenge. I know a few who've taken the challenge already and they said it helped them to make the changes they needed in order to reach some of their personal goals. Today is only my first day of the challenge, but I'm committing to finish it. I hope to post feedback along the way. If you're interested, check the site out. The best part about it...it's FREE.

Ok guys, I've got a school yearbook to finish, a gym visit on tap, and a trip to the grocery store calling my name. Hoping to sneak some reading somewhere in there too...

a whim.

2013-01-26T10:58:00.001-08:00

First thing's first. We celebrated a very important date since my last posting. We celebrated Bo's 33rd birthday last week at Arturo's with a mini-fiesta! I'll give you a brief recap in pictures...

The birthday boy is SO handsome ;)

(don't mind me...sweaty...in workout attire...looking rough)

The drink that did him in...

By far, my favorite picture of the night. And PS, it was an action shot, not a pose (if you can believe that!).

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I cannot describe just how good it feels to be home on a Saturday...no wrestling tournament, no cleaning to do, and no homework. It's amazing, and highly unusual during this time of year (a.k.a wrestling season).

Bo and I still got up fairly early this morning to go to the Farmer's Market downtown. We went prepared to watch the cupcake war, judged by New Bern's very own winner of the real cupcake war. Unfortunately, the weather last night set everything back a couple of hours and we were too early. Needless to say, we missed it. But, Camryn still managed to swindle her way into getting a cupcake from one of the contestants. It pays to be cute AND sweet :)

When we left the market, I snapped some quick pics of the record-breaking cold. Brrrrrrr!!!!

So, we enjoyed breakfast with mom at Carolina Bagel, then came back home to relax. I'm watching Runaway Bride and simultaneously trying to get mentally psyched up to head to the gym in a little while...chances are looking slim.

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I am famous for my diet and exercise whims, none of which stick for very long. Last week at a training session for work, a girl was sharing with everyone her reviews of Jillian Michael's detox water. She lost 12 pounds in seven days just by drinking this water -- no change in diet and no added exercise. I, of course, was immediately interested and set off to find the ingredients to this miracle detox. The main ingredient, dandelion root tea, was the hardest to find. I was super excited to start my detox, and I was very disciplined about drinking it. My reviews = 2 thumbs DOWN. I don't think I used the bathroom all week long. TMI, I know. But seriously, what was I thinking?! I might have actually gained a few pounds. I think the lesson learned here is this: no whim, as good as it might sound, ever produces real results. So, I've resolved to stick to 80% healthy eats, 20% splurges + daily exercise. I'm down 12 pounds from a few months ago and I feel a TON better, so I should probably stick with it.

***********

Ok, off to change into my gym clothes. I'm one step closer to my goal for this afternoon...

Stay warm this weekend :)

veggie heaven.

2013-01-14T17:35:00.001-08:00

Happy Monday, folks! I'm one happy girl right now because a) I just finished off a big bowl of my homemade low-fat veggie stew and b) I'm watching Biggest Loser, which is one of my favorites! I had to make a decision last week--follow the Bachelor or follow Biggest Loser. I knew I didn't have time to follow both shows, so Biggest Loser won out. I figured it's much more positive PLUS it motivates me to get my butt moving.

**************

So, let me catch you up from yesterday. I left you all to head in to the kitchen to do some prep work for my crockpot concoction I would be cooking today. Veggies were chopped successfully with no cuts or bandaids needed.

****************

Post-chopping, I was able to sit down and enjoy a meal with my best friend. Did I mention he made it with all kinds of love???

Fresh veggie stir-fry...

Add half a sweet potato and baked salmon...now that's what I call a dinner! A glass of red wine really topped it all off.

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Ok, so back to the stew. This morning, all I had to do was add 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth, a can of Italian seasoned diced tomatoes, and some seasoning.

It looks crazy-good, right?! Turn the crock-pot on low for 9 hours, and voila! To thicken up the soup some, I added a mixture of 3 Tbsp. cornstarch and 3 Tbsp. water.

The tiny sliver of bread is a piece of the Ezekiel bread I got at Harris Teeter tonight...decided to indulge and buy myself some after hearing the rave reviews from an old co-worker. It's reallllly good! Two thumbs up from me :)

***************

Ok, I can't go without mentioning my breakfast this morning. I honestly didn't intend to talk only about food today (that's what happens when you're in love with food), but it just kind of happened that way. I went to an early morning breakfast with Bo and his mom on Sunday before she left town. She and I splurged and bought scones at the restaurant--she chose cranberry-orange and I, of course, chose the chocolate espresso.

