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!