Busy, Busy

Sadly I am super busy with school on the weekends so I won't be able to be as good at posting on here. I have a 8 week block class I am taking then after that I will just be working towards my CDA so I should have more time. 

There may be a post here and there when I have time, but it won't be as often. I will get right back to it, promise! For now when I post it will be a good surprise :) I will miss it, but sometimes you got to just put your head down and work towards something. 

With a Pinch of Love,

Ll'Chef

Home Again, Home Again

What a crazy last couple of weeks, but great ones so they were worth the business! 

 Two weekends ago I was able to go home to see my family because I probably won't be able to for awhile now. That Friday night I had to work until 5:45pm, but there was a winter storm that rolled through. This was my drive into work...yeah, not fun!

Our number were low so they were able to to send me home at 5 so I could be on my way to Vermont. The sun started to come out at 4 and all the teachers were really enjoying watching the sunset. 

This was right before sunset! I can't tell you now beautiful it was but these pictures capture some of it.

I went to Kristin's house and then we headed to Dad and Moms together. Kris and I always have such a nice drive and it is always so nice to all be together for the weekend. We talked on Friday night until midnight and then we got to sleep in on Saturday. Saturday my mom wanted to make a cheese cake and my Daddy asked me to make him healthy cookies so my mom and I spent time in the kitchen (Kris or course "helped" out) :) the cheesecake was to die for and I was so jelous that it came out so good! 

My mom had to work for a couple hours and Kristin went to help her, and Wes went to work so it was just my dad and I. My mom had gotten me bows that came on a ribbon and it got my mind going, and I wanted to make some more ribbons. When my dad went and dropped Wes off he came back with the PERFECT little wrack to put my ribbons on (yes, my parents still spoil me). So I got into my crafty mind set and went to work! I was so excited and my sweet Dad even helped me out.

Saturday night Wes and I played his Xbox together and we played a super fun teamwork game, but I totally forget the name of it. It was fun and of course we had to eat junk food while we play. 

Sunday morning Kris and I went with my Mom to the farmers market she works at. It was a ton of fun just being able to see what my Mom does on Sunday mornings. We were able to just hang out and the people that were selling stuff there were super sweet and really fun to talk to. 

They have music there as well and this week these two guys walked around the market and played. They were really good and full of energy...they would dance and many times the little kids would join them. 

After we unloaded at my Aunts farm my Mom had to count money so Kris and I went to play with the sweet little pony, she was really sweet and just wanted to have attention. 

I had a great weekend but because I left and did not shovel I had a good amount of work when I got back Sunday night. It was a CRAZY drive back and long story short I was safe, but I had to park my car down at the golf course and walk up to my place. I was out shoveling until 10:30 and it was no easy task, but I could always use the workout. The next day I went right back to work and have shoveled several more times since.

One day this week we had chocolate fondue, and then on the Friday before Valentine's Day we had chocolate covered pretzels. It always makes work a little brighter when there is chocolate involved ;) 

Then this last weekend I was able to go to Kris's for Valentines weekend. I got off work at 2:30 and it was so nice to spend some extra time with her. We just had a relaxing weekend and were able to go out to Applebees lunch (neither of us eat out much so it was a treat). Saturday morning Kris had to coach so I stayed at her place and knocked out my taxes. I was really proud of myself, just saying :)  

My Mom sent both Kris and I Valentines Day cards <3 They made us smile! 

We were already to leave for church and Kris's car had a soft tire so she asked if we could take my car. I thought it would be no problem, but because it was -15 the night before my cars battery was frozen! The story is complicated, but the end of the story is we jumped my car and pumped her tire up. Lets just be honest....we are beasts and who needs a guy in your life when you have a sister...life is never dull!

I got home Sunday evening and my Mom had given me a yogurt maker and I wanted to make some. I had the time and I was so excited when it turned out! It is delicious and I am sure that it is better for you because it has no additives. I can't wait to experiment with it and make all different kinds!

I also was able to get some ribbon over the weekend so I made two more strands for my bows! I love how this looks and I am excited because I can see and find the bow I want way easier. 

Yesterday was one of my co-workers birthday so I made her a cake. It was a chocolate cake with a fudge layer, a chocolate pudding layer, a chocolate whipped cream layer, and then toped with hot fudge drizzle. I thought it was going to be really rich and sweet, but honestly it was perfect!  

This is always a sign that you food was a hit ;) 

I spent my Saturday calling apartments and knocking out school. I start my next class on Monday so I am trying to get ahead in my other school work. I also was able to get my car washed and went for a little walk just to get a break from school work. 

Today I was able to get up and have a lazy morning and then I went to visit another church in the area. I was questioning it at first, but I really enjoyed it and met several people that were my age. I am excited and very thankful because I have not been to a church yet that has people my age and we all talked for 30 min after church. It was so refreshing and I am excited to go back next week! 

I am ready for another week doing the things that I love! Y'all have a wonderful week and remember to cherish the little moments! 

With a Pinch of Love,

Lil'Chef

Love Loving my Job

This week is a week that has been full of work, school, and more work, and school,
but I am loving it all! 

