Currently November

Hello Bloggy World! I have totally dropped off the face of the map.. sorry about that. I have been really busy changing to a new grade level (moved to first after 9 years in third) and the year started off with its usual crazy pace. But then, the worst phone call I have ever received happened 3 weeks into the year and everything went into a kind of tailspin. My mom called me one Friday afternoon. Her voice cracking, my anxiety level raising and she said, "Heather, I have cancer." We found out the following Friday that is was really bad - Stage IVB Vaginal Cancer.

I could post a whole book on the emotions I felt that day and every day since with the ups and downs that occur when a loved one is going through cancer treatment. I also live far away from her (I am in Texas, she is in Ohio) but I am really not sure if that is better or worse. Sometimes I feel like I am in a protective bubble, other times I feel like I couldn't possibly be further away. Any way, I figured I needed to rejoin the land of the living and try my best to live my life assuming she will get better (easier said than done!!)

Okay, sorry for the drama. Onto my November Currently hosted by the wonderful Farley.

Listening - I love country music. It makes me happy

Loving - today the high was in the 70's. Yay!!!

Thinking - my teacher bag is staring at me....

Wanting - I need to get November math stations ready to go before it is December!

Needing - this really is my thinking and wanting also... I love my mom and can't imagine not calling her to tell her the little random things about my day. Can't imagine her not seeing my kids grow. 

Yummy Pin. I have made this carmel apple dip several times. It.Is.AMAZING. Like, lick the bowl with no shame good. Click the picture above to get the recipe from Event Trender

Eating, drinking, and Linking party : Sweet and Spicy Bacon Chicken

I am linking up with Teaching Tales Along the Yellow Brick Road to share one of my favorite recipes. I have so many that are yumm-o from Pinterest so choosing just one to share today was tough! I thought I would pick a more summery one.  These sweet and spicy bacon chicken rolls are to die for... I love the sweet/spicy combo and who doesn't love bacon? 

source: Diary of a Recipe Addict

The full recipe with pictures can be found at Diary of a Recipe Addict (linked above) I am telling you, don't let the little bit of prep work scare you aware - de.lic.ious.ness. You will need;

4 chicken breasts cut in thirds 

Bacon slices

salt and pepper to taste

garlic powder

chili powder

brown sugar

Cut each breast into 3 pieces, season all the chicken with the spices, then wrap a bacon slice around each piece, roll in brown sugar. Spray the grill with oil really well (or lay down tinfoil sprayed with oil) and grill until chicken is cooked through. 

If you are interested in seeing more recipes I've pinned, click here If you want to see weight friendly recipes, click here. I would love for you to follow me on pinterest and bloglovin'

Have a great day,

We Ain't Fakin' Whole Lotta' Linky Going On!

Did you read the title like Elvis? I curled my lip and everything. I digress. Oh.My.Word. There is a lot going on in the bloggy world on Monday's! I stumbled across this fantabulous (that's a real word, right?) linky party hosted by Tara over at 4th Grade Frolics.

Soooo, here is the problem. I am feeling VERY noncommittal these days and therefor I can't participate in this awesome linky party. You see, this is what I do. I over think EVERYTHING. Grrr. It is my worst trait (I think) and it leads me to this feeling of unsettledness in the pit of my stomach. I have so many things pinned (classroom decor board) and so many things I want to craft before I go back to school but I am completely stuck in a holding pattern until I pick a classroom theme! Every time I think I've made a decision, I start hemming and hawing and then I am back at square one. I have seen SO many ideas and I love them all!  I really can't spend a ton of money getting all new baskets and I am a matchy, matchy kind of girl. I have hot pink, black, white, and teal baskets. I really am loving the pirate theme with black, white and red and our school colors are even red and white but then what would I do with all my beautiful hot pink and teal baskets? Mental note, only buy black baskets from now on as they will match every future theme! Anyway, because I love to craft and because I am afraid I will run out of time if I don't get a move on, I am committing to pick and theme and get some crafts done before next Monday's party. I hope you'll stop on by next Monday to see what theme I've choosen and what goodies I've made! 

On a related note, I found another linky/giveaway going on over at                                                         Run! Mrs. Nelson's Got the Camera! 

I have chosen to add a recipe. I have made this and have been asked to make about a million times (yes, I exaggerate and make up words!) This one is super easy, although it does require some preplanning and it feeds a crowd! So without further ado, I present to you - Chocolate Brownie Trifle. Yumm-O. Head on over to Mrs. Nelson's site to see what other cool things have been shared. 

Click here to get the recipe!