I'm not a grinch...I swear:)

This year we opted out of Christmas decorations at our house...no stockings, no mistletoe, no tree, no presents! Seemed like such a hassle with all of the stuff I've got going on this month. I've ALWAYS decorated for Christmas in the past. In my defense, I DO have TWO Christmas trees up in my Pre-K classroom, and have presents for all 18 kids:) I think that should make up for the other. This is also the first (and only, probably) Christmas that I have not given gifts to friends and family, and in turn do not expect to receive any~gifts are fun, but I am just as happy to spend time with my family, visit, and eat. In previous years, we have drawn names--but that just feels like swapping money to me. We all are big readers, so everyone usually goes home with a Barnes and Noble gift card!

What are some family traditions that you have regarding Christmas holidays? I'm thinking I need some new ideas for Christmas to-hopefully-get myself back in the spirit next year!

Lessons Learned

Thanksgiving has come and gone...and I have learned a few things this year over the holiday.

First of all, that week off wasn't nearly long enough, even though I am very THANKFUL to have a job--the next three weeks leading up to Christmas holidays will be THE most hectic weeks of my school year....Pre-K Santa Supper, our Christmas party, and last but NOT least, the Dance with Santa that a co-worker and I plan and set up for the entire school body.

Secondly, I am so THANKFUL that last year during Thanksgiving I was able to fly across the country to WA(even though it didn't turn out exactly as we had planned:(.....that we were dedicated enough to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for supper for months (totally exaggerating here...a little) to save up for that trip makes me very proud!

And last of all, I am thankful for my thick skin, endurance and patience. My husband and I have gone round and round about having children...not sure whether it's the right choice for us. We do live in the South, where everytime you turn around someone is poppin a baby out! ALL of my close friends either have children or are trying to get pregnant. That's hard for me at times. WELL. I recently found out that my status as an only child for the last 28 years will be null and void as of this summer. Strange, huh? My Dad and his wife, who is in her late 30s are having a baby. Not too weird when I think about other people doing this, but VERY strange that it's happening to me. HAHA! Listen to me, making it all about myself:) Well, this is MY blog;)

Anyway, maybe that is a sign for TJ and I to be good with our choice to not reproduce so far.....I'm just waiting (dreading) on the day when someone sees a pic of me and my new (brother/sister) on facebook and post "Congratulations!" to me and my new kid, as I'm sure it will resemble me, and people are sure to be a little confused. I'll be sure to vent ALL about it!

Some of my artwork completed over the Thanksgiving Break.....

Lasagna Love

Rachael Ray's Garlicky-Spinach Lasagna

Folks, tried and tested, this lasagna is the bomb.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs. baby spinach

4 tbsp. butter

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Salt and pepper

8 oz. wide egg noodles

2 cups Creamy White Sauce

6 oz. fresh goat cheese

4 tbsp. prepared pesto

1 1/2 cups coarse fresh breadcrumbs ( I made mine with a loaf of french bread)

2 tbsp. EVOO

DIRECTIONS:

In a large saucepan, bring 2 inches water to a simmer. Add the spinach in batches, stirring until wilted; cook until all of it is tender. Drain and let cool. Squeeze out excess moisture and chop. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and stir until golden, about 1 minute. Stir in the spinach. Season lightly with salt and pepper; remove from the heat. Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large saucepan of boiling, salted water, cook the noodles, stirring often, until al dente. Drain—but do not rinse—and return to the saucepan. Stir in the white sauce to coat. Lightly grease an 8-inch square glass baking dish. Layer in half of the noodles and press with a spatula. Dot with half of the goat cheese, spread the spinach on top and press down. Stir 3 tbsp. pesto into the remaining noodles and spoon over the spinach. Dot with the remaining cheese. Cover snugly with foil and bake until hot and bubbling, about 35 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp. butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring, until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Combine the remaining 1 tbsp. pesto with the EVOO. Drizzle the lasagna with the pesto oil and sprinkle with the crumbs.

WHITE SAUCE:

Ingredients2 tbsp. butter1/2 cup finely chopped shallots1/4 cup flour2 cups milk, warmed1/4 cup grated parmesan cheeseSalt and pepperDirections:Melt butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour for 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in warm milk; bring to boil and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan and 1/4 tsp. each salt and pepper.

http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/dinner-recipes/garlicky-spinach-lasagna

In the famous words of Natalie Merchant..."I'd like to thank you..."

Source: Uploaded by user via Amanda on Pinterest

First of all I must say that I am supremely proud of myself for even attempting to "embed" an image onto my blog....you have no idea.

I came across this quote on Pinterest and it practically SCREAMED at me to please pass it along. Doesn't everyone have a person that the latter part of this quote brings to mind?! I know I do;)

Blog Blues

I have had the blog blues. I don't know how else to put it. I haven't posted in around 3 months....I just haven't had my heart (or my mind) in it.

What I have been is BUSY....

....busy going to the Kentuck Arts Festival in Northport, AL and finding great pieces like this owl--which I haven't found the perfect place for yet:) And having the most perfect shrimp and grits and organic peach-infused vodka martinis at Opus.

....busy working at home

trying to finish up this patio-which obviously has a long way to go!

Spending time with the most wonderful husband EVER;)

....busy trying new recipes like this dark chocolate pistachio bark from whole living magazine--delicious!

....and last, but certainly not least, busy planning fun activities for the holidays for my pre-k kids! Pinterest--a new obsession of mine- is fabulous for great art ideas & recipes:)

DOES THIS MAKE ME AN AWFUL BLOGGER? I promise I'm going to do better!!!!!!

Add More ~ing To Your Life

So I've recently been hearing about Gabrielle Bernstein, a new role model for women who want to find self-love and inner peace. I've pre-ordered her two books, which will be released September 13.

Add More ~ing To Your Life

Spirit Junkie: A Radical Road to Self-Love and Miracles

Go here to find out all about this amazing woman and to watch some of her videos.

Bad kid....or bad parent? You decide;)

So a friend told me about her son's baby-sitting experience today, and I just had to share. You won't believe this!

My friend's son went to watch a 7 year old kid this morning and before the mom left, the 7 year old told her to "pick me up a pack of marlboro lights while you're out."

The mom said something to the effect of how he better watch his mouth.

AND THE KID SAID.....

"YOU better hurry back with my smokes."

What is the world coming to????????????????