Merry Christmas Eve everyone! The holidays this year are proving to be crazy to say the least-- so I am going to go ahead and post an updated schedule for everyone. We wish more than anything we could be home with everyone but we cant. Either way, we love yall and will see you soon!
-Derek has duty on December 25th and 28th, and his leave starts on the 29th.
-Joey and his friends may stay the night on Tuesday the 28th.
-My procedure is December 29th and 11:30.
-We will be going to Charlotte from December 30th to January 1st.
-We will be in Blacksburg from January 1st to January 4th.
-I have mandatory student teaching orientations on January 5th and 6th.
-I will be in Nags Head January 7th and 8th with Abby, Mom, and Terry.
-Derek will go out to sea on January 17th (date is not set in stone) and this may turn into his deployment...
So, those are all of our plans as of yet. Hope everyone travels safe and has a Merry Christmas-- we will see yall soon.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Mom
This is a poem by Maya Angelou. I want to dedicate it to my mother, Miner Carter, becaues she is a phenomenal woman. I love you, Momma.
Phenomenal Woman
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
-Maya Angelou
Phenomenal Woman
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
-Maya Angelou
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Extremely Late Advent Calendar
I got this idea from my friend Jessica's blog. I realize this is grossly late and overdue for Advent, but I decided to put it on here anyway! And, since it is so late, that just means you have to double or triple up on each day! All you have to do is pick something on the list (or 5) and do it that day-- all the way until Christmas. So, here is what Jess put on hers, with a few changes to make it personal (I am copying and pasting because I am just that original...) Merry Christmas, and happy celebrating, everyone!
- Tell someone you love them
- Make Hot Chocolate and Marshmallows
- Make a popcorn garland
- Make a tree decoration that reminds you of Christ
- Make a tradition to make at least one tree decoration each year
- Put up Christmas decorations while listening to Christmas Music
- Make decorative sugar cookies and share them with neighbors
- In your prayers today, only give thanks without asking for anything.
- Try to be as kind as possible to everyone today
- Go to church for Christmas / Christmas Eve
- Send a card to a friend by mail in this holiday season
- Go on a Christmas Light tour / ride
- Be the first to say hello to everyone today
- Watch Elf in a onesie with Derek
- Open a gift on Christmas Eve as a family
- Put up a wreath
- Make cinnamon potpourri
- Go to Barnes and Nobles and pick out a new Christmas CD
- Exchange gifts
- Make a give list instead of a list of gifts you'd like
- Find mistletoe, hang it in the house, and kiss under it.
- Make snow angels
- Dress Charlie up as an elf (or something else festive)
More Recipes
This recipe I have made twice-- and it gets eaten in about two to three days every time (which is impressive considering it is just me and Derek home). I love it, and would think you could substitute other fruit, like apples or something, for the peaches. Hope you guys enjoy it!
Peach Cobbler
Ingredients:
-4 cups of peeled, sliced peaches (I use the frozen ones)
-2 cups of sugar, divided into two separate cups
-1/2 cup of water
-8 tablespoons butter (one stick)
-1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
-1 1/2 cups milk
-ground cinnamon (optional, but I would use it)
Directions:
-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
-Combine the peaches, 1 cup of sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring this mixture to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
-Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in the oven to melt.
-Mix the remaining 1 cup of sugar, flour, and milk-- do so slowly to prevent clumping (using a whisk will help).
-Pour this mixture over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir!
-Spoon the fruit on top, gently pouring in the syrup.
-Sprinkle the top with the ground cinnamon, if using.
-Bake for 30-45 minutes.
Serve with vanilla ice cream for best results :)
Peach Cobbler
Ingredients:
-4 cups of peeled, sliced peaches (I use the frozen ones)
-2 cups of sugar, divided into two separate cups
-1/2 cup of water
-8 tablespoons butter (one stick)
-1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
-1 1/2 cups milk
-ground cinnamon (optional, but I would use it)
Directions:
-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
-Combine the peaches, 1 cup of sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring this mixture to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
-Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish and place in the oven to melt.
-Mix the remaining 1 cup of sugar, flour, and milk-- do so slowly to prevent clumping (using a whisk will help).
