Zach and Nathana

This week was Zach's first full week of his internship, and since he isn't back in school yet, he got to work a full 40 hours! It was an almost full week of school for me too, except for the 2 snow days we had at the start of the week!  It was hard coming off of a 4 day weekend, but it was nice that it was just a 3-day week! While on our snow days, Nellie and I had  lot of time to spend together.  I had just packed away all of her toys approximately 10 seconds earlier.  You can see what good work she does! (I think she gets that from her Daddy!) ; ) Our friends, Christine and Cole came to stay with us for the weekend, so we were excitedly waiting for their visit all week.  They got here on Friday afternoon and we all went out to eat barbecue at Bandanna's.  It was delicious and after that we came back to the house where Nellie was basking in the glow of their attention!  She was is 7th Heaven!   She loved both of them so much! On Saturda...

I came up with this little idea of "If/When Wednesday" because I always have random "If I do this...." or "When I do that...." thoughts and this will be a fun way to organize them! I don't have a full vision for this yet, but if you want to use my prompts, play along, and link back to my blog, that'd be awesome!   If  calories didn't count for an entire day... I would make peanut butter eclaire, cherry delight, and oreo ice cream cake.  Then I would eat them all, while sharing with no one. I've always known I could eat an entire pie/ cake of the aformentioned, but it'd be awesome to just do it with no weight gain consequences! When Zach graduates in December, I just might cry, squeal, and jump for joy! We have the countdown on, and entertain ourselves many evenings talking about our future plans. And trust us, they're good ones! What's your next "When?"

On New Years Day we ate lunch at Mama Joyce's and I did NOT eat any black-eyed peas this year.  I decided they sure didn't help last year, so I'll be okay this year! Ha!   On January 2nd, it was back to school for me and Zach's very first day of his new internship!  Nellie wanted her Daddy to know how proud she is of him!  She may have had a little help from Mama to write the sign! ; ) A quick 2 day school week, and then we put the crown molding up on the weekend!  He had the saw inside since it was so cold outside.  I told him we were going to die from wood dust inhalation!  Just a sampling! But I am sure you can tell how good it looks!  I love it!  We have it all finished, just need to putty over all the holes where the staples went in!  He worked so very hard and it looks amazing!

Since this is approximately our 5th snow day this year, I think I'm qualified to instruct on optimum snow day enjoyment. If you're like me, you like to feel accomplished, yet still relaxed on a snow day.  For this, you'll need the following: 1. A ridiculously adorable puppy.  Good luck finding one as cute as mine!  It helps if said puppy is sleepy and cuddly.  This helps you get in a good nap. (That comes later in the day, though!)  2.  Laundry... wash it, fold it, put it away, and pat yourself on the back.  You did something on a snow day!  Now, enough of that!  3.  Your favorite brew out of your favorite mug.  So hot! (That's what she said!) ; )  4.  A baking project... because is there ever a time when baking is not a good use of time for a Southern girl?!  I think not! Cream Cheese Streusel Cake It's technically "coffee cake,"  but Zach said that was misleading as there is no coffee in it a...

This week was sooo close to being a full week, but we had a snow day on Tuesday, and then I went to a training for Youth First on Friday.  So another 3 day week!  I'm hoping next week we will FINALLY have a full school week.  The poor kids (and teachers) have forgotten what routine even is! We've gotten the routine of our at-home week mapped out roughly, and it's a doozie.  Between Zach's class, internship, and work, our time to see each other is so limited.  And when he is home, he is getting homework done.  I am so glad to know that we are on week 3 of 16!  I also have to look at it positively though that it is for just a short time and that I need to just really soak up and take advantage of the time I get to see him!  Thank goodness for weekends!

We go to Mama Joyce's for lunch and then stay the rest of the day and open presents that night after supper. We found a lady bug in the house, so naturally Lexie (and Norah Kate) wanted to hold it! Playing with Ross Mama Joyce with her pile of presents! Norah Kate!! Have you ever been so tired, you just lay down in the middle of Christmas?  haha! Eden!! Logan and Ross! Logan and his Pops! Lauren photo-bombing! They exclaimed, "We're kitty cousins!!"  Haha! Funny girls! Whew, I'm all caught up on Christmas posts!! Go me! : )