Home Is Whenever I'm With You...

Happy Tuesday....

So precious....

Also, I made these yesterday. Umm...make them. They are good. So good.

5 Reasons I LOVE Road Trips With Brett...

This weekend Brett and I are headed to visit his parents. I love road trips with him. 

Why you may ask do I enjoy this 4ish hour drive?

1. I usually always make a road trip cd. This trips music will probably not thrill him quite as much as it thrills me...but he is a pretty good sport.

2. Without fail, if and when we stop for gas, he brings me a diet coke and chocolate. The boy knows the way to my heart. Just sayin'

3. Time alone. So nice...

4. Let's just be honest. It is good to get away and out of the routine even if it is just to Phenix City.

5. Best. Conversations. Ever. Seriously. 

Stay warm this weekend!

I Like the Way You Hung the Moon

So today I was feeling crafty. Okay...what I did is a lame excuse for being crafty but either way.. It was something I had been wanting to do for Brett and I got to use markers. I'm thinking the teacher in me needed to come out and use some school supplies today. 

Anyways, as I have mentioned before Brett started student teaching this semester. I went through this whole stressful process last semester except he also coaches. So needless to say he has been thrown into this thing we call the "real world" pretty quickly. Well, while I did my student teaching Brett was so encouraging and helpful and sweet. He brought me little treats every now and then and I of course want to be that for him. 

In honor of this last semester of school I made a "Countdown to Graduation." Not many things thrill me more than scratching days off a calendar or a to do list so I figured it would thrill him too. :) haha. 

 Yeah...I put all the important dates on there! :)

I got some ribbon and tied each month together and there you have it. I thought it turned out cute. I know the polka dots are pretty manly too. 

He has been working so hard and if you know Brett you know he is not an early bird so this waking up thing has been a new challenge as well. BUT, it will all be worth it in just 103 days! :) I love you sweet boy. 

AND...because I think you hung the moon...this song is for you. I love this.

I like the way you hung the moon, uh huh.
Well, I just like being close to you, uh huh.
When you're gone I feel so blue, uh huh.
Yeah, I like the way you hung the moon uh huh.

I like the way you know that dance, uh huh.
I like the way you hold my hand, uh huh.
Just spin me all across the floor, uh huh.
Yeah, I like the way you know that dance, uh huh.

Well I like the way you sing your songs, uh huh.
You've been singing to me all along, uh huh.
The way you loved me won my heart, uh huh.
Yeah, I like the way you sing your songs, uh huh.

I put on that white dress for you, uh huh. 
I told the preacher man well yes i do, uh huh.
I'll stay and I'll grow gray with you, uh huh.
Yeah, I put on that white dress for you, uh huh. 

Monday is over folks! :)

Chocolate and Peanut Butter...Delish.

They are Peanut Butter Krispie Bars. Mmmm...so fabulous. I have witnesses.

Here is what you need: 

1 tube of peanut butter cookie dough

4 cups of marshmallows

2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter, cubed

2 cups of Rice Krispies

1/2 cup salted peanuts (I forgot to get them so I didn't use them. I suppose it is optional!)

 First, roll that cookie dough out into a 13x9 casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

I love measuring out all of my ingredients. :) I think it makes me feel like I am on a cooking show.. 

I'm a dork..dang.

My special helper...Thanks Pudge..

When the cookie dough comes out cover it with the marshmallows and put back in the oven for 4-5 minutes...

When the marshmallows come out let them cool. While they are cooling mix the chocolate chips, butter, and peanut butter until smooth.

Once smooth, mix in the rice krispies and peanuts (optional)..

Then cover the marshmallows with the mixture...

I gave it 2 thumbs up! :)

 Final product....

They were heavenly. The only thing I would have done differently was that I would have baked the cookie a little longer at the beginning. I would have wanted it to be a little bit harder and it was pretty soft...Other than that. Fabulous!

Another fabulous thing....I got to spend almost my entire day with this boy. Since his student teaching started I have barely seen him. He is busy these days. I'm trying to be patient since I was almost as busy last semester. :) Even if he did spend the night doing lesson plans I was happy to be with him!

I hope that you got to enjoy the beautiful weather we had today!!

