Oops I did it again...

Thursday night got here and I was all like

I realized I didn't have a blog post scheduled

And as much as I wanted to write one, 

I just wasn't feeling it.

But tomorrow's finally Friday, 

so I'll go do my happy dance

and promise a better post for tomorrow!

~

It's not a real blog post, 

but it's Britney bitch. 

And that's always better. 

Hugs,

Snow in ENC

This year at school 

we hired a TON of new teachers.

I love love love them all 

and am so happy to have them on our team.

I'll admit though...we were all a little skeptical at first.

Mainly because so many of them were

Yankees.

Ohio, Pennsylvania, Missouri.

Yep, we got em all covered.

(Robbie just informed me that doesn't really classify them as "yankees" per say.

All of those states are apparently "mid-western"?

Whatevs. Geography was never my strong suit.)

Nevertheless, yankee or not,

they are fabulous! 

And we're so glad to have converted them to our good old Southern ways.

Although, I will admit,

it's been interesting learning about the way they do things "up there" too.

One of the things we've all had a big chuckle over 

is our different opinions about snow.

In Eastern North Carolina it hardly ever snows. 

I mean, it hardly ever gets below 32 degrees in the winter (thank God).

And when it does snow - er, flurry - everyone goes apeshit crazy!

Robbie and I stuck at a bar during a snowstorm...back in our college days - so excited!!

The slightest mention of snow makes the bread and milk fly off the grocery store shelf.

Possible school delays and closings are mentioned.

It's crazy.

Once stuff actually starts falling....forget about it.

And by "stuff" I mean anything with a thicker consistency than rain.

We don't know how to drive in it. 

We definitely don't know how to shovel it.

But snow cream - we got that covered.

And speaking of covered....

A "substantial" amount of snow 

constitutes anything that covers the grass.

None of this six inch business.

As long as we have a nice white covering we're good.

I think that's technically referred to as a "dusting".

Anywho...it's definitely been interesting hearing stories about northern winters

from the girls at school.

For example, one of the new Third Grade teachers used to have to 

SHOVEL a path to her car AFTER school just to leave!

Ridiculous.

I'm sure they've gotten their fair share of giggles

watching us talk about the numerous snowstorms we've lived through.

One of which happened last weekend.

Look at those flakes coming down.

And the bushes....whew.

We're lucky we didn't get snowed in.

Good thing Willow has a winter coat. Brrr.

Fortunately, the Groundhog did not see his shadow.

And it's still Eastern NC.

So winter should be just about ending.

I'm glad to say we've (almost) survived yet another ENC winter.

Bring on March.

Hugs, 

Tasty Tuesday for the Dogs

In honor of my sweet girl's 2nd birthday today,

I figured I'd share one of my favorite recipes,

designed specifically for those sweet four-legged friends.

Back when she was a wee little pup.

That's right, I barely cook 3 full meals a week for my husband

but I do make homemade pupcakes for my furbabies.

Priorities people. 

When Willow turned one I was a tad bit obnoxious about the whole thing.

We had a real party with decorations and everything.

She invited her best fur friends and I made pupcakes

thanks to this ridiculously easy recipe I found on Pinterest.

Since then we've made them for the every big occasion in our dog's lives.

Yes, I realize how ridiculous this sounds. No, I don't care.


Birthday girl last year. So schweet.

When Roxy checked out cancer free, we celebrated with pupcakes.

Birthdays, Christmases, you name it.

It's the only "people food" they ever get. So it's a big deal.

I've been a little more tame about this birthday - no puppy party planned.

But of course I still made pupcakes. And so far she's had three.

Hence the circles she's currently running in around our kitchen.

{Sidenote: I modified the original recipe a bit, based on what I already had on hand. And what I thought my picky eater would prefer.}

What you'll need:

- 1 cup whole wheat flour 

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/4 cup peanut butter

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon vanilla

- 1/3 cup honey (I accidentally forgot that this time around, but that's the beauty of baking for dogs. They don't even notice!)

- 1 egg

What you'll do:

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees

- Whisk together flour and baking soda

- Add remaining ingredients and mix well

- Fill muffin cups 3/4 full. 

**I use mini muffin tins because then they're more treat size. And because Willow is teeny tiny.**

**I also don't use muffin cups or grease my tin and don't usually have a problem with it.**

- Bake in oven 18-20 minutes. 

As always, they were a big hit!

And you'll notice - all the ingredients are human friendly,

so I'm sure you could enjoy one or two as well!

I'm linking up again today with Brianna and Tamara for Tasty Tuesday!

Hugs,

Commercials LIE

Specifically the Rice Krispie Treat commercials.

They are never that easy to make. 

And all you mamas that have successfully been able to make them

with your toddler sized children 

without tears and yelling and sticky marshmallow hair,

hats off to you.

