sweet summertime.

Hard to believe that June is almost over, right?  As a teacher, I feel as if my summer is already flying by me and I'll be back to work before no time.  Those of you who aren't teachers are thinking I should count my blessings.  I get it, trust me.  So, this summer, I'm trying to change my focus.  Rather than focus on the time flying by me, I'm trying to view these couple of months as a time to rejuvenate...to feel renewed so I can give 100% to the next group of students.  It'll be hard for the next group to live up to this last group.  They gave me a real run for my money, but stole my heart in the process.

So, what is going on in the life of a teacher out for the summer?  I've already encountered moments of JOY and some moments of disappointment (more to come on that later).  I've spent time with friends and family.  I've read some wonderful books.  I've sipped my coffee in the morning...slowly, might I add.  I've watched reruns after reruns of Criminal Minds and SVU.  I've walked the dogs.  I'm teaching Zumba.  My brother might say I'm "living the dream."  He always did have a smart mouth ;)

Miller is enjoying an afternoon walk with mommy.

Enjoying live music and drinks with my mother-in-law.  Love downtown Greenville!

Ok, so let's get the disappointment out of the way first...Just before school got out, I interviewed for a position with the school district and...yep, they didn't choose me.  I know what you're thinking--"How could they not choose HER?!" I'm only kidding.  But seriously, rejection can really take a toll on a person.  It's like a break up; even if you know you don't belong with that person, the breakup is still hard.  It can cause one to think all sorts of things--What is wrong with me? What did someone else have to offer that I didn't? The list could go on.  BUT, in thinking and praying about the situation, I've come to a realization.  They didn't choose me for the position because God has chosen something else for me. I find a tremendous amount of peace in knowing that my future rests in His hands, and not in the hands of people.  In addition, I also realize that I will be back in the classroom with a new group of students who need love and structure and sometimes, only sometimes, the wrath of Mrs. Lansche ;) Alright, so that's out of the way...

A couple of weekends ago, my mom came for a visit.  This came at just the right time because I needed to see her.  I was feeling like a 10 year old off at summer camp who is super homesick.  That was me.  Needless to say, we had a great time together shopping and eating and just enjoying one another's company.

Visits with mom always include good drinks.

We went downtown Friday night to listen to live music...such a good time!

My good friend, Steph joined us too.

Saturday morning, Mom and I headed back downtown to check out the farmer's market.  I'm embarrassed to say that I hadn't been since we moved here last summer.  They have an awesome selection of organic produce and the prices are very reasonable!  Mom and I stopped for a cup of fresh peach apricot tea and it didn't disappoint.  

 Later that day, I drove mom out to our lot so she could see the progress on the house.  We stopped for lunch at Stella's Southern Bistro, a local restaurant that everyone raves about.  Holy cow, it was delish! I enjoyed a Fried Green Tomato BLT and mom had a Pimento Cheese Burger; we shared them both.  We enjoyed fried okra as an appetizer.  Needless to say, I was feeling slightly overweight when we left...no biggie though. 

It's coming right along! Bo and I drove back over there after church yesterday and they've made even more progress...

We are super excited to get in our new place and feel settled.  Renting is no fun, especially when your rent is as sky high as ours!  Yikes.

In addition to this house business and visits with mom, my teammate and friend married her best friend. She was stunning!  Danessa was my date, and we had a great time celebrating her big day.

I know this is a super-lengthy post, but I've got two more things to share with you before I go.  

First things first.  She Reads Truth is an online community of women who are committed to growing closer to Jesus through studying and sharing the Word.  There is a handful of women who manage the site and write the plans for each study.  I wanted to share this with you mainly because I'm that person who struggles to read the Bible...I struggle with knowing where to start, what to read, how to interpret it all, etc.  Each study carries you through the Word, giving deeper meaning to the text while also providing life applications.  It is amazing, and I recommend anyone who is seeking to grow in their faith to check this out.  The women behind the study are committed to reading the Word alongside you...what more can you ask for, right?

Ok, last thing, I promise.  I read a lot of blogs and one thing I always look for is a good book recommendation.  I absolutely love to read, and now that it is summertime, I actually have the opportunity and the time.  I'd seen the same book recommendation come up on many blogs, so I finally bit the bullet and went to Barnes and Nobles to purchase it.  Probably the best $15 I've ever spent.  Redeeming Love is a story that will leave you changed, literally.  I don't want to give any of it away because I think that every woman should read this story at least once for herself.  I promise you that you will not regret reading it.  I felt I could relate to the story in so many ways.  It is a story of how God's unconditional, redemptive, and all-consuming love can restore anyone's soul...even yours and mine.  

Now, go enjoy some of this sweet summertime...don't waste it.

yes, i made them.

You'll find this very hard to believe but I actually made something in the kitchen today.  You know before reading any further that it must be something super easy to make.  So, meet veggie squares.