I couldn't justify eating the WHOLE thing this morning, so I cut it in half. I could eat one of these things everyday for the rest of my life. 20 seconds in the microwave and it's perfection. I enjoyed mine with a cup of coffee.

Enough with the food yap, I've got some things to get done to get ready for the rest of the week. On the agenda for this week:

Dinner with some great friends at Ratty's in downtown New Bern.
Small group on Wednesday night...and I'm leading it. Yikes.
Thursday -- BO TURNS 33!!!! He's decided on Mexican and Margaritas (score!).

Bring it on :)

pin it.

2013-01-13T14:27:00.001-08:00

It definitely feels like a Sunday over here at the Lansche house. Bo went golfing all day with my dad, and so I immersed myself in my grad school studies, laundry, and cleaning. Typical Sunday except I didn't make it to church, which is a real bummer. I just couldn't bring myself to go alone. So, I did the tv church thing, which is really crap compared to the real deal.

It's honestly a wonder that there was any cleaning left to do. Bo got up Thursday morning and did a few things around the house that he thought were monumental. This is what I found...

Bo washed the dishes and left this note.

He also managed to get a trash bag in the can after taking the trash out...

And of course, we can't forget the stove that was gleaming after he cleaned it. Gotta love him.

Anyway, while I was in cleaning mode, I decided to organize a little. I wanted to tackle the mounds of magazines I have laying around. I got the idea not too long ago to create my own little pin book using clippings from magazines. I always find little bits of inspiration in my magazines--whether it's a recipe idea, inspiration for healthy living, exercise ideas...but I've never been one to keep things stacked up. So, inspired by interest, I've started pulling my favorites out and pinning them in a book I've created. Some of today's finds included...

The beginnings of my pin book...

This definitely doesn't compare to the real Pinterest (that I'm oh-so-fond-of) but it's a great way to save the articles and other pieces that motivate me. I can flip back through when I need a workout idea or if I'm just feeling lazy, it gives me a bit of a boost! What's even better, my OCD doesn't get too out-of-control because I've cleared some clutter :)

************

This pretty much sums up my Sunday...nothing too exciting, but got some things accomplished. No complaints here. Now brace yourselves, because I'm heading into the kitchen to do some prep work for a crockpot recipe I found for Lowfat Veggie Stew. If all goes well, it'll be tomorrow night's grub. SAY. A. PRAYER.

ever-changing appetite.

2013-01-10T04:41:00.000-08:00

There's a lot changing lately, none of which I'm accepting all too well. For one, the weather. This weather is just awful. It's 45 degrees outside one day--I'm wearing scarves, sweaters, UGGs, and all things warm and cozy. The very next day it is 70 degrees. Of course I walk out of the house wearing the cold-weather gear only to realize we've been invaded by warm weather. And then there's gas prices. I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure that they are changing along with the weather. Call me cheap, but I'm ready for prices to stabilize...at the lower end of course. And, let's my mention my appetite. If I didn't know I wasn't pregnant, I'd think I was pregnant!

**I'm not pregnant**

I have this obscene love of all things FOOD, but my appetite is continuously changing. It's very difficult to stick to any sort of routine when you want something different all the time. I'm constantly looking up recipes (that I'm never gonna cook) and browsing through my favorite blogs, looking for food ideas. I just love food. And honestly, I've had some pretty good food here lately...no thanks to me, of course.

Clearly not a food, but it is a staple in the diet. I love my Kuerig (I also love polka dots). The latest concoction--one splenda, one teaspoon lite chocolate syrup, and 4 Tbsp. fat free half & half. Makes the world's best cup of coffee.

The Harry & David chocolate-covered blueberries are my latest obsession. Unfortunately, I have to go easy on these.

Note: My mom (best mom in the world) is responsible for both the banana pudding and shrimp creole. She made both of these for our family dinner on Sunday night and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

As you can see, I've got some pretty talented cooks in my life ;)

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Ok folks, I've got LOTS on the agenda today. First on the agenda, breakfast (of course). Then I'm heading to my hair appointment...just a trim, no worries. Happy Thursday!

sunday slow-down

2013-01-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday y'all :) I don't know about you, but I think that the weekend should last through Monday. One more day would do wonders for my well-being! Oh well, wishful thinking I guess. Bo and I have had a pretty good weekend. Friday night, while he was off at wrestling (no surprise there), one of my very close friends and I caught up over dinner! I feel terrible using this 3+ year-old picture, but I have no recent pictures of us together...which is simply awful. I intend to fix that.

