Christmas 2012

Being able to FaceTime with my niece, Riley is one of my most favorite things about 2012. The way that she lights up when she sees me could melt even the iciest of hearts. Even though it's doubtful that she will remember our chats which consist mainly of me just making funny faces and speaking in a language only recognizable by Riley I still treasure these moments. I spent most of this week entertaining both of my nieces so my heart is content. I was sick the week before, I mean laryngitis, bronchitis, diagnosed with walking pneumonia sick, and was worried I wouldn't get the quality time I desperately wanted with little Anna and precious Riley; but God is so good all of the time and helped heal me right on Christmas Eve, just in time for church. Wonderful how He works that way. 

We did send out a Christmas card, it didn't include any of the above photos, so the best way to share these is on this blog and my instagram of course! (follow me @hohodryden)

My beautiful sisters, both older and one younger. 

One last FaceTime capture with Riley, well a picture of Riley, but I did talk to her, Claire was just showing me her school picture and I thought it was adorable.

My wish tonight is that you had a magical Christmas and are preparing for a blessed New Year.

It's the End of the World as We Know It

The Mayans were wrong and the world didn't end. Shocking!

 There are far too many things that I wouldn't have experienced. So, now that it is in fact confirmed that we aren't going out in a fiery blaze today I can continue living my life. I spent this entire week coughing, sneezing, and sleeping. Yes, I have bronchitis. Yuck! Things could be worse and I am on the road to recovery, thank you Jesus. Today is the last day of school and at twelve o'clock it is the beginning of my Christmas vacation! Wa-hoo!

I plan on dedicating the next few weeks to my health. That means more gym time, more fluids, and sleeping longer. I forgot to mention that last week when I made my way back to the gym, you know, after my two year hiatus that I felt like a superhero, the endorphins coursing through my body were invigorating. However, the very next day I was reminded a superhero I am not. My calves hurt, my jaw hurt, everything ached, but in a good way. I have missed this feeling and welcome it back into my life. You have my word that if for some reason I stop working out again you can accuse me of murder, thanks to Miss. Elle Woods.

Saw it. Pinned it. Did it. Crockpot Dinner

World's Easiest Dinner

This is the original pin and recipe.

Easiest Dinner Ever. (frozen chicken, cream cheese, black beans, corn and rotel). Cook all day in crock pot. Shred and serve in tortillas or over chips.

Mine:

    I purchased everything the previous day and didn't have any prep work the night before. I got up just a few minutes earlier that morning to prepare the crock pot. I put the frozen chicken in first followed by the cream cheese, corn, rotel, and finally the beans. Easy breezy. The only thing I found difficult was opening the cans, the Mister forgot to tell me that the can opener was rusted! When I got home that afternoon the house smelled like yummy food. Blake was impressed and enjoyed several delicious tacos that evening and for the next few days. My verdict is that this really was the easiest dinner, EVER.

oh, how pinteresting! Inappropriate Elf



The Inappropriate Elf edition

You can check all all the entries here

A few weeks ago I did an Elf on the Shelf edition and this week I came across several pins with an inapropriate Elf and I couldn't resist. Another blog is hosting a contest for the most inappropriate Elf, I found several photos that were hilarious, click on the link under the last photo to see more. Hopefully if you are reading this you are giggling. Such a naughty elf!

A Day of Silence



High Five for Friday!

1. Finally (after almost a 2 year hiatus) I'm back at the gym! Luckily I ran into my brother in law and he helped show me around the gym.

2. I got to FaceTime again with my adorable niece Riley. She definitely lifted some spirits at our house last night.



3. Yay for cold weather. Last week it was in the eighties so I was really happy to wake up to a freezing cold house in December, for real, I was excited. Now it feels like Christmas time.



4. This scripture has spoken to me this week. As Christmas approaches I am staying focused on what that means and why we celebrate.

5. Thank you, Pinterest, if it weren't for you I wouldn't have been able to create, distract, and procrastinate if it weren't for you!

I must also give a high five to Johnny Manziel aka Johnny Football. Gig 'em & way to go! Thanks for making my husband super happy thus leading to a spectacular week!

Saw it. Pinned it. Did it.

I have been obsessing over this link up.

Here's the original


And here's my version:


I bought the canvas at Michael's & used a 50% off coupon, (go me!) google searched a deer silhouette, printed it out, then cut it out, and found gold glitter in my classroom. At first I planned on tracing the deer on the blank canvas but then decided to just put glue all over the cut-out and then modge podge it to the canvas, and then voila! Even the Mister likes it, a total win-win, thanks pinterest!

Oh, how pinteresting! Holiday Edition



Holiday Edition