Fire Baton

I have to say out of all the things we did/saw in GA my favorite was the fire twirling baton girls. I couldn't get a pic of the AMAZING one. She had 5 batons and was twirling them, tossing them higher than I'd ever seen, and doing some crazy flips and turns herself. I was floored. But the girl I did get a picture of... well take a look for yourself. Did you notice it? How about now with this closeup?


That is right my friends she lit her butt on fire! Let me point out I am not making fun. I am merely pointing out the obvious, as well my amazement in the fact that she 1. actually lit her butt on fire (who else can say you have done that, and if you can it better be a good story with drinking involved?) and 2. she continued like it never happened. I mean she is a champ. I would have run off in embarrassment. Not her, she finished her routine, and by all appearances it didn't phase her. I'm impressed!

I am now one of the masses...

I am now one of the masses that has joined Sam's Club. The mere fact that I am excited about this is a sad fact- I know. I really did love my first trip to the massive bulk store. It was super busy, I was in awe of the massive containers of goodies, and despite one cranky old lady who insisted I "got in front of her" and she "didn't want me to get in front of her" (I didn't- I swear) I enjoyed my trip . Here is what I ended up with. I plan to go back for the ginormous bottle of wine I saw and a few more odds and ends for our upcoming Christmas party.

GA Bound

After a rocky start we finally made it to GA Friday night, and had a wonderful weekend. We stayed with Anthony's uncle (Kenny). It was so nice to visit, and equally nice to have somebody else cook for you (such yummy breakfasts- I am still craving the coffee and the pecan waffles). On Friday we went out to a local sports bar and then we jam packed Sunday with fishing (Kenny has a small lake in his backyard), and then off to Athens for the UK-UGA game. Anthony's cousin and wife joined us and I loved every second of it. The atmosphere is true SEC. From the huge party in the center of campus, to the exciting football game, and awesome stadium it was an experience to remember. To top it all off on Sunday we went to the aquarium in Atlanta. All in all it was a mini vacation that was much needed and appreciated.

A sneak peak

We are on our way back from a much needed, amazing mini vacation in GA. Here is a sneak peek at our fun filled weekend: more to come after my short work week!

3 reasons I <3 teaching

at least this week:
1. A parent bought me diet raspberry ice tea to her parent conference <3
2. I received a $50 gift card to The Summit- for Thanksgiving of all things
3. I know I shouldn't have favorites... but I swear there is a group of 3-4 kids that try to make it their job to make me laugh. And it makes my days so much easier!

Pet Peeves

So, I try to make my posts positive ones but I am just dying to blurt out, scream from the mountain tops, tell everyone I know that there are three things that are just driving me bonkers lately. First, on my way to work as I am driving down the Snyder I encounter a bunch of ding dongs who insist on staying in the left hand lane, driving well below the speed limit in order to jockey for the best place in the right hand lane of cars until they are able to get as close as they can to the exit they need to get off of. As I tell my kids: we are all going the same way- it doesn't matter where you are in line- just get there! Please see the pic below- this was on a good day with less ding dongs. If I were to try to take a picture on a bad day I fear the end result would be a wreck. Second- also something I see on the way to work. There is a sign at the U-Haul place that you can see form the road. It is bright yellow and in red letters says "We sell boxes". I hate to sound old, but I remember the day when you didn't have to pay for boxes. I can't bring myself to pay for. And finally- third: fyi for all you parents out there- do not just bail on a parent-teacher conference without calling. It makes the teacher a bit on the cranky side, especially after 3 hours of conferences. Woo! I feel better now!

Christmas in October?

As of today (Sunday)- I delayed this post for a few days there are 40 days until Christmas. Now, I personally can't wait for the season to descend upon us, but and this is a big BUT. Why on earth was Christmas music playing in the stores the day after Halloween? Why is there a house in my neighborhood with Christmas lights, a Thanksgiving flag, and pumpkins on the porch? Why was someone hanging icicle lights yesterday? I just don't understand. Bring on the Christmas, but bring it on in its time. As a rule please don't decorate until Thanksgiving, it takes away from the spirit of the season. Sorry to judge- just my opinion.