Stephanie and I have been close friends since 2005. Hard to believe that it's been that long! She is the type of person who just gets me, even when no one else does. We've seen each other fail miserably in various areas of life, which has brought us that much closer. She never judges, and loves me through it all. So anyway, we did our little Christmas exchange (another Christmas after Christmas) and caught up on all the latest life-happenings. I am just SO thankful for good friends like Stephanie.

Saturday, after going to Bo's tournament for a few hours, I picked up an iPad from a colleague who is allowing me to borrow it through the end of the year. I got a Kindle Fire HD for Christmas (that I'm in love with because I'm a bookworm) but it isn't compatible with Flash Player...so to make a long story short, my co-worker is letting me borrow the iPad to utilize a program called educreations. For you teachers that haven't checked it out, you should. Now. I was so pumped about it, that I spent the entire afternoon playing with it.

This morning, we woke up and ran out to the high school for our weekly weigh-in. I haven't weighed in since before Christmas, mainly out of fear that I'd packed on too many pounds. Somehow, maybe by the grace of God, I'd only gained 1.4 pounds since Christmas. This shouldn't be too hard to lose. The WeightWatchers program is super easy to use and I've had so much success with it. After weighing in, I fixed a quick cup of coffee, showered up, and we were off to church.

Church was good today, as always. Our church will soon be starting a series based on My One Word. I'm super excited about picking my one word, even though I have NO CLUE what it will be. Forget New Year's resolutions, I'm going to spend the next year focusing on my one word. In the running...

Discipline. I'd love to be more disciplined in so many areas of my life. I sometimes feel like a bit of a spaz, jumping from one thing to the next, never finishing anything.
Joy. I've thought about this a lot lately. I want to find joy in the small things.
Acceptance. I have a very hard time dealing with situations when they are not going my way. I really hate to admit that, but it is what it is. I'd like to learn to accept my circumstances, particularly when they cannot be changed. I want to learn to accept the people in my life for who they are. I want to accept change, and I have a feeling 2013 will bring many changes.

I'm still giving my word a lot of thought; hopefully, I'll choose something soon (and choose it with confidence).

The rest of our day has been consumed by cleaning, laundry, lesson planning, and lounging around the house with the dogs. I sure do love a Sunday slow-down.

In just a bit, Bo and I are headed to my parents' house for dinner, and mom says it's a surprise...

new year's getaway.

2013-01-01T17:15:00.002-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a blast, whether you were partying hard or hanging out at home watching the ball drop. I, of course, was doing the second. Bo and I spent New Year's Eve at his sister and brother-in-law's house enjoying the company of each other. As always, I fell asleep long before the ball dropped but Bo woke me up just in time!

*******

Bo and I left Sunday morning to make the six hour drive to Greenville, SC. We stopped in Cary at one of our favorite spots to eat lunch. Pei Wei, which is a branch of P.F. Changs, is more casual but just as delicious. I enjoyed the teriyaki vegetables and tried it with tofu...let's just say I'm not a tofu girl. Bo said that almost all vegetarians eat tofu; I guess I'll have to be an exception to that.

It didn't disappoint.

Bo even thought it looked tasty. Can't you see it written all over his face??

And while I don't believe in fortune telling or psychics or anything related, it's always fun to read my fortune.

When we arrived, we got right down to business. Sarajane and Mark are always SO good to us. They gave Bo a putter to go with the rest of his new clubs and I got these super cute things.

Christmas decorations...because we all know how much I ~~like~~ love to decorate at Christmas.

This one is blurry, but it's an adorable jewelry hanger with owls perched on top.

And a cute pair of earrings to start me off!

While we were in Greenville, we did a whole lot of eating, relaxing, and enjoying one another. I couldn't have asked for a better, low-key holiday.

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Now it's back to the grind. Not only do I go back to work, but my classes also start back up tomorrow. Not to mention I've got to get back on track (aka get my tail to the gym and back on Weight Watchers). I don't know about you all, but I'm looking forward to all 2013 has to bring! Here's to a new year!

Christmas after Christmas.

