Top ten things about last year......not in any particuliar order!

1. Watching Grace discover throwing the discus and learning to ready write. Just seeing my baby girl passionate about something made my heart happy.

2. Learning the JoGail is becoming more self directed. She's gotten al lher AR Reading points quickly in the first pasrt of the 6 weeks. (Previously we would be struggling to get them in the last weeks that they are due.) I'm very proud of her for that.

3. Continuing to realize how many friends I have in Eustace ! Just knowing I have friends I cna text, call or scream out helps. Sometimes I can get down, feeling like I live in a fish bowl, but I KNOW I have friends who will try to understand. We are truly a village trying to raise our kids!

4.  Suriving a due process hearing. In my line of work, that's when a parent basically sues the school for something to do with Special Ed. services. Not fun and  stressful, but I now KNOW I can handle it should it come up again. Well, actually it's not quite over yet, but knowing God is in control. Period.

5. Taking the girls to Ragley and watching them interact with MawMaw (my grndmother). Making memories!

6. Watching Coy lose weight and work out. Yes, it sort of inspires me.....sort of! He is very dedicated and determined. And he has started counting calories again, so I'm saving every wrapper I cook with!

7. Reconnecting with college suite mates. We had a girls away weekend and it was wonderful! We chat on facebook often now and that is stress relief at its best!

8. Starting to teach the junior high girls Sunday School class. (Yes, I actually put that!) I love those girls. They are funny and honest. I know what an  impact my Sunday School teacher had on me and I hope I am a good role model for them as well!

9. Rediscovering that God's ever protective arm is around me. Covering me.  But that I must read his Word to have hope! (Psalm 119:114). My Bible was my constant while I waited for 3 days to testify in the Due Process hearing. It was my comfort!

10. Seeing myself grow at work. Not having knee jerk reactions, or stating my opinion quite as much.I think I have learned to just be quiet a little more. ( I'm not sure if I have actually learned that yet, as I have to keep practicing that! )Seeing that I am making a difference in the lives of my kids I work with.  I love interacting with them. They can brighten a day full of paperwork!

2 new recipes!!!!

I tried 2 new recipes from pinterest this week and they were both hits! JoGail and Coy loved the meatloaf and Grace loved the chicken and biscuits! Both are super simple and easy enough for weeknight meals!

Meatloaf

1 pound ground turkey
1 box stovetop stuffing -whichever flavor you choose
1 egg
1 cup water.

Preheat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients together well. I ended up using my hands to make sure it was mixed well! Patinto loaf pana nd bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until done!

Chicken and Biscuits
1 tube biscuits
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
1/2 c sour cream
3Tablespoons milk.

Preheat oven to 375. Mix all ingredients together, except for the biscuits. Add some salt and pepper. Pour into 8X8 pan. Lay bescuits on top. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes or until done.

Variations--You can add shredded cheese to the chicken mixture.I am going to add a drained can of veg all to the chicken mixture next time I make this (my gang loves veg-all.) I think it will turn out like a chicken pot pie but with biscuits on top instead of the crust.