-Pour this mixture over the melted butter in the baking dish. Do not stir!
-Spoon the fruit on top, gently pouring in the syrup.
-Sprinkle the top with the ground cinnamon, if using.
-Bake for 30-45 minutes.
Serve with vanilla ice cream for best results :)
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Book List
Since Christmas is approaching, and way too fast, I have decided to do a holiday themed reading list. Also, to go with the festivities, I think I am going to add some great holiday movies, too!
Things to Read:
-Nobody's Christmas by Charles Dickens (short story and can be found online)
-Christ Climbed Down by Lawrence Ferlinghetti (GREAT poem-- I read this in my American Lit. class and absolutely loved it)
-Christmas Trees by Robert Frost (poem)
-A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (novel)
-The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry (short story)
Movies to Watch:
-Elf (my personal favorite)
-The Grinch (cartoon or movie are both great)
-All Harry Potters (the theme song always reminds me of Christmas-- and there is always a Christmas holiday mentioned)
-The Family Stone
-The Santa Claus
-Home Alone
Things to Read:
-Nobody's Christmas by Charles Dickens (short story and can be found online)
-Christ Climbed Down by Lawrence Ferlinghetti (GREAT poem-- I read this in my American Lit. class and absolutely loved it)
-Christmas Trees by Robert Frost (poem)
-A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (novel)
-The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry (short story)
Movies to Watch:
-Elf (my personal favorite)
-The Grinch (cartoon or movie are both great)
-All Harry Potters (the theme song always reminds me of Christmas-- and there is always a Christmas holiday mentioned)
-The Family Stone
-The Santa Claus
-Home Alone
Virginia Tech
Well, the Hokies are once again ACC champions! We started the year off rough-- with two losses that we shouldnt have had. But, we turned it around, were undefeated in our conference, won the ACC, and now will be playing in the Orange Bowl verse Standford on January 3rd. I, for one, can not wait! I wish I were able to go but will be in Blacksburg celebrating Christmas (Derek has to work on Christmas day...). So, in order to celebrate the Orange Bowl and the Hokies I have attached a few pictures from this season. Gobble, gobble, gobble-- and GO HOKIES!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Thanksgiving
Well, with the help of Tammy and Nanny we have all of our Christmas decorations up! Last year I put the tree up at the very beginning of November (I'm talking around the 2nd or 3rd). Since it was so early Derek made me do the WHOLE thing by myself-- setting up the tree, wrapping the lights, decorating everything, etc. He told me he would only help this year if it was around Thanksgiving. So, I did just that-- I held out, with all of my might, and put the tree up the day we celebrated Thanksgiving. Derek's mom and Nanny came down which was a lot of fun. We ate our Thanksgiving dinner, cleaned up, put on some Christmas music and hung out all night in the living room, decorating and taking pictures. I hate that we will miss all of the Christmas festivities at home this year-- but we will be there less than a week after to celebrate! Derek and I are both really looking forward to celebrating Christmas, albeit late, with all of our family. We are planning on coming home around the 2nd. We hope to stop by in Richmond to see Joey, Whit, and Cam and do presents, then go home for several days and see both families. Also, some point during that visit we hope to drive to Charlotte and see Abby and Brody. Either way, our house is ready for the holidays! Below are some pictures of everyone decorating-- its clear to see everyone, even little Charlie, had a blast! 
Monday, November 22, 2010
Admittedly, I have been sort of lazy with keeping a book list going. I have one done already, which is the Halloween themed list. I planned on creating one for Thanksgiving as well, but have not found the time, and I blame this completely on school! So, for everyone that checks this daily for an updated book list (anyone?!), here is a short one. Actually, its not all books. I am currently writing a unit plan on Maya Angelou and her autobiography I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. Well, you can't talk about Miss Angelou without acknowledging her poetry. And, even more so, you can't look at her poetry without hearing her read some. So, this is a list of only works by Maya Angelou, with one speech by Sojourner Truth, and some of them are voice recordings. Please listen to them. They are extremely powerful and nothing will give you more of a sense of who this woman is and what she came from.