2012-12-31T18:00:00.002-08:00

I had a pretty wonderful Christmas, and I feel so blessed to have been able to spend it with my family. Watching my sisters unwrap all of their gifts and witnessing their excitement brought me SO much joy! And just when I thought this holiday season couldn't get any better, it did :)

On Friday, my two best friends and I got together for our annual Christmas exchange. We each brought appetizers and wore our PJs...even though we don't sleep over anymore, we can still have pajama parties, right?

As you can see, we had more than enough food and sweets for the three of us.

My seven layer dip...found the recipe here. It did not disappoint.

Catherine's homemade cheese ball...super easy to make: 1 8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese, 1 pkg. of ranch dressing mix, and shredded cheese...

I also made the dessert on the left. Kind of hard to tell what it is, I know. I got the recipe here, except I didn't add the toffee chips (as you can see). This bark is addictive and dangerous, so be careful. There's nothing healthy about them.

After consuming way too many calories, we broke into the gifts. These two are the easiest to buy for because a) I know them inside out, and b) they love everything! I'm pretty sure they feel the same way about shopping for me. Regardless, buying for them is always fun because I enjoy giving to those I love...and I LOVE these two girls.

The following night, I shared Christmas with my second family. Each year, my team gets together at one of the girls' house and we have dinner followed by a Secret Santa gift exchange followed by an all-nighter sleepover. I never participate in the all-nighter (I'm too old), but I always enjoy sharing time with my girls. It's so fun to watch the big reveal, too see who had who, and to watch them unwrap their gifts. And let me tell you, they are the best gift-givers. I think I get more excited about the gifts than they do! I always buy a little something from me to them too...

V-neck long sleeved black shirts with the NB Drill Team logo.

And this year, I received THE BEST gift ever from my girls...

A necklace with the birthstone of each of my senior girls along with a paw print pendant (that you can't see in this picture). I will forever treasure this <3
These girls, although they may test my patience at times, bring me a lot of happiness and a TON of laughs and I'm so thankful for all 17 of them!

How stinkin' cute are they?!

I had a blast this weekend doing Christmas after Christmas! I'm approximately 10 pounds heavier, but I'm 10 times happier and that makes it all worth it, right?

glad to be back.

2012-12-28T06:23:00.004-08:00

Ok, I know...I've been MIA for too long. Once school was in full swing, grad school got intense, and drill team practices and games began, I disappeared from the face of my blog. To say I've missed blogging would be an understatement.

Christmas is over, the decorations are down, and everyone is getting geared up for 2013. It's the time for New Year's resolutions, hitting the gym to shed the extra pounds, and a fresh start! I can't help but be excited about all that is in store for 2013. Like everyone else, I've been considering what my own resolutions will be. While I don't have any "resolutions" (no one ever sticks to those anyway!), there are a couple of things I plan to focus on:

Family first. Life gets super busy but family keeps us grounded. My family brings me so much happiness. I don't want to miss my little sisters growing up and I plan to be there every opportunity I have--the school plays, the dance recitals, the holidays, school banquets--the list could go on and on. I want to be a part of it.
Don't abandon the small things that bring me joy. I enjoy blogging (whether anyone reads it or not)...so I'm back, and very excited to share my journey with whoever should read, even if it's just my mom ;)
Keep and open mind. I'm finishing up my graduate degree and I've been spending time exploring my options after graduation. Who knows what opportunities may come my way? I don't, but I intend to consider every opportunity. Through faith and prayer, I know God will send me in the right direction.
My husband. I cannot stress enough just how happy this man makes me. We are so blessed to have one another. Sorry about the picture, but it pretty much sums up our relationship...

Ok guys, I have to get out of the bed, off this computer, and get my rear in gear. After having lunch with a few of my girlfriends (who I haven't seen in forever!) today, I have to whip up few appetizers for tonight. I'm having Christmas after Christmas with my two very best friends, and I cannot wait!

Cross your fingers that it all turns out because we all know how brilliant I am in the kitchen...

a to z: things i adore

2012-09-27T02:42:00.003-07:00

It's hump day, and I'm wishing it were FRIDAY. My work life has been a complete whirlwind these last few days for a multitude of reasons. I find myself coming home each night, throwing on sweats, pouring a glass of wine, and crashing on the couch. Unfortunately, I have to crash with the computer in my lap because ~~duty~~ homework calls.

