Wowza! Life's been busy here. Since going back to school my blog has been sorely neglected. So, I thought I'd give you an update... In random order here's what's new in my life...
1. So, in an effort to spend some time with Amirah I took her to the library to return some overdue books (probably about $5.00 or so worth) and get some new ones for her. Amirah and I played in the kids section. I picked out a few books for her. And she picked out one she wanted to read to Xander. When I checked out I realized my fine was over $14.00! I tried to argue that it was a mistake, but the librarian would have none of it. I had forgotten my wallet so I didn't have the money to pay it and she wouldn't let me check out any new books so we left with empty hands. I felt like a criminal and left feeling more than a little annoyed at myself and the grumpy librarian.
2. Baby Xander is getting so big! He can now sit up by himself, is working on two bottom teeth, and is trying desperately to crawl. Why do they grow up so quickly?
3. This is my best year of teaching yet. Lucky #11. Can you believe this is my 11th year of teaching? I can't! I have such a great group of kiddos and feel so blessed to have the job I do. I can't imagine doing anything else.
4. So... remember that Happiness Project I stared in January? Well, I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey, but I think I have officially run out of steam. November's goal was to do a random act of kindess each day. I had ideas of leaving coins at the car wash, and paying for a strangers coffee, etc. Guess how many random acts of kindess I've done so far? 20? 21? How 'bout 0. Zilch. None. Nada. Now, don't get me wrong I've done lots of nice things for people. I generally hold doors, great my coworkers in the morning, give compliments, etc, but I just feel short on the "random" part.
5. We made a copycat recipe the other night of Auntie Anne's pretzels. Oh. My. Goodness. Were they ever good. We dipped ours in butter and then cinnamon sugar. Yummo! They tasted amazing, but looked pathetic. I cannot for the life of me make a pretzel shape. I even got an actual pretzel out of the cupboard to look at it, but I just cannot do it. The last time I tried to make soft pretzels I got so flustered I ended up melting part of the laptop. Our were more like lumps and turds. You get the visual. And just in case you can't, look below... We bought more yeast yesterday and Ysmaille is determined they will look better this time.
6. I would like to declare my love for my husband. We argue and get on each other's nerves, but no one loves me like he does. Even when I am ridiculous, and catty, and emotional. And even when he loses his patience with me I know he loves me and I love him. And I just appreciate so much all that he does for our family. Our life may not be perfect, but it's our life and I love it. And there you have it.
7. Every season (as many of you already know) I make a list of things to do. I am a list person. I have chore lists and grocery lists and to-do lists, and now pinterest lists. It's just how I roll. Anyway, this particular list is so fun, because it helps me be accountable to soak in the little moments in time that make memories so sweet. This has been such a fun fall. Here are some of the highlights... a corn maze, carving a pumpkin, eating a caramel apple, leaf project, making applesauce, making mountain pies, photoshoot in the leaves, trick-or-treating, Starbucks deliciousness, and a hayride.
8. I went Black Friday shopping today. With two kids. They did awesome. I bought two shirts for my niece and a gift for my Secret Santa at work. That's it. I would have loved to do more, but did I mention the two kids and the fact they were doing awesome? I didn't wanted to jinx myself.
9. I am really trying to spend more time reading my Bible and praying. I don't want to be religious, just intentional. I do talk to God and I've got such a great foundation from my parents and attending a Christian school for 13 years, but I find there is so much I don't know. If you read this blog and see me over the next couple of weeks ask me how it's going. If there is one thing I know about me it's I have such great starts, but pretty sad finishes. I'm working on that. Our pastor, Mark, once said, "It's not how you start that matters. It's how you finish." I need to remember that.
I think you are pretty caught up. Loving life. In this place, in this moment.