-I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (novel and poem)
-"Still I Rise" - poem and recording http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ik4bnjUCTbE&feature=related
-"Ain't I A Woman" speech and recording http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0YR1eiG0us
There are so many more great pieces by Maya Angelou. These are just a few that I have came across and am using in my unit plan. You can google both poems and the speech, but obviously you won't be able to read a novel online! Hope y'all enjoy these as much as I do.
Friday, November 19, 2010
A New Fall Recipe
We all know that pumpkin is THE ingredient for the fall! I had previously posted a pumpkin recipe but I have found a new one that is delicious and a lot easier. Below is the recipe, and I highly recommend trying it! Prepare to be amazed by the easiness and amazingness of these pumpkin muffins!
Pumpkin Muffins:
Mix everything together, bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. I would recommend sticking a toothpick in a muffin to make sure they are done.
And that is all there is to it! They are really, really good-- a friend and I made them the other night. Also, you can make streusel (there is a recipe below) and top the muffins with that, which really adds to the flavor.
Hope you enjoy these as much as Derek and I did!
Pumpkin Muffins:
- 1 can of pumpkin
- 1 box of spice cake mix
- 1/2 can of water (use the can that held the pumpkin)
Mix everything together, bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. I would recommend sticking a toothpick in a muffin to make sure they are done.
And that is all there is to it! They are really, really good-- a friend and I made them the other night. Also, you can make streusel (there is a recipe below) and top the muffins with that, which really adds to the flavor.
Hope you enjoy these as much as Derek and I did!
Christmas
Hey everyone! Well, Christmas is just around the corner, so I decided to make Derek's, Charlie's, and my lists available for all to see. I sent some people my list, but others have been asking what we want. So, here is the list! Don't feel obligated to get anything-- we are just excited to get home and see everyone. Also, please contact me with yalls lists-- I need help!
Derek:
-Socks (white and black longer songs)
-Jeans
-Nicer shirts (not necessarily dress shirts, but not plain t-shirts)
-White t-shirts
-Gift cards (Barnes and Noble, Old Navy, Target, Wal-Mart, Bass Pro's)
-The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Harry Potter books
-Hunting, fishing, or golf gear
-Tennis racket
Charlie:
-Doggie treats
-Toys (not ones that are easily torn apart... she will tear them up in about 10 minutes. No balls,
either)
-A small doggy bed to fit in her cage
-Doggy rain boots
-Gift card to Petsmart
Molly:
-Proactive
-Gift cards (see Derek's list and New York and Company, American Eagle, etc... I need
professional clothing / accessories)
-Brown sunglasses (aviators or larger round ones-- not bug eye though)
-Tennis racket and balls
-Bicycle
-Subscription to a cooking magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, or Southern Living
Molly and Derek:
-New king size comforter-- any color or style as long as its pretty (preferably dark though)
-Cam-corder
-Real camera (not digital, but one that takes great pictures)
-Non-stick pots (we are fine on pans)
The things listed under both of us are what we need the most. Again, I understand this is a LONG and PRICEY list-- so do NOT feel obligated to get anything. However, do feel obligated to send us your Christmas lists! We love you guys and can't wait to see you soon!
Derek:
-Socks (white and black longer songs)
-Jeans
-Nicer shirts (not necessarily dress shirts, but not plain t-shirts)
-White t-shirts
-Gift cards (Barnes and Noble, Old Navy, Target, Wal-Mart, Bass Pro's)
-The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Harry Potter books
-Hunting, fishing, or golf gear
-Tennis racket
Charlie:
-Doggie treats
-Toys (not ones that are easily torn apart... she will tear them up in about 10 minutes. No balls,
either)
-A small doggy bed to fit in her cage
-Doggy rain boots
-Gift card to Petsmart
Molly:
-Proactive
-Gift cards (see Derek's list and New York and Company, American Eagle, etc... I need
professional clothing / accessories)
-Brown sunglasses (aviators or larger round ones-- not bug eye though)
-Tennis racket and balls
-Bicycle
-Subscription to a cooking magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, or Southern Living
Molly and Derek:
-New king size comforter-- any color or style as long as its pretty (preferably dark though)
-Cam-corder
-Real camera (not digital, but one that takes great pictures)
-Non-stick pots (we are fine on pans)
The things listed under both of us are what we need the most. Again, I understand this is a LONG and PRICEY list-- so do NOT feel obligated to get anything. However, do feel obligated to send us your Christmas lists! We love you guys and can't wait to see you soon!