Ok, so I haven't cut them into squares yet...BUT this is a pan of easy, delicious, not-so-bad-for-you goodness.  This is a great go-to recipe that you can make in 15 minutes for any get-together or potluck event and I promise you they will be a hit!  To make them, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 can of crescent rolls (I used the reduced fat)
• 1 pkg. Ranch dressing mix
• 1 8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese (again, I used the reduced fat)
• 2 c. fresh broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots
• 1/2 c. of shredded cheese

Directions:

1. Open the can of crescent rolls, but do NOT tear them apart.  Roll them out in the bottom of a glass baking dish and bake according to the directions.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and approx. 3/4 pkg. of ranch dressing mix.
3. Chop the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots until fine.
4. When the crescent rolls have cooled down, spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the crescent rolls.
5. Sprinkle the chopped veggies on top.
6. Finish by sprinkling the shredded cheese on top.

Serve and enjoy!

If I can make these, anyone can.

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So, after I finished up in the kitchen, I decided to take the kids for a walk.  Mind you, it is very hot outside but they needed the exercise...especially Miller, who has become quite overweight.  His vet suggested we cut his food in half and mix it with green beans which helped to cut a few pounds.  We are just not quite where we need to be yet.  So, off we went.  The walk lasted an entire 15 minutes.  

This is what happened after a whole 15 minutes...

Gotta love them though, right?!  Up next for me...a shower and heading over to Danessa's house to watch the Miss USA pageant.  Girls do these kinds of things, you know.

stamp me a liar.

I had such big plans to blog, blog, blog this year.  Much like many of my best intentions, I've failed miserably.  Stamp me a liar.  Ok, not going to dwell...

So, it's spring and life is in full swing for Bo and I.  Among other things...

• Bo has recently been named Travelers Rest High School's Head Wresting Coach.  He is super excited to be back at it.  He could barely handle a season away from what he loves to do the most--coach. I have to admit I'm pretty excited too, and I'm ready to get back to weekend tournaments and life as a team mom.  
• I've been licensed to teach Zumba and TurboKick for several months now, and I've done nothing with it YET.  Monday, I've got a meeting at Anytime Fitness about teaching group fitness classes and training and I couldn't be more excited about it!  I've been working on Zumba choreography all. day. long.  Wish me luck!
• Bo and I are in the process of building our first home together!  We found a great neighborhood in Simpsonville, which is about 15 minutes from where we are currently renting.  The projected completion date is the end of September.  Did I mention that's right after school starts back?  Yikes.  Our lease ends July 31st, so my gracious in-laws are allowing us to stay with them until the house is finished. With two dogs, that's not just gracious of them...that makes them saints!
• In February, I was chosen as a Golden Apple Teacher.  Being new to Greenville, I wasn't even sure what it meant at first but I found out soon enough that it was a huge honor.  I can't believe that out of the thousands of teachers in our district, I was nominated for this award.  My room dad, Rip, is responsible for my nomination.  He is phenomenal, and he deserves more credit than I do honestly.  He has been such a blessing to my class!

  

  Rip in action with the kids!

  

  My students made a toast to me for receiving the Golden Apple Award :)

  If you're brave enough, you can see the video here.  View at your own risk.  I can promise you'll see sweat on my upper lip...talk about nervous!
• I've made an incredible friend through work.  You only come across these kind a few times throughout your lifetime...the kind who you click with quickly.  The kind of friend who gets you, and still loves you.  Danessa is that friend, and I'm SO thankful for her friendship!
  
   
  
  
  Ok, so last, but most importantly...this girl is missing her family!  I'm so sad to say that this is the first Mother's Day I won't be home to spend it with my mom.  She's truly an amazing lady, and she's made me who I am today. 
  
  
  
  
  
  Happy Mother's Day to the world's best mom!
  
  
  
  
  
  

new year.

Holy cow, it's been way too long.  Life just kind of happened.  Between starting a new job, finishing grad school, and getting my personal trainer certification, I've had little time to do anything "extra".  All of that's behind me now, and I'm ready to get back into the swing of things and back to blogging! 

To catch everyone up, life in Greenville is wonderful!  Bo and I love this new place we now call home.  We have adjusted to our new jobs, and we've finally achieved a sense of feeling settled. 

Ok, on to the nitty gritty...it's a new year, and of course that means resolutions and fresh start.  One of my resolutions is to be more consistent in blogging, because I truly enjoy it.  My blog will now tie in with my new Facebook page - Finding Balance.  My hope is that others might find a little bit of inspiration and motivation, whether its in the realm of fitness, food, or life in general.  Check in and like my page PLEASE :)

Here's to a healthy and happy 2014 friends!  

confessions.

It's amazing to me how God works...how he orchestrates the events in our lives.  Four days ago, the doctors said my brother would be on a ventilator for two weeks following surgery.  After being sick for months and enduring the operation we'd feared all along, he came off the ventilator in only two days.  Yes, two.  His body, overwhelmed with infection, is fighting tooth and nail to heal.  He is exceeding the doctors' expectations for recovery.  Who else could orchestrate these events?  I am so overwhelmed with thanks--for this brother who won't quit, for my supportive and loving family, and for daily reminders that God is real and working in our lives.  I don't mean to sound "religious" or even as if I am this super person who has it all together.  I don't.  BUT, I know that I know (that I know) that I need Jesus all the time and He is here all the time...and I'll leave it at that.