I have been able to be in my room all week so it has been nice to know where and what I will be doing everyday. This week Donna (my co-teacher) has been out for medical reasons so I have been in the room with Hailey and it was fun. She went to school for baking and pastry so we had a lot of ideas we talked about. We also were able to talk about what our favorite things to bake are and what our different school experiences were like. We had a great week, but I am very excited to get into a routine with having Donna back and learning how to work together. It is so cool because Donna and I live 3 miles from each other and this last week I went over and just had dinner and talked with her. It has been awesome getting to know her outside of work and it is so nice to know that there is someone close if I need them. She is so sweet and we are alike in many ways and I know we will make a great teaching team.

 My CDA class started on Monday and we started with the safety section and will be working on it until February 20th. I was put into the fast track group so it is a pretty good amount of work that is due, but so far I have kept up just fine. I do a section a night and it seems to have been working :) This a a cover page I made and then the other one is a page that goes on the front of my binder, I was pretty proud of them! I used bright horizons clip art and was excited to show my director and she loved them both. 

                                                

This is just my orientation and safe section so I am thinking that by the time a year is over I will have quite the binder!!

At this new center they do not have set hours that you work so you never know your shifts for the week until the Friday before the following week. This week I had several early mornings, but with the sunrises it did not make it so hard! My classroom has huge windows and I also get to see the sunset every evening as well and I love it! I can say that I don't care for the cold at all, but they do have nice sunrises and sunsets here.

I feel like since moving to where it is colder my body has had a really hard time adjusting. I am thinking my vitamin D is super low and I know that my iron has been low as well. I have felt very week and low on energy so I am trying to be more aware of little things I can do to help it. I started these last few days with making a spinach smoothie before work and I have already felt the difference. Some days I am still tired, but hey everyone gets tired! ;P

It was national chocolate cake day and so at work they had cake pops out for us teachers. They were super moist and hit the spot! It is the little things like this that make us teachers feel appreciated and make us want to keep working as hard as we do! 

On Friday night I went to Donnas and we went to this local sub place. I got a stake and cheese sub and it was SO good! I love subway, as you know by now, but have never even thought to try stake and cheese. This was a huge sub and man, it was so good! When I got back home I wanted chocolate so I finished this AMAZING chocolate that Owen's mom gave me when I left VA. She said it was her favorite and now I know why! It was super creamy and the hazelnuts where the perfect crunch! 

Today I had a "stay at home day" and it was so needed! I watched a church service, got a good amout of school done, washed my car (because it was above freezing), got to have a two hour chat with Lolo and then I will finish off the day with watching "Worst Cooks" while folding my clothes. My conversation with Lolo was so sweet and I am so thankful for her and our friendship! We miss each other very much yet have been so good with making sure we keep the other one updated. I am praying and hoping I can see her again sometimes soon, but I know that the Lord will allow us to do that in His perfect timing. She is always there for me and really understands me so well. She puts me in my place when I need it, but also she is there to catch  and encourage me when I need it. I think we will always be friends no matter where we are distant wise! I am very excited to see what the Lord has for her as she goes through many changes here in the next couple months! 

I am ready for this week and I think we have a pajama day at school this week....and that always makes for a fun day ;) Have a great first week in February... start it off on the right foot! 

With a Pinch of Love, 

Lil'Chef

Back in the Game!

I'm I was sitting on the bench a week and a half ago and I am so happy to say.... I am back in the game!!! Being a teacher has been a part of me that I never really knew would become such a passion of mine. I love my job and I could not imagine doing anything else. I am myself in the classroom and I have the best time with my little ones!

I got a call on Wednesday night that I was cleared to work and also go to the staff meeting that night. So I went to the meeting and it was a fun to get to meat everyone and it was also a very productive meeting! I was very excited to get into work on Thursday and get right to training. On Friday I got to leave at 4:00pm to go to Kristin's house and then go with her to see Dad, Mom and Wes! This is my  "excited to be going home today" selfie :) 

From here to Kristin's house was two hours and then to my parents it was another two. It was perfect because it broke up the trip and gave Kristin and I time to just talk and catch up. We had a wonderful and relaxing time over the weekend and it just reminded me of why I moved up here. I LOVE being close enough that I can just go home on weekends. The weekend was just perfect in every way, relaxing yet we had a lot of fun just being together. 

While we were there my sister wanted to make this chip bean dip, and I waned to make this dessert. I did not even get to take a picture of the dip because it was gone so quick! We don't like making things like this at home because we are the only ones and we would eat it all or is would go bad so this way we could share :) This is a dessert recipe Jenn gave me when I went to visit GA for thanksgiving and I was craving it. It is like a crumb cookie bottom (with pecans), a cream cheese mixture, chocolate pudding, and then topped with cool whip! It was delicious!! 

Shylee decided since Mom was at the market she would sit on Wes's lap while we watched the football game. Wes and I got time to play games together at night, and eat a lot of candy :/ Yes, he is such a bad influence for me, but I love my little brother to pieces!

When I got back on Monday afternoon I had some work to do. I was very grateful that the snow was fluffy and because I had shoveled before and found a broom that helped I actually enjoyed shoveling this time. It was nice to get some fresh air and a workout in! I am slowly getting use to it all and I am so thankful this year has been way lighter snow wise then last year so i can get use to it all! 

