What's Up Wednesday

Today, I am linking up with The Larson Lingo, Pinterest Told Me To, and Mix and Match Family for What's Up Wednesday! 

 

What we're eating this week....

I have been making crockpot recipes (courtesy of Mix and Match Mama!) Our favorites include: Mexican Meatloaf, Chicken and Spinach Enchilada Soup, Taco Tortellini Soup, and Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin. Making these recipes actually makes me feel like I am a good cook haha! 

What I'm reminiscing about...

I hate to say it, but I am missing the snow we had last year. Granted we got a lot and it was a pain to clear (although my husband cleared 99.9% of it haha), but it sure looked beautiful. 

What I'm loving....

I am loving spending time at home with my daughter. I am going to be a certifiable mess when I have to go back to work. 

What we've been up to...

Well.. we have been enjoying Addison of course :) oh and we spent the weekend at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH (more on that tomorrow) :/. 

Here is sneak peek:

What I'm dreading...

I was looking forward to Addison's cataract surgery on February 5th-- but now I'm nervous/anxious/worried. 

I just want everything to go well. 

What I'm working on....

I started this blog about a year ago without any expectations. I just wanted to document my life and share my experiences. However, I have a few things in the works so stay tuned! 

What I'm excited about...

I am excited for spring. When I walked outside today it smelled like spring (anyone else think that the seasons have a certain smell?) and I got really excited :). I know winter isn't over yet (February can be a really snowy month around here), but I can't wait to take Addison outside! I can't wait for her to play in our front yard, and for us to go on walks around the neighborhood together :)

What I'm watching/reading....

I wish I could say that I have taken full advantage of my maternity leave and have read multiple books but......I haven't haha. Any suggestions for quick/easy reads? 

I have been watching "New Girl" (I forgot how much I loved that show), embarassingly "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and of course the "The Bachelor" haha. 

What I'm listening to....
I just got my husband the Amazon Echo for Christmas (it's awesome by the way), and we have been listening to the following Pandora Stations: Harry Conick Jr. and Marvin Gaye. Addison really loves listening to these stations while getting her bath :)

What I'm wearing...
I'm wearing comfortable clothes while I can haha. I usually put on jeans, a pregnancy tank-top, a light-weight and flowy shirt, and I am good to go. Honestly a scarf can dress up even the most basic outfit! 
I LOVE thick, warm scarves, but I have to say that I can't wait to wear my spring style scarves. These would be great to add to my collection: 

           

{via} // {via} // {via} 

What I'm doing this weekend...
We don't really have too much going on this weekend (thankfully!), probably just some cleaning, organizing and cuddling :)

What I'm looking forward to next month:
I am looking forward to/somewhat dreading going back to work. On the one hand, I am excited to see everyone again and to meet my new students. On the other hand, I know I am going to be super sad to  leave Addie. I am so lucky and blessed that I have been able to spend this much time with her, and I am fully aware of that! 

What else is new...
Nothing else really-- just trying to figure out what's going on with Addison's eyes (other than the cataract). 

I think that's about it! 

What's Up Wednesday

Today, I am linking up with The Larson Lingo, Pinterest Told Me To, and Mix and Match Family for What's Up Wednesday! 

What We're Eating This Week: 

Crockpot meals and easy oven recipes. With everything that has been going on, crockpot meals are definitely a staple right now. Because the recipes are typically for four people, we have also been  having leftovers. It is great to get multiple meals out of one recipe. 

What I'm Reminiscing About...

We just got our wedding video a few weeks ago (you can watch it here), and I have been reminiscing about our wedding. I can't believe we will be celebrating our 1 year anniversary this December! 

What I'm Loving:

As I posted on Monday, I am loving all of the baby holiday clothes!  The Halloween costumes, and all of the Thanksgiving and Christmas clothes are so adorable. 

What We've Been Up To:

We have been "nesting." A lot. And I still do not feel ready. I feel as though the preparations never end! 

What I'm Dreading:

Although I LOVE daylight savings time for the extra hour of sleep-- I don't like when it gets dark early. Around here-- it can start getting dark around 4/5 pm! 

What I'm Working On:

I am currently working on preparing for my maternity leave. It is overwhelming, but I want my students to be all set when I leave. 

What I'm Excited About:

I am excited for Halloween! I can't wait for the excuse to eat the candy (we haven't opened our bags yet haha) and to see all of the costumes! 