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Confession.  My body is revolting.  I never do that well staying on track when I leave home, and the past four days are confirmation of that.  What is exercise?!  What is fueling my body?!  I wouldn't know because I've done neither of the two.  My menu for today--

Breakfast:  Bacon, Egg whites, and Cheese on a Asiago Bagel 

Lunch:  Angry Birds Gummies, Goldfish, and yellow melon mom cut up yesterday

Dinner:  Does a Starbucks Skinny Vanilla Latte count?  

Cut me some slack.  I've been at the hospital all day.  I know, no excuse.  I vow to get back on track tomorrow.  Say a prayer!

Confession.  I am ridiculously excited to go back to work.  I know, I know, teachers everywhere are wondering if I'm sick.  But honestly, there is so much excitement that comes with change and new beginnings.  I love my teammates already, and I adore my instructional coach who has been nothing short of incredibly helpful and supportive.  

Confession.  I'm a freak of nature.  I am still recovering from sun poisoning from two weeks ago.  My legs look absolutely ridiculous, and there is no possible way they will heal in time to wear summer attire.  On the plus side (yes, there is a plus side), my ankles are no longer swollen and I can walk without piercing pain all the way down my legs.  On the not-so-plus side, when my legs do heal, they will be just a pale white as they were before.  Winning.

Last confession, I promise.  I miss my husband soooo bad when he's gone whether that's 30 minutes or 5 days.  Being the wonderful man that he is, he brought me home to take care of my brother.  Unfortunately, he had to go back home and work but is driving all the way back to get me this weekend.  A week apart is just too long when you love someone just this much...and it's a HUGE much.  He is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I am really lucky to call him my husband.    Truth <3

downtown and a little cafe.

The last few days have been such a good great time and so full of family, friends, and fun...oh, and FOOD. How could I forget food?!  I couldn't.  I can't think of a better reason to splurge than a birthday, and I definitely splurged on mine.  This year's theme--cupcakes.  My husband knows me so well, he had these in hand first thing Sunday morning.

If you haven't had a Strossner's cupcake, you are definitely missing out.  Thankfully, my mom and her friend were coming for a visit so between family and myself I only actually ate two cupcakes.  Ok, I lied.  I had one every day for three days in a row.  But I'm done.  I'm back on the right track, and I honestly feel much better!  And yes, the birthday celebration lasted a solid three days.  I feel so lucky to have such wonderful family and a husband who treats me like a princess.

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My mom and her longtime friend, Louanne, came to Greenville for a visit to help celebrate my birthday.  We've been learning our way around Greenville and finding all of the best shopping spots.  This morning, we headed downtown to check out the shops and find a local place for lunch.  While I didn't find much in the way of shopping, we hit the gold mine of restaurants.  I'm talking heaven on earth people.  While in a cute little cooking store, we asked the store clerk where might be a good place to eat downtown.  She sent us to Tupelo Honey Cafe.  This super-cute place served up the goods!  My favorite is their Signature House-made Rosemary Peach Lemonade.  But at $3.50 a glass (no refills) and an unknown number of calories, I stuck to one glass.  You better believe I savored every sip.

Yes, those are FRIED okra.

After lunch, I took the girls to see Liberty Bridge...

The view from Liberty Bridge.

It is truly beautiful in downtown Greenville!  It's still hard to believe this is now my home, but I can honestly say it feels more and more like home each day.

Off to pick up the mother-in-law at the airport, and soaking up the rest of my visit with my mom this evening.  Wanted to leave you with this thought...

"You've only got three choices in life--give up, give in, or give it all you've got."  Make each day count. Choose happiness over the negative.  Choose to love others.  Whatever you do, do it with you're whole heart.  

they're how old?!

Last week, Bo worked at a wrestling camp in Wilmington for a few days.  It only seemed obvious that I'd go home for a visit during that time especially since my sisters were having a BIRTHDAY!  It's so hard to believe that they are 11 years old now, going into the 6th grade.  It seems like yesterday that they were just learning to walk and talk.  Now, they starting to think about "big girl" stuff.  It's scary.  I am so thankful to be so close with them and I pray that they always want their big sister around.

On their birthday, I took them to the beach.  I was worried the weather wouldn't hold out, but it ended up being perfect...well, other than the rough waters and gloomy sky!

That's my favorite.  If you look closely, you can see that they gave Alex boobs!  So silly :)  That evening was the real celebration.  My family took the girls to their favorite restaurant, Musashi.  Musashi is a Japanese steakhouse and the girls love to watch them cook the food right in front of you. And, of course, there were presents and dessert.  Three desserts to be exact.

Camryn, Emma, & Alex turn 11!

Awaiting their gifts :)

Needless to say, they had a good day and I was thrilled to be able to spend it with them <3