2012...WE GONE!

2012, a year that I came to love even though I thought I wouldn't. Knowing that I am about as OCD as they come, I did find a comfort early on in the year knowing that it was an even year as opposed to an odd, but nonetheless, looked on with skepticism as the year began. The year brought highs and lows, smiles and frowns and even some cheers and boos. As I look back over the year, there are many things that I should have done or wanted to do but didn't, but there were other things that I did that I had expected to. Here are a few highlights of 2012 for me.

1. NYC with my husband, one of my favorite places on Earth. We got to not only experience it, but experience it with my dear Aunt Stacy and Austin. Stacy and I experienced a rather expensive Godiva chocolate covered strawberry while strolling the streets and we had a grand tour of the city. Jeffrey was quite the food enthusiast as we meandered through New York, and Austin made us proud with his football efforts. All in all, we had a great trip; as NYC is a fave of mine. Call me a tourist or cheesy, but I love the feel of Times Square at night.

2. Football, football, and more football. Jeffrey and I enjoy football and other sports probably more than most and enjoy the time we spend with each other watching football. Austin allowed us to watch him excel this year as a collegiate center and made us rather proud. We traveled all over - Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia and even Minnesota this year. Spending time with each other, friends and family week in and week out allowed us to make memories that we will never forget. I thank God for these friends and family and for the opportunity for Austin to get to play the game he loves while getting an education.

Austin as a captain (#59):

Jeffrey and I supporting our Wildcats!

My family:

3. New undertakings. I was fortunate to be able to come back home to my favorite place in the world, Ninety Six and teach our children. What a great honor. I love each and every day in our small town. I also inherited the Ninety Six High volleyball program for the end of the year and worked with some amazing adults and players. I was and am reminded on a daily basis that Ninety Six is like nowhere else and for that, I am most thankful.

My awesome players on "Cause Night" supporting a cure for cancer!

4. Trips. We went several places, football and non-football related as a couple and as a family. We spend a great deal of time at the beach, my favorite place in the whole-wide world. We spent time on the lake, at Biltmore Estate, Greenville and so many more places. Each place allowed quality time and making memories. We are so blessed to be able to go and enjoy life all over the place.

Beach in the spring.

Downtown Greenville.

Beach in the summer.

USC Regionals and Super-Regionals. Chilling, awesome experiences. We were able to see Christian Walker and Michael Roth in their final appearances at Carolina Stadium.

5. Celebrations. Well Bekah Grace graduated kindergarten, Dalton, Mason and Ellison graduated college and Ellison got married. Deanna also birthed a child. Whew. A lot, and I know I've left some out.

Dalton's Graduation.

Bekah's Graduation.

Ellison's Wedding.

Brynn's birth.

Overall, 2012 was a pretty good year, but we had some trials. Daddy's cancer came back and he has been a trooper. I can't imagine what it takes to fight cancer, but I know that my Daddy makes it look easy. He's such a great example of a fighter and I am so proud of him. I know without a shadow of a doubt, that he will win this fight!

My volleyball girls think he's awesome!

Daddy and his girls.

2012, thank you for what you've taught me, what you've allowed me to experience and for the opportunities that you have given me. I look forward to 2013; as I know that it will be even better. I am so incredibly blessed that I know that no matter what comes, we will survive and smile through it!

Happy New Year everyone!

Back to school excitement!

I have to say that I am extremely excited to begin a new school year as an 8th grade science teacher. I have been fortunate to attain a position in my hometown in a school that I went to myself, well except for they have constructed a brand new one. I am so excited as to what I will be able to do with my students with this new opportunity and all of the resources that the new school will provide. I thought I would give you a few sneak peeks of my room before I finish all of my "decorations."


A look towards the back of the room with plenty of boxes to unpack! Notice all of the cabinets!

A view of the side of my room with the computer area for students and the amazing black lab tables and stools.

A front view of the room. Notice the new Promethean board and projector and lab demonstration area at the front.

The very front of my classroom when students enter the room. The door leads to a large storage area.

I think I am already spoiled! I am so excited. I have been working for several weeks to get this room ready for amazing students. I will post pictures this week of the room ready for my students!

Cheeseburger Surprise

Well, well, well if it isn't my lucky day. I attempted a fabulous and EASY recipe I found on Pinterest.com, and I must come clean, I have tried several before with limited success but this one was not only successful, but really good. I made a few minor adjustments and in the end, it was phenomenal.

Ingredients:

* 1-2 pounds of hamburger meat (You may substitute a leaner cut or even turkey to make more healthy)
* 1 pound of processed cheese cubed (I used the Great Value (R) brand)
* 3 tablespoons of melted butter
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* 1 large packet of Homecooked Bacon Bits (see picture below to know the kind - the recipe called for actually cooking bacon and
then cubing it and including it, but I found these worked just as well. Again, you can use the reduced fat kind)

* You can add onion powder or garlic powder for more flavor, but my picky husband does not like either so I did not include them.


Steps:
1. Brown hamburger meat and then drain all grease.
2. In a separate bowl, mix salt, pepper, butter, bacon bits and cheese cubes. (Add in garlic and onion powder here)
3. Add the bowl mixture to the drained hamburger meat in the pan and keep on warm heat. Stir until all fo the cheese is melted
and a nice, thick mixture is formed.
4. Add your mixture into crescent rolls and cook at 375 degrees for 11-13 minutes depending upon your oven.

After making the mixture, I have decided that I could also get really yummy rolls and place the mixture on them like sliders or even on hamburger buns. Oh YUM!