Home Sweet Home

I love love love being home, especially around the holidays.  We did Thanksgiving at home this year, just the 4 of us which was really relaxing and laid back.  However, that didn't stop us from cooking enough food to last a week!  I've never been into cooking all that much but I've realized that it's probably a skill I should acquire so I stepped up to the plate and learned to cook/bake a few food items including biscuits (made from scratch), twice-baked potatoes, a carrot casserole (it's amazing), and a chocolate cake (made from scratch AND the icing was made from scratch too).  I had alot of fun being in the kitchen and learning from mom.  

Besides cooking and eating alot of food, we got to play scrabble as a family which created laughter galore and we also went to see "A Christmas Carol" on Wed.  I loved it, but I talked to a couple people who really disliked it.  I think one of the reasons I enjoyed it was due to the fact that I grew up watching "A Muppet Christmas Carol" at least a thousand times, plus I love Jim Carrey (his role as the Grinch is def. my favorite).  Today, Meg, Dad, and I went to see "The Blind Side", and I will give this one an A++.  I absolutely loved it!  Sandra Bullock did an amazing job and the movie wasn't just about football; it was really funny, and it was touching at the same time, plus you can't beat it being based on a true story.  I also enjoyed being able to shop and hang out with Cathy and Chris on Friday, and hang out with Cathy tonight.  I'm going to miss everyone when I leave next semester!

Back to the grind on Monday (it will be the week and a half of NO sleep) and then home for break on the 11th!

AND here are some pics from the week :)

The Cake!

The cake baker

Mom's apple pie

This was another challenge I took on

The fact that it was an I Spy didn't make it easier....

Mom has found the one plant she can't kill-Christmas Cactus

 

The Thanksgiving spread

I can see the light!

Where in the world has the semester gone? Hard to believe this is the last full week before Thanksgiving break; after we return, we only have classes for one week before it's time for exams. Then I will be on a jet plane to Australia in February!  Crazy, crazy, crazy...

The weather is another item that has been crazy, crazy, crazy, particularly at home and in VA.  I've been looking at some video and pics and it looks like both the OBX and tidewater areas of VA got hit pretty hard with heavy rain and lots of flooding and over-wash. In Greensboro, it rained for about 3 days straight and we did have some flooding but nothing too major.  Now it's sunny and 70 degrees! (Sadie and I both agreed that Mr. Weather is forgetting to take his meds). 

Christmas will be here before we know it at the rate Thanksgiving is getting ready to sneak up on me; if you are looking for something to do that is going to reach out to others, do Operation Christmas Child!  This week is the last week for shoebox collection so you would need to jump on this quickly, but it is worth it and doesn't take alot of time.  If you want more info about OCC, here's the link to the website for Samaritan's Purse:  http://www.samaritanspurse.org/

It's a great project to do with kids as well.  

Words

"Three in the morning, 

And I'm still awake, 

So I picked up a pen and a page,

And I started writing,

Just what I'd say,

If we were face to face,

I'd tell you just what you mean to me,

I'd tell you these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,

Never give up hope,

You're going do great things,

I already know,

God's got his hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

These are the words I would say,

Last time we spoke,

You said you were hurting,

And I felt your pain in my heart,

I want to tell you,

That I keep on praying,

Love will find you where you are,

I know cause I've already been there,

So please hear these simple truths,

Be strong in the Lord and,

Never give up hope,

You're going do great things,

I already know,

God's got his hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

These are the words I would say,

From one simple life to another,

I will say,

Come find peace in the Father,

Be strong in the Lord and,

Never give up hope,

You're going do great things,

I already know,

God's got his hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

Thank God for each day,

His love will find a way,

These are the words I would say."

-"The Words I Would Say"  Sidewalk Prophets

Randomness

Let me just make 2 movie recommendations for you:  "P.S. I love you" and "Australia".  I watched both over the weekend (I've seen "P.S I love you" before) and they are both worth the viewing time; "P.S. I love you" is on the very top of my favorite movies list, and it makes me really really want to buy a plane ticket to Ireland!

Halloween weekend entailed nothing super exciting other than hanging out in the dorm; not really into going out and partying it up, particularly on a holiday (people are crazy).  

Sadie and I both got the swine flu vaccine this past week, so that is one less illness we have to worry about contracting; my roomie does have a cold though so hopefully she won't pass that along to me since I do seem to attract sickness.  

Study Abroad Update:  I received an offer letter from JCU last week so I am in the process of completing a few things so I can send that back to them.  

Can't believe it's November 1st already, but I DID enjoy getting to turn the clocks back last night :)