Teachers Rock!

Last week was my son's teacher's birthday.  In other words, it was another day to spoil her rotten!  I know I have mentioned it before, but I firmly believe that as parents, we need to love on our children's teachers.  They spend so much time and energy teaching our kids 5 days a week.  They also spend so much time outside the classroom working on ways to make their classroom better.  I have written more about why I think encouraging our teachers is important here, so I won't go into it again. 

Anyways,  I am currently in the midst of some top secret Teacher Appreciation projects for the entire school as well as for Ethan's teacher.  It is SO MUCH fun!  I can't wait to share it with you.  But here's an idea to get the wheels turning.  It doesn't cost much and is a super fun gift! 

 

We did a box of candy (Target has a really good section of movie theater candies), a Diet Coke, a package of popcorn, wrapped up with a cute tag I found on Pinterest with a movie code for a Redbox rental.  

I found this cute printable here.  

One thing I did learn from this that no other blog seemed to mention, was that Redbox only allows you to buy codes in bundles of 5.  Still not that bad.  You just buy them for yourself as the recipient and then you get an email with the codes.  It's also not very easy to find on their site, so feel free to click here for quick access.

Then with other rental codes, I found some great ideas on Pinterest!  Can't wait to try them out!

Tuesday Thoughts & Link Up

Today, I am going to just keep it real.  This week is one of those weeks that I am digging deep to find my joy.  My house is a disaster.  Everyone is exhausted (and cranky).  My to-do list is a mile long. My computer met a very untimely death.  And I can't seem to do much right (I know that's not true, but sometimes it just feels like that).  However, despite all my frustrations I am thankful for so many things!  So, maybe I don't have to dig that deep to find my joy. . . it just takes a little bit of effort some days.  I am reminded of the verse in James, where we are to consider it ALL joy! It's always easier to find my joy once I start listing things that I am grateful for (if you haven't read the book 1000 Gifts yet, I highly recommend it!). 

Here's my list from the last 24 hours: Sunshine and clear skies, blooming bottlebrush trees sprinkling color across my backyard, texts messages from a friend praying for me, a simple "I Love you" from my husband, beautiful community within my son's school, signs of creativity scattered all over my house reminding me how creative their little minds are (i.e. legos), late night talks with my 6 year old, and encouraging words to the Thessalonians (and to me!).

I could keep going.  Seriously, even as I type this I am feeling better.  You should try it. It is a great practice to do daily! 

So, that being said, here are some other things that have brought a smile to my face the past few days!

:: This video is AWESOME.  They had me at Zachary Levi. . . singing!  Now I think I will go have a Chuck marathon or find this movie somewhere.

:: I have some really fun memories watching The Princess Bride. . . It's a classic!  In fact, one of my favorite memories is a high school snow trip afterparty (things didn't go as planned due to a sudden snow storm) and watching it with some of my favorite high school friends.  This was just awesome!

:: I recently got a taste of this ice cream.  And now I am hooked!  Did I mention, it's dairy free and amazing flavors. 

:: I may be sleep deprived, but I LOVED this!  And even though we aren't in the newborn stage and my babies are really just kids, I think sleep deprivation is a normal part of motherhood. . .

It rained last week.  Seriously. . . we are in a drought!  But we saw a double rainbow!!!

I am loving last month's My paper pumpkin!  It even came with a diamond stamp. . . perfect for cards for a certain best friend! 

I want to make this for lunch tomorrow. . . I am a sucker for avacado and tomatoes!

And now my skillet is hot and ready to cook up some yummy dinner!  And the kids are starting to go bonkers.  Reality.

What's for dinner? {March edition}

Spring Break is over!  Now to catch up!  We had so much fun exploring, sleeping in, crafting, baking, etc that this week has been quite the recovery week.  The house was a disaster (please tell me it's not just me!), and I am exhausted! 

I had all sorts of yummy pictures all ready to post for you, but then Easter came and my computer crashed, and everything. . . most likely gone!  My heart head kind of hurts just thinking about it.  So, it's a good thing that this post is coming up, because I don't need any of my pictures for it.

March was a yummy month!  I made some super yummy things via the wonderful world of Pinterest and some really great fellow bloggers!  What's cooking at your house?

Pesto Pasta with Sun-dried Tomatoes & Asparagus

This wasn't the first time I've made this one.  It's been made many times before, in fact, if you follow me of Facebook, I am sure you've seen me rant and rave about this one.  Seriously, it is so yummy and incredibly easy!  And right now, Asparagus is at it's peak. . . so you should make this now. . . Really!  It's quick, it's easy, and it's great for your meatless Monday line-up!

Lettuce Wraps

So, lettuce wraps are probably one of my most favorite foods.  I am known for just dropping by Dai Bai Dang and ordering some for take-out.  The combination of warm meat mixture with cold, crisp lettuce is like a party on your taste buds.  This recipe is super basic and simple, but super delicious!  It's a regular on our menu!

Thai Peanut Saute

(totally not the best picture!)

I absolutely love Noodles and Company and unfortunately we don't live super close to any.  The day they open one in town, I will celebrate!  When I was in San Francisco last November, I found that they stopped making my usual pasta combo, so I ordered their peanut saute.  It is so yummy!   I like to substitute shrimp instead of chicken. 

Spinach Salad

This spinach salad was so delicious and light!  It was a great hit.  But, my favorite thing about this recipe was the salad dressing. . . an orange poppy-seed vinaigrette. I really couldn't wait to eat the leftovers the next day! And as I am typing this I am wishing I had planned this for next week's menu.  

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