A Few Favorites this Friday...

1.) Studying the book of Philippians. It has truly been such a blessing so far. I have been reminded that God refines us in His own timing and that He PROMISES to sanctify us! One other principle from Monday nights lectures was: "Confidence in God's completion of His plan emboldens the believer to serve God joyously regardless of her circumstances." 

2.) Ben Rector. Umm....I think I had heard his name but where have I been? Sorry for my lack of support Ben. But I bought your entire cd on Itunes today.

Here is just a taste of his music:

3.) Having the privilege to go to BSF on Thursday mornings for lectures. The morning class is going through Isaiah and yesterday Pam said something that caused my mom to nudge me as if to say...."Hear that, listen up!" She was talking about comfort and where we go for it. Is the first place you turn your significant other, the Internet, food, family, etc.? At the end of lecture she said, "when things are spinning out of control are you going to be down on yourself or down on your knees?" Needless to say, I tend to get down on myself...........A LOT. It is a huge struggle. It was so good for me to hear that and I hope that I will remind myself to turn to the Lord and not to other things for comfort FIRST. 

4.) My new TOMS that I got yesterday! 

So comfortable. Love them.

5.) It is a beautiful day and so much warmer! Enjoy it!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Happy Birthday to the BEST mom..EVER!

Today we celebrated the birth of the most special lady in my eyes! I am so thankful for my mom. I could go on and on....and okay....I will for a few! She is the most unselfish, encouraging, helpful, honest, caring person. She would do anything for anyone! I am completely undeserving of the love that she gives. So mom, although I do not tell you near enough....THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! You are the best and I love you so so much!! 

Happy Birthday!!

Giving Back

Over the last year I have found many blogs that I love. I have found many that provide humorous stories, fun families, delicious recipes, and fabulous tutorials. But, there is one blog that I have found that I have fallen in love with. The author is just a mother of two. I found her blog through a friend who linked the birth story of her second daughter Nella. You can read about it here. Grab some kleenex and read it. This little girl was born with Down Syndrome and is about to turn a year old. 

In honor of sweet Nella's first birthday her mother is raising money for the National Down Syndrome Society. Her goal is $75,000 and I have been watching this number continue to get higher and higher. She has almost reached this goal and honestly, I am confident that she will raise even more. If you would like to donate in honor of Nella you can go here. 

The mission of NDSS is to create a culture that fully accepts and includes individuals with Down Syndrome. What a great organization. I'll be honest, if I hadn't started reading this blog I probably would not even think about this organization. But, at the end of the day, I have fallen in love with this little girl and have been encouraged to share how we can help not only she and her family, but the thousands of others that live with Down Syndrome.

How did I get so......

lucky? :) 

((our date day in photos))

love you brett....so much.

Happy Birthday Dad!

I have the most unbelievably selfless father in the world. What an amazing example he is to me and my entire family. I am so thankful for all that he does and all that he means to our family. 

I hope that you enjoyed your day daddy! We are so blessed to have you as the head of our home!

Love you!

Paper Lanterns

A couple of weeks ago I saw a tutorial for making paper lanterns and thought they were so cute. I started making one and realized I really didn't have any specific reason to make them. After I did one, Amy saw it and thought they were great. She is throwing a "Blue and Pink" party tonight for her brother and sister-in-law. They are all going to find out whether the baby is a boy or a girl tonight. So, I decided to make a few for her party! They are simple, slightly time consuming, but turned out great!

 All you need is the paper that you are going to use, scissors, some tape, a hole puncher, and some string or ribbon. That big thing at the bottom is a paper cutter. You don't need it but it sure did make things easier!

 Start by cutting your strips of paper. They should be the same length and width. I did 16 strips 11"x 1" (it may have been slightly over 1") I did a couple of other smaller ones but I do not remember the measurements! You just have to play around with it.

Next punch a whole in both ends of all of the strips...

 Then...string part of the ribbon in one end and tape it down

 ^Tie a knot at the top and pull it through until it is tight like this ^

 Fan them out like so...and VOILA!

 

You can do different  sizes and then make them different lengths.

You will also need a pushpin to attach it to your ceiling. I thought they turned out cute and I'm sure they will look great at Amy's party tonight!