Georgia Bound

I am super excited! We are leaving for Georgia this weekend! Anthony has promised to take he to all the SEC stadiums- one each year (well the good ones- not Mississippi State- that doesn't count). He has already been to all of them- lucky guy. I have already visited South Carolina and Vandy, but not for games so I have to go back. Last year we went to the UT UK game and experienced all that is Volunteer football. This year I picked to go "Between the Hedges". We are heading for the UGA UK game. Can't wait to see what Athens has in store for us. Next year I am hoping for LSU or The Swamp. I'll post pictures when we get back. Here is a picture of UT form last year... it was cold and rainy, but totally worth it!

The views on my morning walk

I LOVE to walk the neighborhood with my beagle. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of time when the school starts, so I love it when I am able to sneak out. Here are some pics from my Sunday morning walk. If I could take this walk 3 times a day I would. So relaxing and peaceful.

Operation Basement Organization: Check

Anthony and I finally had a free weekend- at home together, and we planned to tackle the basement. We have been tossing stuff down there since we moved in and even though I tried in the past to make several valiant efforts to organize, I just couldn't make it happen. Nonetheless- two bodies at work are always better than one. In just a few hours we were able to turn the mess into my favorite ORGANIZATION- complete with labels,shelves and pegboard.

I'm finally gonna do it!

I have been painting for a while- just for friends and relaxation but recently (as I posted earlier) I had people (not friends)order some growth charts- much to my surprise. The other day I legitimately sold my first one. After lots of encouragement from Anthony and my friends I have decided to try to give it a go on own little business. A friend is amazing at designing websites and offered to help me set one up. My free time is spent finishing up a few samples. I'm a little nervous about doing this, but I do really love to do it. Here is a sneak preview of a few finished ones. The growth charts are my favorites! Know anyone who would want one- let me know:)

A new little one

Our closest friends, Drew and Alisha just had their 1st baby on Saturday. Isabella Avery was born at 1:03 weighing in at 7.6 and 19 1/2 inches long. Everyone is doing great! I don't have any pics yet as we went straight to the hospital from the game and my mom's birthday celebration, but I'll post as soon as I get one.

My fall weekends in pictures

This is the time of year that the pace of things start to pick back up. Summer draws to a close and weekends become filled with family and friends, instead of pools and vacations. Here is what we have been up to so far this fall. What a wonderful time of year!

I heart Tailgating

This was how we spent this past weekend-tailgating for the UK game. It was a bit on the cold side, but so fun. We got to the stadium at 10:30 and the game started at 7:00. Anthony worked hard to make it a good tailgate. We had 2 types of chili,snacks, a tv, generator and stove. Kicked back, watching Game Day, and hanging out with the ones I love the most is the perfect way to spend a Saturday. Oh how I love football season.

* Please take note of the awesome cooler that I bought the hubby for his birthday- complete with cup holders and decals to personalize. Not bad if I do say so myself.

Low County Boil

Yes- I admit I love Paula Deen! I have her cookbooks, watch her show, all that good stuff. If I could I would make her meals all the time...but we all know that would lead to a severely overweight Jessie. This is a recipe I tried about a month ago. It is super fun and easy. It is called Low County Boil and a tradition in South Carolina. the best part is it is one part and then dump it on a table covered in newspaper (or I recommend) a plastic tablecloth. Here is the recipe and in the words of Paula Deen- y'all enjoy!
Ingredients
Crab boil, 2 teaspoons per quart of water
12 red new potatoes
6 (4-inch) smoked sausage link sausage
6 ears corn
3 pounds fresh shrimp, unpeeled
Directions
Fill a large pot with enough water to cover all of the ingredients. Add the crab boil and bring to a boil. Adjust the crab boil to suit your taste. When the water boils, add the potatoes and sausage. Cook on medium heat for 20 minutes. Add corn and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Add shrimp and cook for no more than 3 minutes. Drain and serve with warm bread.