Today, I thought I would switch it up a little bit. It's been too long (for me) since my last post and I've been wanting to catch up. I also needed a little pick-me-up this afternoon, so instead of my normal blog post, I decided to reflect on some of the things in this life that I love so much. I saw an "A to Z" survey on one of the blogs I read a couple of months ago, and thought it'd be fun to do one of my own. I'm basically going to use each letter of the alphabet to to highlight something that brings me joy (hence the title "things i adore").

Here goes...

A to Z: Things I Adore

A - Apples. I eat an apple almost every day, usually with peanut butter. And you can't eat apples without the Pampered Chef apple slicer...world's best invention. Sliced apples with peanut butter is a great snack and it's filling too. Can't beat it.

B - Bo. My husband and best friend in this world. He brings me such an incredible amount of joy. Can't you tell?!

C - Catherine Blue Ward. Most girls are not as lucky as I am to have found a lifelong best friend. We'll grow old laughing at each other's jokes. Sad part is, we're usually the only ones who get the jokes. Catherine has been with me through the best and the worst of times. She's simply the best.

D - My daddy, of course. I'm so thankful to have been raised by such a wise and caring man. Love my dad!

E - Exercise. I am grateful for an able body to do the things I do...whether it's taking a Zumba class, hitting the elliptical, or struggling through an Insanity workout. Exercise is a stress reliever for me. It also makes me feel strong.

F - Fried okra. I know, I know, fried foods are not that good for you. BUT, it's okay to enjoy your favorite foods once in a while, right? Bo makes the best fried okra, it's really indescribable.

G - Greek yogurt & Granola. This is one of my favorite staple snacks. My refrigerator is always stocked with many flavors of Chobani and I'm never without a box of granola for a topping. Bo packs this snack in my lunchbox every workday. I actually look forward to eating it too.

H - Home. There is nothing quite like coming home.

I - Inspiring blogs. I regularly read about 5 different blogs. I get all kinds of ideas from these blogs including recipes, workout routines, shopping ideas, and inspiration to continue doing all the things I love. If you're interested, check out the "gotta read" link on my main page. You won't be sorry.

J - Jokes. And they don't necessarily have to be good jokes. I usually don't get the really good ones.

K - Kisses. Of all kinds. I love a good morning kiss from Bo, a sloppy "welcome home" kiss from Miller, and the Hershey kind too. Chocolate makes everything better :)

L - Lucy. She's a princess, just like her mommy!

And I have to mention laughter. They say it's the best medicine...and a calorie burner too?!

M - Mom a.k.a. supermom. I just spent 20 minutes looking for a picture she'd think acceptable for posting, but I came up with nothing. I love you, mom ;)

Miller. That's 55 pounds of pure joy right there.

N - New Song Church. Check it out.

O - Oreos. Ok, I'm not really an oreo fanatic, but Bo and I picked up the Halloween oreos at the store the other day and they are AH-MAZING. They're especially good dunked in milk. *Don't eat too many! One oreo has 70 calories!!

P - Pumpkin. Pumpkin anything. Pumpkin everything. Right now, I'm digging my large Dunkin' Donuts coffee with 2 pumps of pumpkin. Anymore than two is too much; any less is not enough.

Q - Quiet time. I don't mean nap time; rather, I enjoy a quiet time first thing in the morning when I get up. I can enjoy a cup of coffee, do some reading, and then work on my graduate school assignments.

R - Rusty. My big brother and friend. He used to just be my big brother, but since we've both grown up, he's become a friend too. For many years, we were the only two siblings and I have many good memories of the two of us during those years. He's so cool, especially since finding a girlfriend I like ;)

S - Sisters! I adore my three little sisters. Annoying? Yes. Overwhelming? At times, yes. But gosh, they are THE sweetest, smartest, most adorable 10 year old girls that exist on this planet. I am so thankful my crazy parents had triplets "late" in life.

T - Teaching. I love my job even on the hard days...which has been every day so far this year. Yikes. I'm praying that this is just one of "those years".

U - University of Phoenix. I'm currently getting my Masters in Administration from UOP and I love the school, the teachers, the classes...everything! My administrator recommended it and I'm so glad she did. I've actually enjoyed (in spite of the work load) taking the courses and engaging with others from around the country who share my same passion.

V - Visiting family. I love to travel down to SC or Georgia to visit mine or Bo's family. It feels so good to spend time with the one's you love. One of my most favorite people to visit is my Aunt Kathy. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.

W - Wrestling. Yes, I said it. I like wrestling, ok? It's my husband's first true love and I support him in everything that he does. If he loves it, then I ~~love~~ will put up with it.

