Cuteness

My sister-in-law Amy sent me a really fun present in the mail today. This super-cute key fob! I was shocked, because I have really been wanting one lately. I have noticed that a lot of people around here have them, and I have noticed just how functional they are. You can put them around your wrist when you have your hands full, and they are made of really sturdy material. Plus, they are super cute!

Check them out at The Key Fob.

Texas: Home of Fried Butter

Tomorrow I will be traveling back to the great state of Texas for my first visit. I know it didn't take very long, but when Big Tex and the State Fair call, you answer.

I'm pretty sure one of the first things my mom said when she found out we would moving was, "What about the state fair???" Or maybe it was me. In our family, the state fair is more than just livestock and carnival games. It's a marathon. If marathons include fried pickles and turkey legs.

I know it's crazy, but this is a day we dream about. A day to ingest as much food as possible without judgment or reproach. Okay, maybe some judgment, but only by the family who sits next to us in the food pavilion. If you think I am exaggerating, you can go here to see the list of all the foods we consumed last year. It wasn't pretty. But it was delicious.

We are going on opening weekend, which I am not sure we have ever done before. But, my dad starts chemo next week, so it's now or never. And never just isn't an option.

And just in case you are curious, I am sure that at some point somebody in my family will try the fried butter. And that person will most likely be me.

All that Jazz

Today, I spent three hours learning how to be a substitute teacher. I am a little worried that I spent so much time learning what I can't do in the classroom that I am going to forget everything I can do. Oh well.

In other news, my heart was very happy today when I drove into Germantown and Ann Taylor LOFT and Vera Bradley were in the same shopping center right next door to each other. It's like a little sign. I am not sure what kind of sign, but it probably involves spending money. I probably shouldn't go there very often. But I probably will. Even if it's just to smell the purses at the Coach store. Seriously...try it sometime.

When I was in high school we took a trip to Memphis and visited Graceland. Now, everytime I get on the highway I am reminded that Graceland in all its splendor is only a few miles away. I imagine that this is what people feel like when they move to Orlando and realize that they only live minutes from the greatness that is Disney World. But maybe not quite on that scale. More like realizing you live next to Dollywood. I only live 7 hours from Dollywood now, though, so maybe I'll visit and let you know.

Anyways, today was a very important day in my life, because for some reason I thought there were no LOFT stores in my general vicinity. Apparently the world is right again, because I can still visit and buy clothes that will be on sale for 2.88 when I go back in the next time. Seriously...there were clothes there for 2.88 today. Shorts and pants. Without holes in them! And they weren't sunshine yellow. Although if you own a pair of sunshine yellow pants I am sure they are very attractive on you.

So...in a nutshell, life is moving on here in good ol' Mississippi. People have been ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL, and we already know that we are blessed to have a wonderful new church family!

For those of you who have been wondering, my dad's leg has healed to the point that they can continue with chemo. He had his body scans today, has to have surgery to put in his ports, and he will be admitted to the hospital all next week for chemo. Then, he will go back to keep receiving chemo for several weeks after that. The news last week wasn't the best in the world, but my mom put it best,

"We are finding solace in the fact that our God is faithful 100% of the time. He is not limited by the statistics of modern science. He has carried us through this journey, and will continue to lift us up when we are too weary to fight on our own. I know that God answers prayers as nonspecific as, "Lord, be with that guy that has cancer." and, if that's all you can keep up with, then that’s awesome! However, I have some specific requests for those that have time. First, that Greg will tolerate the chemo with minimal side effects. Second, that the wound on his leg will not get worse during the course of treatment. Third, that God will allow Greg to be healed of all cancer…now and in the future!"

The Last Day Before I Go Insane

UPDATE: Turns out I won't be starting tomorrow after all...I have to get my paperwork done, which could take up to two weeks! Pray that it will all get done as quickly as possible!

Here is what I have done so far to decorate for fall. I am working with limited resources decoration-wise this year, but I think it makes the house look more "lived-in."






IN OTHER NEWS, I start my job as a long-term substitute in a kindergarten class tomorrow. I know God is putting me right where He wants me, but I didn't think that place would be with 5-year-olds! Pray for me...lots. Ha!

It's Fall Again!

I can't wait to start putting up all of my fall stuff. Since we aren't staying in our rent house forever, I haven't unpacked a lot of decorations. So...maybe my fall stuff will make the house feel a little more homey. If you don't remember from last year, I have a bit of an obsession with pumpkins. Although things are going to look a bit different this fall, I can't wait! Here's a few pictures from last year just to put you in the fall decorating mood. Check back soon for pictures of the rent house all decked out for fall...

Last year (this is kind of like a blog re-run, so don't expect anything super cool):




these were a beating to make. but they look cute. if you want to take the beating for the cuteness, you can see how here.



remember these? to make some yourself this year, go here. they weren't a beating.




because decorating should always include food

We're Here!

We have officially been in Mississippi for over 72 hours now! We just moved into our rent house today, and we got our Internet back up and running. I will post very soon with pictures, etc. Until then, here are just two random differences I have noticed between Texas and Mississippi so far. The first one is just an observation...the second one...we may have a problem...

1. The closets here don't have wooden shelves. They are metal/wire-ish. If that makes sense.

2. I passed several shopping centers today, and not ONE had a donut shop in it. I may just have to start eating something healthy for breakfast.