Because I'm convinced it's just not possible.

And afraid that's a memory 

my future kids are going to have to live without.

I decided to make Rice Krispie Treats for Valentine's Day.

And changed my mind about half way through,

once it was too late to turn back.

Things started out okay.

I had found completely gluten-free ingredients

so that was exciting.

I had also decided to get extra lovey

and make them heart-shaped,

dipped in white chocolate.

You know, in honor of love day and all.

I know. It was a big undertaking.

I should have known better.

The rest of the process was alright, considering.

Again, if I had had a small child with me,

I probably would be singing a completely different tune.

I didn't get the marshmallows stuck to everything

like I usually do.

And even though I spilt half of the Rice Krispies on the floor,

my handy helpers were there to clean up all the evidence.

I managed to even make several of them heart shaped.

But then came the chocolate dipping.

AKA the disaster.

I think I overcooked the chocolate chips.

It still tasted okay, but the consistency was no good.

Plus also, I got tired of cutting out hearts.

So Robbie came home to three heart Rice Krispie Treats

and a half a pan of regular Rice Krispie Treats.

And even though they weren't commercial worthy,

they definitely were deeeeelicious. 

And that's why, 

even though aesthetically this project was probably an epic fail,

I'm still linking up with Brianna and Tamara for Tasty Tuesday.

Because that's exactly what they were - mm, mm, tasty.

Hugs,

P.S. Big shout-out to my wee-worm who's turning two today!

Seems like just yesterday.

Celebrate Good Times

Well folks,

apparently February is a big month for the blogging world.

Several of my fav bloggers 

celebrated their one year "blog-iversary" over the weekend.

And you all know how much I love a good celebration!

In fact, I drank wine all weekend long in honor of those fabulous ladies.

5ohWifey is celebrating a big blogging milestone too.

Her link up extravaganza "The Girl Behind the Blog" 

is turning one year old this week as well.

And to help her celebrate, I've create vlog #2. 

But before you watch, 

I need you to understand two things:

1. Vlogs are always super awkard and I hate the way I sound on video.

2. I'm nervously playing with Willow's ears the whole time,

so that's what you'll see happening in the lower right hand corner.

Enjoy!

Also, please ignore the fact that I was still playing with my hair in the first few seconds. I thought I had edited that out. Whoops.

Hugs,

What I'm Loving Right Now

Considering it's Friday...

everything.

But really,

I'm loving that...all of my plans for next week are done.

And have been since Thursday afternoon.

When I say done, I mean all my copies have been made,

all my centers are set up and ready to go,

my Academy plans for me and my assistant are done,

Guided Reading books are prepped and ready to go,

even my newsletter (which doesn't go home until Tuesday) is fresh off the press.

I love productive weeks.

(While I'm talking about school) 

I'm loving that....next week is Read Across America Week.

This is always one of my favorite weeks of school

and this year our school is going all out.

We're having book competitions and special guest readers

(Although no one can beat my guest reader from last year.

None other than ECU's own wide receiver, Justin Hardy.

Except maybe my dad. He always comes to.)

On Friday we get cake at lunch for Dr. Seuss's birthday

and teachers can dress up as their favorite Dr. Seuss character.

I'll let you take a few guesses as to who I plan to dress up as.

Ahh the joys of an elementary school teacher. 

I'm loving that...I won Brianna's giveaway (!!!)

and now have some yummy Sin<less Cocktails on the way. 

I'm loving that....I have an amazing step sister 

who sends gluten-free Trader Joe's care packages my way "just because".

Seriously, she's the best.

Almost as sweet as those snickerdoodles. 

I'm loving that...Roxy stole Robbie's favorite seat in the living room from him.

And then Willow stole it from Roxy.

Tehehe.

I'm loving that....all of you sweet readers are so fantabulous, of course!

Happy Friday!

Hugs,

P.S. If you could throw some extra prayers up for my Mema, that'd be great! 

be tee dub

(That stands for BTW, like the by way. Just in cause you needed help.)

Erin announced the Hunter Boot Giveaway winner today!

And despite my hardest efforts to rig the whole thing

and make those shiny boots end up on my front doorstep, 

Mia at the The Chronicles of Chaos won!

You go Glen Coco.

And if you happen to be a size 8 

and are ever in the NC area,

maybe we can share! 

Hugs,

Thursday Already?!?!

Hallelujah. 

I love short weeks.

Thanks for that Mr. President.

Things have been kind of egh around these parts lately.

It's okay. I'll admit it.

Those curveballs I mentioned last week?

Yea, they still kind of suck.

But all of your sweet, sweet words about Ginger definitely helped.

Thanks for that blog readers.

My three day weekend was faaaaabulous. 