Newer Schedule
Hey guys! The post below is the majority of our schedule for the next month or two-- there have been a few slight changes, though.
First- Derek will be going out to sea at the very beginning of December. They are flying him off of the ship, though, and will be back by December 4th.
Second- We will be going to Charlotte for the ACC championship game on December 4th, and staying for that weekend.
Third- Tammy is definitely coming for Thanksgiving, and we are definitely coming home that Friday for the UVA game. Also, we are hoping to bring some friends to this game.
Finally- We are not sure yet but there is a chance we may not come home for Christmas until after January 1st. It may be a day or two earlier, so the earliest will be the 29th. I plan on coming home around December 20th to spend the night with Lynnsey but Derek wont be able to make it.
Anyone is always more than welcome to come spend the week / weekend with us. We would love to have you guys and see you before the end of the year, but Derek's schedule just doesn't permit that right now. So, we cant wait to see everyone soon and spend some time with the family! We love yall!
First- Derek will be going out to sea at the very beginning of December. They are flying him off of the ship, though, and will be back by December 4th.
Second- We will be going to Charlotte for the ACC championship game on December 4th, and staying for that weekend.
Third- Tammy is definitely coming for Thanksgiving, and we are definitely coming home that Friday for the UVA game. Also, we are hoping to bring some friends to this game.
Finally- We are not sure yet but there is a chance we may not come home for Christmas until after January 1st. It may be a day or two earlier, so the earliest will be the 29th. I plan on coming home around December 20th to spend the night with Lynnsey but Derek wont be able to make it.
Anyone is always more than welcome to come spend the week / weekend with us. We would love to have you guys and see you before the end of the year, but Derek's schedule just doesn't permit that right now. So, we cant wait to see everyone soon and spend some time with the family! We love yall!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Our Schedule
So, because this is dealing with the military, we're not allowed to put up actual dates of Derek's underways / deployments. But, I can give y'all the gist. I have also included bits of my schedule in case anyone wanted to know... Below are the things that we definitely know:
-We will be staying here for Thanksgiving, but will be coming home that following Friday for the UVA game
-Derek's Mom and Nanny will be visiting for Thanksgiving
-Derek works on Christmas day so we will not be able to make it home for Christmas
-Derek's next leave is from December 29th-January 10th and we will be in Blacksburg for a bit
-I have a student teaching orientation meeting on January 5th-6th so we will have left Blacksburg by then
-Derek will be gone soon after we get back for 29 days
-I will be going with Abby, Mom, Chris, and Terry to Nags Head where there is a wedding show on January 7th-8th
Also, I will graduate on May 7th, 2011
We will keep y'all posted if anything changes but this should give everyone an idea of what to expect with our schedules for the next month or two. Cant wait to see everyone soon for the holidays!