The Best Thing You Never Thought You'd Eat

A few weeks ago, our Bible Fellowship class had a party to celebrate the end of summer. Everyone had to bring their favorite summer dish. I was a bit stumped about what to bring, so my sister-in-law Amy suggested this recipe. I'm not going to lie. I was a little worried about it, because I would have never put all this together. But, she promised it was always a good choice, and she was right.

This business is good. I wouldn't recommend eating it everyday for breakfast, but it's a great party treat. Seriously...make some, and you won't be sorry.

Corn Salad

2 cans sweet kernel corn
1 cup ranch
1 packet taco seasoning
1 bag shredded Velveeta (two cups if you want to self-shred)
1 bag Fritos

Mix all together, saving the Fritos to mix in at the last minute. Nothing worse than a soggy Frito.

Note: I bought Fritos Scoops and didn't add them in. We just ate it as a dip. Either way- delicious. Thanks, Amy!

SOLD!

I forgot to tell you all the good news! Our house sold in FOUR days! Our option period is over, and the buyers sign tomorrow. We will close on Thursday! God brought us the perfect buyers and the perfect situation!

Now, I have to go clean out the fridge. And the closet. And the garage. Oh dear...

Chocolate Fix on the Road

I will tell you the truth: the drive from DFW to Mississippi is kind of far. It's a very doable day's drive, but there's not just a ton to look at on the highway.

One of my favorite parts of the drive, though, is just about an hour from here in Greenville, Texas. There, on the side of the highway, you will find this:


My grandparents used to live in East Texas, so we would make many a stop at the ol' Mary of Puddin Hill. I just love it. We stopped in on the way to Mississippi last time to pick up some snacks for the road. It was a little smaller (and older...obviously) than I remember, but it was still just as fun. Who doesn't need to see a chocolate Forrest Gump?




So, for all of you that will be heading out on 1-30 soon, make the stop. You'll be glad you did. And pick up some chocolate covered peanuts for me.

Goodbyes...for now

This has been a fabulous Labor Day weekend! This is officially our last weekend in Texas, so we have spent a lot of time with family and friends before we head out.

On Saturday, Amy and Jessica threw a party for Mike and me. We all had a great time just hanging out, talking, and of course eating. Amy got the best food from Market Street, and we had some fabulous desserts! The Vick and the McDonough kids have been friends for so long that they are practically extended family, so we always have a fun time together. My mom, dad, and sister came, too, along with some friends from our Woods Chapel days.

Jessica and me.

My mom and dad.

Jess and Seth.

Me and my sister.

Seth, Mike, and Joe.

Dad...with his gimp leg.

Amy and Erin.

Sarah and me.

Today, my family came out to Frisco to say their goodbyes. We went out to Babe's (I'm going to miss that fried chicken), and then we came back to our house. My Nana made some FABULOUS cake, which I am going to have to have more of as soon as I am done posting. I gave up on "getting healthy" until we move, because everyone knows that the only way to say goodbye is with fabulous food. Everyone in the family got together and put together a box for Mike and me. It is filled with letters from everyone, and I love it. Here's a picture of it:

Our memory box.

My sister, brother, dad, mom, and us.

My sister, me, and mom.

My cousin's family.

That's right.

My aunt and uncle.

Me and Nana.

My brother is so cool.

Cousins.

All of these goodbyes can only mean one thing...less than a week until we head out!

Lady of Leisure

I have joked about being a "lady of leisure" the past couple of weeks, but I really am grateful that I have had time to visit people and have lunch dates with friends before we leave for Mississippi. My last day of work was the first day of school, so that was interesting. The librarian isn't exactly just super-swamped the first day, but I spent the day helping with things and showing the new librarian the lay of the land.

I have absolutely been so blessed to work in such a great district and school with such fabulous people. I am so sad to leave them...I don't know if I'll ever have a job this good again! Since I "opened" the library last year, it is near and dear to my heart. I spent so much time trying to figure out the best way to organize it, arrange it, etc. I think if my aide had to move shelves of heavy reference materials one more time she would have quit. I have posted a few pictures of my library before, but I wanted to post a few to remind me of what it looked like when I left!

The Thrill of the Hunt

I am long overdue on posting more information about the BIG MOVE, but I will make time for that really soon. Today was a big day for me. It was my last trip to Canton's First Monday before we cross the state line and become Mississippians. Is that what they call people who live in Mississippi? I'd better figure that out. Maybe I can convince them to call me a Texissippian.

It could not have been a better weekend to go to Canton. Although it was SUPER humid and pretty hot, it could have been a lot worse. I don't know if it was the holiday or the threat of bad weather, but I have never seen the grounds so empty of people. Bad for the vendors. Good for us. I felt like apologizing to all of them for the lack of people, but I have to admit that I liked not getting run over. I went with my mom and sister, and we were able to cover lots of ground quickly. We were all about on the verge of passing out by the time we got in the car, but it was a great day!

Here are a few pictures from the day, and some pictures of a few purchases. Just for the record, I have a strict "no showering, make-up, or brushing the hair" rule on Canton days. So I apologize for what you are about to see.


These are what you call "fancy."


These are what you call "fancier." They have built in disco ball earrings. Seriously. It's a win - win.


I tried to talk myself out of this hat, but I just decided I NEEDED it. I don't know exactly why, since we are moving away from the Rangers, but I will figure it out. Anyone have any baseball games that need attending?


I loved these. That's all.


I am beyond explaining why I need another purse. I got one for my sister-in-law Amy, too. She understands.


I saw this in a shop. I am pretty sure I know what state it is. A sign of good shopping to come in Mississippi? I hope so.