I'll tell ya what - 

If every weekend could be three days long, 

I would be one happy girl.

Even every other weekend would work.

That extra day is so nice.

~

Last week I mentioned how excited I was about all my new readers. 

And I really, truly am. 

Getting a new follower is as exciting as opening a present on Christmas morning.

I'm still baffled that so many people (besides my mom)

are actually interested in reading what I have to say.

So for those of you that are new,

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME!

And since you're here, I figure I better do something

clever to keep you around.

{Insert dog and pony show here}.

If that face doesn't make you stick around

I don't know what will.

Maybe some random facts about moi?

Well...since you asked:

1. I don't know how to work our TV.

Robbie programed all my "favorite" channels (E!, ABCFamily, DIY Network, TLC)

so all I have to do is press one button.

2. I don't want babies for a looooooong, long time.

BUT I have already planned out how I will tell 

my friends and family when that does happen.

(Thanks Pinterest.)

And, no. It won't be via Facebook status.

3. I am constantly cold. 

Particularly between the months of November - March.

Even though Eastern North Carolina is blessed with many 70 degree January days,

I'll still be freezing. 

4. I wait until the last possible second to buy any type of toiletry.

For example, I will suck every drop of shampoo out before I buy a new bottle.

Inevitably, I am always unprepared for Mother Nature's monthly gift.

You think after going through the same thing month after month

for eh, roughly 11 years I'd finally have it all figured out.

Not so much.

5. My mom reads my blog everyday.

And then calls me to tell me her verdict.

I've even caught her printing out blog posts to save.

Sheesh.

But hey, if all else fails,

I know I've got one trusty fan!

And isn't that what a mama's supposed to be anyway?

6. I currently live 3 miles away from the house I grew up in

and I love it. 

This isn't our "forever home". We knew that when we moved in.

But I already get sad just thinking about having to leave.

Even though that probably won't happen for at least 5 more years.

7. I am terrified of deer and sharks.

Sharks because they're scary and can eat you.

Deer because they're creepy. 

I swear, deer give me the heebie-jeebies worse than spiders do.

8. I've wanted to be a teacher my whole life.

And I still wake up (a year and half later) still a little surprised

that I actually have complete control over a classroom

and the 23 students that occupy it from August - June.

9. That being said, I still find myself thinking about other careers.

10. I hate The Bachelor. Yet I find myself watching it every week.

And I live for Bachelor updates from some of you lovely ladies!

10.5. I hate odd numbers but I'm really in love with this song right now

and wanted to share.

P.S. Mom - make sure you pay close attention.

Hugs,

For Ging

Friday afternoon, my childhood dog, Ginger, died.

She was 15 years old and was very much a HUGE part of our family.

As usual, the pure, innocent logic of a child

seems fitting in a situation like this.

I stumbled across this article a few months ago

and it now seems so appropriate.

And boy, did Ginger know how to love.

She was known as the "neighborhood dog"

as every walker/runner/biker would stop to visit her throughout the day.

So many of my childhood memories involve her

and I feel so lucky to have had her in my life.

It's definitely been a tough weekend,

and I'm sure it will be a long time before I get used to 

not seeing her sitting under the tree at my mom's house.

She truly was the best dog.

And was so perfect for our family,

and all the changes it endured.

~

Ginger

we love you and miss you.

Thank you for the years of memories,

smiles and laughter

we've gained because of you.

You taught us how to enjoy the simple things in life

and love each other unconditionally.

I know that you are now running free, 

eating ice cream and ham bones,

laying on clean, fluffy carpet

greeting all the walkers/runners/bikers in Heaven.

In Memory of Ginger.

August 28, 1998 - February 15, 2013

 

 

Hugs,

P.S. Thanks for all the love and support after Friday's post.

random thoughts

1. See that little number over there?

To the right...next to the blue "followers" button.

It's not really so little anymore.

Apparently there's this giveaway going on?

Something about Hunter boots.

Anyway, I am so excited about seeing so many new faces!

And I would love, love, love for those faces

to turn into legit relationships (oo la la). 

With all that being said, I've got some pretty fun tricks up my sleeve

so be sure to stick around.

2. I've been super slack with the Letters to My Former Single Self linkup.

Sorry I suck.

Even though I haven't been getting my blog posts done

I've still enjoyed reading everyone else's.

You should to.

 

3. There's been a lot going on lately.

Hence this "random thoughts" blog post.

I feel like it's been forever since I've actually blogged 

about what's going on in my life.

I feel like I've been dodging several curveballs lately

and I don't really know how to process it all

or how to fit it all into my "blogging life". 

Fortunately, today's a half day at school

and then I'm off for a three-day weekend 

so hopefully I'll have some time to regroup,

get back on track

and catch up on all the newlywed link up posts from yesterday

(the ones I've read so far are haaaa-larious).