Coach of the Year

X - Ok, don't hold it against me. I would have to fabricate an "x" word and I'm just not going through the trouble. X is just one of those letters...not a good first letter (but a great letter to have in words with friends!)

Y - You! I'm so glad you're reading my blog, whether you're a friend, family member, or one of my silly drill team girls. Writing makes me feel good and I'm thankful you're reading.

Z - Zumba. I love taking zumba classes at the gym! The classes are super fun and I truly do break a good sweat. Zumba is offered at most gyms, so try a class if you haven't already.

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Ok guys, it's 5:45 am and I've gotta get going (and get off this computer)! Work is calling my name. Have a great day :)

apple cinnamon funfetti pumpkin muffins

2012-09-20T07:33:00.002-07:00

My doctor's appointment went great yesterday! Before I was seen by the doctor, the nurse asked if I would be willing to participate in a clinical study and of course, I agreed. On my way out, she handed me a $25 gift card to WalMart! I didn't realize they were compensating the participants, but I sure wasn't complaining :) Happy Doctor's Visit to ME! After my appointment, I went to the house and piddled around waiting on Bo to get home from the tennis match so we could work out. I was getting a little antsy, so I decided to do some baking.

Mom told me about a recipe she made recently that involved combining a box of cake mix with a can of pumping puree. It sounded super easy and right up my alley, plus I had the ingredients I needed. I pulled a package of muffin mix out of the pantry along with my pumpkin and set out to mix the two together.

As I was mixing the two together, I was actually chatting on the phone with my mom. I was telling her how little mix there seemed to be in comparison to the pumpkin...something wasn't right. Well duh...I was supposed to use a box of cake mix, not a small package of muffin mix. Thank goodness I was on the phone with her and she could steer me in the right direction. So, I went scrounging through the pantry again and came up with this...

So, I combined 2/3 of the funfetti cake mix with the already mixed apple cinnamon muffin mix and pumpkin puree. Not a normal combo? No biggie. I'm a lover of all things funfetti, so it couldn't be that bad, could it?!

I baked them in a greased muffin pan for 20 minutes at 350 degrees, and voila!

If you look really closely, you can see the funfetti specks :) And let me just tell you, they were AMAZING. Just goes to show that what seems like a failure is sometimes turns out to be a success!

*****************

This morning, I enjoyed some of my favorite chobani yogurt topped with granola and one of my original recipe muffins.

After breakfast, Bo and I were out the door and off to my second doctor's appointment of the week. As I've mentioned previously, I've been having some issues with sore and swelling knees lately, especially during and after exercise. Bo thought it would be best to have an orthopedic look at them. Diagnosis = kneecaps that run off-track. Therapy = building up my quad muscles through specific exercises. I'm also going to start taping my knees, moving the patella over slightly so it stays in place during exercise. This should prevent further grinding and pain. I'm relieved to know what is causing the pain and also to know that I don't have to quit any exercise, including running. So thankful for that...

So, this happy girl is heading back to work in about an hour. Before I go, I've got a couple of errands to run...and a belly to rub :)

He's waiting patiently (at first).

I'd just started to give him love when he flopped over. I thought you might enjoy a close up of the big man!

What a big baby.

Ok friends, I'm out and about! Have a great day <3

early to rise.

2012-09-19T10:05:00.002-07:00

I got up super early this morning to do homework. I'd ~~forgotten~~ almost forgotten what it was like to get up at 4:30 to get homework done...back to reality, right? After an hour of work and a cup of coffee, I enjoyed egg whites and cheese on a whole wheat bagel, made with love by the hubby. Unfortunately, I had to stick it on a paper plate and eat on the run because I had a ton to do when I got to work. Not only did I have morning duty, but I also had to get my sub plans together for this afternoon.

I was so full of energy from my yummy breakfast, I was able to get everything accomplished before any students showed up (whew!).

******************

I left school for the latter half of the day to go to my annual doctor's appointment. Eck! This is one situation I can honestly say I'd rather be working. I headed home to make a quick lunch first. I warmed up some of the leftover broccoli & rice casserole I made two days ago and a salad. Even though you can't see them (they're hiding underneath!), there are mushrooms, onions, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese.

While I was eating, the dogs were fighting over who would eat out of Lucy's food bowl.

I think I know who won that one!

***************

Off to the doctor for me, then heading to the gym! Bo and I are heading to Spunky's tonight for our weekly hump-day visit :)