After i was done shoveling I made some dinner and I had this moose for dessert! These are my Mom's favorite and she put them in our stalkings this year. I had saved it for the perfect night and Monday night was that night. 

I rather work later in the morning that way I can get up, workout, eat a good breakfast, shower, and then head to work, but I have already had to work some early mornings. When I do go in later though I miss the beautiful sunrise, so one morning I had to pull over to get a picture. This is a house that I pass everyday and it is my favorite!  I love the color, the location, and the view.....maybe someday it will be for sale for $100....I can keep dreaming right?!

Friday night after work I wanted to go shopping because I so did not feel like going anywhere Saturday and I had no food. I got the essentials and to keep myself for buying things I don't need I give myself a "fun dollar". This chocolate milk was SO calling my name and it was $1.39, and it so hit the spot. When I got home I poured in into this glass jar my mom gave me. I am in love with them  (she gave me two) and use one every day for water. 

This was a wrap that my boss got me for a lunch meeting, but a parent of mine also brought us pizza so I saved the warp for dinner and it was so yummy! I got my dinner all ready and sat and watched a TV show. It was a perfect way to end my first full week of work!

This was my Saturday night dinner because I was cold and wanted something warm! I am not a soup person, but living where it is so cold it is slowly growing on me. As I am writing this I am realizing that I take so many pictures of food, guess it proves I love food :P 

Today I had a great time at a church that I visited and then I got good amount of school work done. I took a break from it to watch the football game and prep my meals for the week. I did 5 bowls and I am just not sure why the other one did not make the cut. I put some sautéed chicken on top of the split peas and lentils and it makes for an amazing hot lunch at work. I also have yogurt and fruit that I have packed with it as well. 

I am so ready for another work week, last week it felt so good to be back in the classrooms. I was a floater for all three infant rooms and this week I am just in my room so I am very excited. I like my kids already and the parents have been really sweet and fun to get to know. I have been blessed with the best co-teacher I could ask for and I know we will make a great team. She took off this week because of health reasons so this week will be different, but I am hoping next week we can start getting into a good routine.

Have a wonderful week!

With a Pinch of Love, 

Lil'Chef

Warming the Bench

Seems like just a couple posts ago that I had been sitting on the bench waiting to get into the job game, and here I am again.....waiting! You think I would learn how to be patient, but it is still really hard. I learned so much the first time that it is easier, yet waiting always has days where I just want to be busy with work. 

I left my parents house on Monday afternoon and headed to the house I am sitting in MA for three months. It is a huge blessing because I am able to look around at apartments and just get to know my way around before picking somewhere to live. My car needed her oil changed so I set up an appointment at a Pep Boys on my way down and it worked out perfectly. There was a Dunkin' right near it so after I dropped my car off I walked over and used my birthday drink cupon to get a caramel macchiato.

When I got to the house this is how my living room looked from moving all my stuff in and it drove me crazy. On Tuesday I cleaned and Organized most of the day and it felt so good that I knew where all my stuff was.

This week I went on a walk/run around the subdivision and I did not like the cold at all. The struggle up north for runners is real! Your cold when you leave the house and then your body gets warm so you take layers off but then as your cooling down you start to freeze because now your sweaty also :/. I am not a fan! 

Thursday it hit me that I moved and was not just up to visit for Christmas. I knew that a lot of that feeling was coming because I did not know a single person near me so I was pretty lonely. I pulled out the letters and the book that my old center gave me and it helped me remember the super fun times I had there. It was so encouraging reading the notes that parents had given me and got me excited to meet the new parents I will get to meet.

Because I have not had any income lately I have have had to be carful with spending money (yeah, sounds familiar) and I have gotten good at it :) This was after I worked out and as you can tell I was craving protein.

Friday morning my new director called me and invited me to their holiday party and I was so very excited. I was so ready to meet my new coworkers and being to be able to meet then outside of work was even better. It was so much fun and I felt like I fit right in with the other teachers. I can't wait to be a small part of this awesome team. I know that I will learn a lot from these amazing ladies I get the opportunity to work along side.

They had it at a local Mexican restaurant and the food was delicious! They had this AMAZING guacamole that I ate so much of I only ate one of my tacos. I got shrimp tacos with guacamole in them, topped with a fresh coleslaw, and served with Spanish rice. They were very yummy as well!

A rainy Sunday was had today, yet I have never been more excited for rain in my life. I am so thankful that it was not snow....because I don't have to shovel the rain :P 

Because I have been inside today I wanted to make a yummy dinner :) I had an egg omelet with baked mozzarella cheese sticks! I have tried them once before and they so did not work so I wanted to give it another shot. They were good, but still not the same as fried ones that you can order at a restaurant. Now I can say I have tried them twice and I don't think I will try a third :) 

I am hoping and praying that my background check comes back tomorrow so I am cleared to start on Tuesday! I know it will take time to settle in here, and I am ready to get that underway! Have a wonderful week, and I will talk to you all again next week!

With a Pinch of Love,
Lil'Chef