Until then, I'd appreciate any extra prayers you could throw my way.

And I promise to be back on my a-game next week!

4. In case you need some cute baby giggles today.

Hugs,

And TGIF forreal.

It's Love Day Y'all

"It's here!"

 "Is today Thursday?" "I love today!" 

"I'm bringing you something real special, Mrs. Dunn!" 

"Happy Thanksgiving!"  "When's our party?"  "Look! Look! Look!"

Just a few things you can expect to hear

should you step into my First Grade classroom today.

Yes, one of my kids is convinced that today is Thanksgiving Day

not Valentine's Day. 

We've been trying to correct him all week.

Needless to say, the tikes are little excited!

And they have been all week.

Apparently they've taken a cue from Wal Mart.

Valentine's Day is no where near my favorite holiday.

I don't hate it.

But I don't go all coo-coo for it either.

Robbie and I are laying low this year.

We're exchanging teeny presents

(which I've had wrapped since Monday, mind you.

This is a big accomplishment for this girl.)

and going out to dinner.

It's the little things.

Oh yea, and we're also participating in this little thing
called the Newlywed Game (kind of).

HOST:

The Life of a Not So Ordinary Wife

COHOSTS:

JanLoves

The Marvelous Flight of Cara

Delightfully Dunn

From Awkward to Art

Planned in Pencil

 Jessica Who?

Northern Belle Diaries,

You and Me are We

The Family Darr

Songbirds and Buttons

The Grace of Southern Charm

 Just Simply Live

Pretty Living PDX

 The Lemonade Diaries

Life as I know it

Me and Robbie's Answers

How long have you been married?

19 months.
1 year and 7 months. 

Where was your first date?

Hm....we went to see a movie? Radio, I think.

After my brother's 11th birthday party.
Carter's birthday party and the movies.

Where was your first kiss?

Probably at that movie.
In the big room during Carter's birthday party.

(That kind of counts as a right answer....it was all the same day.) 

Who first said, "I love you"?

Robbie.
Me - Robbie.

What were your wedding colors?

Cobalt blue and khaki.

Gorg.
Khaki and  navy blue.

What is her most commonly used phrase?

I don't know. 
That's my not answer...I really don't know.

Except, maybe "I don't know" 

is my most commonly used phrase?
Stop

(eh?)

Who is her celebrity crush?

This week...Bradley Cooper.

Or Justin Timberlake.
Colin Kaepernick and Tim McGraw.

(All are semi-true. And I did just blog about what a cutie Kaepernick was. Way to pay attention honey!)

If she was ordering drinks for both of you what would you each get?

In a perfect, non-gluten-free world 

I would order a Michelob Ultra bottle for me 

and a Blue Moon draft for him.

In a realistic, "I'm broke as a joke" world,

I'd ordered water for me and Bud Light draft for him.
Me: beer. 
Her: Wine or a margarita.

What is the best meal she has ever cooked for you?

Japanese Chicken stir-fry.
Sausage Mac and Cheese.

(Only because that's what I cooked the night he answered these questions haha)

What is the worst meal she has ever cooked you?

None. All of my meals are delicious. :)
Do I have to choose just one? 

(Watch it, Mister.)

What is the most-played song on her iPod?

I don't have an iPod...
What iPod?

What would she say is your most annoying habit?

Constantly wanting to trade your car in.

(Sorry honey.)

Or your inability to watch TV without your computer

glued to your lap.
When I huff and puff when she asks me a question.

(Still very true...)

What is the last thing she does before she goes to bed?

I know he's going to say move around a lot.

But I don't. I'm just trying to get comfy.

I brush my teeth, take my contacts out, and take my medicine.
Takes her glasses off.

If you could throw out one item of her clothing what would it be?

All of my jammies. :(

And my trouser jeans.

Both things that I LOVE.
Her pajamas.

(Rude.)

What would you say is your favorite thing about her?

Everything!
Her butt.

What's her go-to drink at Starbucks?

Hot: White Chocolate Mocha.

Cold: French Vanilla Frappuccino.

Both with soy milk, obv.

White Chocolate Mocha.

What's her blog name?!

Psh. He knows that easy peasy,
he reads it every day.
Delightfully Dunn. 
Duh, I read it everyday.

(Okay, okay. I ad-libbed on the last one a little bit. But he did get the name right.)

Alright, Star Jones? 

Where's our dream honeymoon! ;)

~

Wanna play?
Come on, I know you do!

Here are the instructions:

1. Fill out the Valentines Day Questions. You can find them here.
2. Hand over the same set of questions to your spouse and see if they can answer the questions about you. 
3. Write your post and compare both of your answers
4. Link up your blog post below!

Hugs,