A New Goal/Hobby...

I (along with my mother and Jim) have decided that I need a new hobby. I like to do several things, but my absolute love is singing. If I could do it for a living, I would, hands down. I also like to play the piano. I have decided that this is what I want to do:



I love American Idol and I think this girl, Brooke White, is very talented. I can't play by ear, so I have to learn the music really well before I can sing with it. This is going to be my new hobby and my goal is to do it in church. I hope it works!

Singstar!

Playstation is a huge thing at our house (mostly with Jim). However, occasionally, I do tend to play Guitar Hero - this is an INCREDIBLE game if you have never played it - very addictive! But, tonight, we discovered something new...Singstar! We had some friends over and decided it would be fun for all four of us to try it. It's a karaoke game that you play on Playstation. There are several versions of it, but we have the 80s version. You battle back and forth between teams, having to get the notes and words right on all of these songs. You have to do it in microphones, just like real karaoke. Then, you get to playback your performance and hear how incredibly wonderful you did! It is great fun! We looked and sounded ridiculous, but it was all worth it!

We are having a wonderful Spring Break. We were at my parents house in Laurel until today and it was so nice to do absolutely nothing! I can't remember the last time we were able to sleep late and not have to be anywhere or do anything. I wish we had times like this more often!

Just a side note...I'm reading a book called "Battlefield of the Mind" by Joyce Meyer. It kinda goes hand-in-hand with a former post of mine that talked about strongholds. I HIGHLY recommend this book. I feel like every word on the page is directed right at me. I cannot put it down! It is amazing how God can use other people to send messages right to you! Sometimes, I think I just need a good slap in the face. This book is doing just that. It is so great...thanks Shelley for recommending it while you were at NW!

Spring Break! Hooray!

I know all of you teachers out there are shouting for joy for spring break! For some reason, I was more ready to get out this year than in the past. Just time for a break, ya know. I found out yesterday at 2:00 from my students that we have "Good Monday" off! I was so pumped. I sure would've shown up at NWRE at 6:45 Monday morning. The funny thing is, my husband has to go that day :) Sorry Jim.

This a pretty unproductive blog. Today, I'm finally starting to decorate my new house with pictures, etc. I have so much "stuff" that I don't know where to put anything. I have been here for a month, and you would think I have an idea where I want stuff. Nope...not even a clue. I enjoy this stuff, so I'm sure I'll have fun.

On another note....tomorrow night (Sunday) is our easter program at church. It is truly, truly amazing. The music is so moving. It starts at 6:00 and it's at Colonial Heights Baptist Church. Come!!

Recipes!

I got in trouble at work today for not updating my blog...excuse me. I'm still learning how the blogging world works (Jenny and Kara)! Last night, I cooked for Jim's family. I'm not usually a cook, so I was very proud of myself when I saw that it was a success! I thought I would share the recipes that I used! Enjoy!

Pecan Crusted Chicken (straight from Rachel Ray)

1 cup pecans
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup of honey mustard (I always use more)
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Preheat oven to 400. Grind the pecans into fine crumbs in a food processor. Transfer to a wide, shallow bowl and stir in the bread crumbs basil. Season with salt and pepper. Rub each chicken with honey mustard, then coat with the pecan mixture. Place on a nonstick baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Duhlish!

Broccoli Delight Salad

1 lg. bunch fresh broccoli but into pieces (4-5 cups)
1 cup raisins
10 strips of bacon, crumbled
1 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup diced red onion

Dressing: (this is what the recipe calls for, but I double these ingredients)

3-4 tbsp. sugar
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp. vinegar

Put washed and well-drained broccoli pieces in large glass bowl. Add raisins, onions, bacon and sunflower seeds. Mix together dressing ingredients, pour over salad.

Delta Hot Pineapple Casserole (right out of my mama's cookbook and it is AAAMAZING!)

1 lg. can pineapple chunks
1/2 cup sugar
3 tbsp. flour
1 cup cheddar, shredded
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
1/2 stick melted butter

Drain pineapple and reserve juice. Stir together flour, sugar, and 3 tbsp. pineapple juice. Pour over pineapple, which should be in a greased casserole dish. Cover with cheddar, then Ritz. Pour butter over all. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Draggy Day...

Have you ever had one of those days where you've felt like you have gotten absolutely nothing done? Today was the day for me! I know I got stuff done, but I feel like it was all a blur. I have so much busy work to do right now...so much that I think it has out-weighed my teaching! I think my kids felt that way too...they complained a lot today. They didn't feel like doing anything and really didn't do anything. I think it had something to do with the weather - cold and gloomy. We weren't able to go outside and I think the School House Rock video I showed for recess was definitely two thumbs down, according to them. I was entertained....


Last night we found out where the tornado siren is in Madison...right behind our house. I was sitting on the bed watching TV when, all of a sudden, I thought the world was ending and bombs were dropping. It was so stinkin' loud! I guess we'll never have to worry about sleeping through it.