-We will be staying here for Thanksgiving, but will be coming home that following Friday for the UVA game
-Derek's Mom and Nanny will be visiting for Thanksgiving
-Derek works on Christmas day so we will not be able to make it home for Christmas
-Derek's next leave is from December 29th-January 10th and we will be in Blacksburg for a bit
-I have a student teaching orientation meeting on January 5th-6th so we will have left Blacksburg by then
-Derek will be gone soon after we get back for 29 days
-I will be going with Abby, Mom, Chris, and Terry to Nags Head where there is a wedding show on January 7th-8th
Also, I will graduate on May 7th, 2011
We will keep y'all posted if anything changes but this should give everyone an idea of what to expect with our schedules for the next month or two. Cant wait to see everyone soon for the holidays!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Our Halloween
Hope everyone had a great Halloween! As mentioned before, Derek and I decided to lay low this year and didn't do anything crazy to celebrate. We did, however, go trick or treating with our friends and their two adorable children. Peyton, the little girl, was a carton of milk. Excuse me, "a carton of Farm Fresh milk" (she will correct you). Parker, the little boy, was a bottle of root beer. It was hilarious seeing his straw pointing to the ground whenever he got upset and hung his head. The whole night they were referred to as "Root" and "Milk" which was a laugh for me and Derek. It was so much fun seeing all of the little children-- we saw a lot of little bumble bees, a Virginia Tech cheerleader (ironically named Molly) and football player, a cow, Minnie Mouse, several Yoshis and superheros, and a couple of princesses. Needless to say they were all adorable. Afterwards we went out to dinner with our friends at a great Italian restaurant, and then went to.......... THE HAUNTED HOUSE AT VIRGINIA BEACH! If you know me well then you know I had a traumatizing experience there. Lets just say there was crying, cowering, and escorting out of the side entrance. Well, this Halloween I put on my big girl panties and finished it! I had superhero Derek by my side (or gripped in both of my arms AND hands) the whole time protecting me which made it less scary than before. My heart was pounding like I had never experienced before and I was on an adrenaline high. The whacked out people that worked there said "you smell like fear" and "touch my face." It was weird, frightful, and creepy but we made it out! All in all we had a relatively quiet and fun Halloween together. I'm already looking forward next year's festivities! Hope everyone enjoyed All Hallows Eve as much as we did!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Fall Food and Drinks
I am one of those people that jump head first in to the different seasons. Right now the leaves are changing, the air has a crisp bite to it, and its a great time for family and eating! This is the season of the "F's" -- food, friends, football, and Fall! Below are a couple different recipes you can use to bring to a tailgate, to a gathering with your friends, or just make by yourself while cuddling up on the couch. Hope you enjoy!
Spiced Cider
Spiced Cider
Ingredients:
- 2 qts. apple cider
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/8 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 orange (unpeeled)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp. whole cloves
- brandy
Combine cider, sugar, ginger and orange in slow cooker. Tie cinnamon and cloves in a small cheesecloth bag; add to crockpot. Cover and cook on LOW 2 to 4 hours. The entire house will smell great! Remove the bag of spices. In a mug put a shot of brandy, then fill with hot mix from cooker.
Pumpkin Streusel Cake
Streusel:
· 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
· 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
· 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
· 1 tablespoon butter or margarine, melted
· 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cake:
· 1 package (18.5 ounces) spice cake mix
· 1 package (3.4 ounces) vanilla instant pudding mix
· 1 cup canned pumpkin
· 3 eggs
· 1/2 cup vegetable oil
· 1/2 cup water
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· confectioners sugar to garnish
For streusel, combine brown sugar, walnuts, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For cake, combine cake mix, pudding mix, pumpkin, eggs, oil, water, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat at a low speed of an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour half of batter into a greased 10-inch springform pan with fluted tube insert or a 10-inch fluted tube pan; sprinkle streusel mixture over batter. Pour remaining batter into pan. Bake 35-42 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in cake comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove sides of pan and invert onto a serving plate, and cool completely. Sift confectioners sugar over cake to garnish.
Book List-- Halloween / October
As most of the people who are reading this know, I love to read. Being an English major I am introduced to so many different pieces of literature. I have decided to create a list of books / stories that I will update every so often, just in case anyone wants to become better read or is just bored and decides to read something. Since Halloween is soon I am going to start my list with works that are spooky! I hope you guys read one, two, or all of these-- and get in the haunting spirit!
- The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- Dracula by Bram Stoker
- The Fall of the House of Usher, The Premature Burial, The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe (many of Poe's short stories deal with macabre and spooky themes so there is plenty to choose from)
- The Lottery by Shirley Jackson
- A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner
Happy Halloween!
Well, Halloween is now just around the corner! We arent sure what we are doing this year to celebrate, and still havent found any costumes yet. The same doesnt go for Charlie, though! We decided to recycle her costume from last year, since we never got a good picture. We also have a sailor dress she could wear, and be a member of the United States Navy! But, we think one sailor in the family is enough. We miss everyone and wish we would be able to see all of our family and their costumes. We know for sure Abby's is going to be awesome (we wont say-- dont want to spoil it) and cant wait to see Camden's! He will be precious no matter what he dresses up as! We might just stay at home, watch Hocus Pocus, and hand out candy. Whatever we do, it will be fun! Happy Halloween everyone-- hope yall have a spooktacular weekend!
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