Yummy Crockpot Sandwiches

I saw a recipe for sandwiches in the crockpot a couple of months ago on pinterst and just had to try them. It is so easy. You start with a loaf of round Italian bread (I actually used sourdough instead), cut it apart, and fold ham and cheese (and whatever condiments you want) inside the slices. Wrap the whole thing in tinfoil twice. Place additional tinfoil on the bottom of the crockpot with 1/4 cup of water and then put in on low for 3-4 hours.

This is what it looks like before.
The after product. All you have to do is cut the sandwich the rest of the way through and you have individual sandwiches!

It was a hit (even with the smaller crowd).

Fall List Continues

One of the things I was looking forward to the most this fall was carving pumpkins. I've never done it before. We bought these beauties three or four weeks ago, but haven't really had the time to carve them. Well, today the snow gave us no excuse. While Amirah napped Ysmaille and I got creative.

Our unsuspecting victims

The guts

Our creation (Ysmaille's on the left, and mine on the right)

They look much better lit up

Check out the stunned face and the fashionable gloves. In my defense I wasn't expecting snow before Halloween so Amirah wasn't prepared with gloves.

As a side note (for those of you who care) I've also accomplished making a pumpkin roll and going to Starbucks for a salted caramel hot chocolate (it actually ended up being a salted caramel mocha frapuccino). Here's too fall!

TGIS

Thank God it Snowed!

Ysmaille's been reffing soccer a lot this fall. Sometimes he would ref 2-3 nights a week and then be gone ALL day on Saturdays. It was the all day Saturday reffing that made me sad. Saturdays are supposed to be the day that working families get to spend together. Amirah and I missed Ysmaille so much. We went to Bender's to pick a pumpkin without him. We went to the Apple Fest without him.

Today he was supposed to ref for only a few hours, so I knew we would have the afternoon with him. Last night while we were grocery shopping they called to tell him that the soccer games were cancelled because of the upcoming snow. I was so happy I just hugged him right in the middle of the store. I have my baby back!

Plus, as an added bonus he let me sleep in today and go Amirah her breakfast. Now he is cleaning the house. What a man!

Crossing it off the list...

After making my wreath it took me a while to dive into the rest of my list, but I've had a pretty successful week. Amirah and I took an impromptu walk at Scotland Schools for Veteran's Children the other night and I was delighted to see lots of beautiful leaves. I picked out a few. I had originally intended to make a leaf garland, but when it comes down to it I was just too lazy.

Aren't they pretty? I really love the dark purple and red ones!

My original intention was to cover each one in contact paper and cut them out, but like I said... too much work.

I also had a photo shoot with Selena. If you haven't checked her out, you should. She is an awesome photographer, and cousin, and friend... You get the point. She's just awesome. Here is her website: www.posephotoco.com

Today Amirah and I went to Bender's Potato Farm right here in C-burg. It was great! We picked out two pumpkins that Ysmaille and I are going to carve. I'm so excited because I've never, ever carved a pumpkin! Amirah also got to take a "train" ride and play on the hay slide. It was a super fun day.

Ysmaille and Amirah are going out tonight for a little date (i.e. a trip to Walmart for a nightlight so maybe Amirah will actually stay in her "big girl" bed tonight). I think I'm going to stay home and putter. I also want to make a pumpkin roll (something that's on my fall list). We'll see what happens.

So, you can see things have been pretty productive around here. I'm certainly embracing fall and I am open to any suggestions to add to my winter list. As you know it's winter that I'm afraid of.

Fall has officially begun...

For a teacher summer officially ends when school starts. Even though there are many days that are still hot, even though there are a few more picnics to enjoy, and even though the crickets still sing their song at night you and I both know... it's over.

Fall has it's own beauty and I try to embrace it, but despite the fun of dressing up for Halloween, drinking apple cider, and the joy of crisp fall evenings a little twinge of sadness lingers under the surface for me. See, the thing is... I don't like winter. And I know it's on it's way. This fall I decided to embrace life and let winter take care of itself. That is why... (drumroll please)... I have created my Fall List 2011. And today, folks, only a few days into the official season I've chalked #1 off my list-- make a fall wreath.

Disclaimer: I couldn't have done this without Mom. She's just so darn crafty. (And I don't mean that in a sly, foxy kind of way). Although she is foxy. I hope I look that good at 49+ a few years. Anyway, I digress. Here's the picture.

Fall List 2011

I had so much fun with my Summer List I decided to make a Fall List, too. Here it goes...
1. Make a fall wreath for the door.
2. Get a salted caramel hot chocolate from Strabucks.
3. Go through a corn maze.
4. Take a walk and collect fall leaves.
5. Go on a dinner date with Ysmaille.
6. Make a pumpkin roll.
7. Carve a pumpkin for the front porch.
8. Make a ruffled tote.
9. Print photos for Amirah's baby book.
10. Go trick-or-treating with Amirah.
11. Eat breakfast downtown.
12. Have a photo shoot with Selena.
13. Go to Hagerstown City Park and swing.
14. Make a fabric book shelf.

Wish me luck. That's an ambitious list to finish in three months!

Here's what's happenin'

1.  School started on August 29 and I am busy, busy, busy!  I have 27 third graders in my class this year.  I forgot how tiring it is to balance being a good mom, teacher, and wife.  I can't imagine doing anything else though.  It makes me happy!
2.  We are planning a trip to Florida in December.  All but one of Ysmaille's seven brothers will be there.  And I've got FIVE new neices/nephews to meet!  I cannot wait.  Did I tell you we are driving there?  Craziness!
3.  My cell phone just survived a second swim and is still working!
4.  I made lots of freezer meals this summer and have only used two so far this school year.  Why?  I can't ever remember to take them out of the freezer.  There have been lots of nights with paninis and egg sandwiches.
5.  Amirah is talking ALL THE TIME.  She speaks in full sentences and is very expressive.  I am so thankful for a daughter who likes to talk.  She is so fun!
6.  Ysmaille and I have decided to watch "Grey's Anatomy" from start to finish.  I think there are 126 episodes and we are on episode 50-something. 
7.  I am absolutely addicted to pinterest!  Have you signed on yet?  I could spend hours at a time looking for craft ideas, recipes, and fashion inspiration.  Love it!
8.  I loved having a SUMMER LIST 2011 so much that I've decided to also create a FALL LIST 2011.  I'll have it posted soon so you can follow along.
9.  My sister, Angela, had a beautiful baby girl two weeks ago.  She is absolutely perfect!  Angela found out she was pregnant at 15 weeks (long story) and delivered five weeks early so she had the shortest pregnancy I've ever experienced.
10.  I'm going to BUNCO tonight!  Can't wait.