What I'm Reading/Watching:

I am currently reading: 

I am currently re-watching "The Office"-- I absolutely love this show. I always wished that I would find a "Jim" of my own-- little did I know that one day I would meet my own Jim :)

What I'm Listening To:

The Adele song "Hello"-- it is so good! I am refraining from listening to Christmas music until November 1st....I just love hearing it so much! 

What I'm Wearing:

Comfortable clothes and scarves haha. Being 8 months pregnant, I am all about comfort. 

What I'm Doing This Weekend:

This weekend will be spent touring our hospital's birth place, passing out candy, and attending my sisters' cheerleading competition on Sunday. Busy, busy, busy. 

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month:

Thanksgiving of course! I also want to get our Christmas tree, decorate for the holidays, and possibly see the arrival of our little one! 

What Else Is New:

Nothing really.. 

What's My Favorite Thanksgiving Recipe:

My favorite recipes include: an amazing pumpkin bread recipe I found here, my mom's sweet potatoes, and my grandmother's mashed potatoes. I can't wait! 

What's Up Wednesday...September Edition

Today, I am linking up with The Larson Lingo, Pinterest Told Me To, and Mix and Match Family for What's Up Wednesday! I honestly cannot believe that today is the last day of September-- I feel as though this month has come and gone without me really realizing it. It is also crazy to think that in 9 short weeks, our little one will be here. I can't wait! 

Anyway....onto the link-up!

What We're Eating This Week: 

This week has been low key. My husband has been on a business trip, I haven't felt well at all, so it's been cereal and toast kind of a week :) Honestly-- sometimes it's nice to take a break from cooking overnight and just have a "college" dinner haha. 

What I'm Reminiscing About:

We got our wedding video sneak peak (a sneak peak 9 months later....I was slightly annoyed with how long it took to receive a 1 minute video but I digress). Anyway, the minute preview was amazing. It reminded me of our beautiful wedding day and how special it was-- it made me cry! I can only imagine how I will react to the actual video! 

What I'm Loving:

I am loving the cooler weather in the morning and at night. There is nothing like opening up the windows for some fresh air :) This week I also wore my first scarf of the season!!! Although I didn't wear it the whole day (I was sweating halfway through the day), it was promising haha. 

What We've Been Up To:

My husband has been on a mission to finish the kitchen, but also finish what we can with the nursery. I've been doing a lot of planning, grading, and organizing. School is busy and I easily get stressed. Thankfully this past weekend, I was able to relax and little bit and rest.  

What I'm Dreading:

I am dreading having to put the kitchen back together haha-- although I can't really complain. My husband has done about 90% of the work. 

What I'm Working On:

Umm.....nothing really. Is that sad? That's sad. I need a hobby---and soon haha. 

What I'm Excited About:

I am excited that Jim will be back home tonight :)

What I'm Watching/Reading:

I am seriously binge-watching Parenthood. I have also been on a football kick-- it doesn't even matter what teams are playing haha. 

What I'm Listening To:

Sam Smith Pandora station, my general iTunes selection and I hate to admit it, but also some Christmas songs. 

What I'm Wearing:

Maternity clothes everyday: dresses, shirts, pants, etc. It isn't quite cool enough to wear multiple layers and scarves yet, but I am hopeful that is coming soon! 

What I'm Doing This Weekend:

This weekend, I am helping out a friend with wedding planning, and my husband and I are attending our birthing class (eek--- wish us luck)!

What I'm Looking Forward To Next Month:

I am looking forward to cooler weather, sweaters, scarves, and Columbus Day Weekend. 

What Else Is New:

I got a new haircut this week :) I needed a change! I hadn't done anything differently with my hair since January! 

I hope you all had a great month, and are ready for October! 

What's Up Wednesday

Today, I am linking up with Shay, Mel, and Sheaffer for What's Up Wednesday! Today is the first day of school for ninth graders, and tomorrow is the first day of school for the rest of the high school. Because I have Freshmen, I start teaching today! Well-- I am not "teaching" much today (since we only have 30 minutes with our students instead of 90!), but I am introducing my students to the class and what they can expect this year! I always get so nervous the first day of school-- I honestly get more nervous now that I am a teacher than when I was a student. (Is that sad?!) Anyway, I am so excited to link up with these ladies to talk about what has been happening lately!  

1. What We're Eating This Week: Thanks to Shay and her friend Andrea at Momfessionals, I have been eating delicious pulled pork! (You can find the recipe here). It was super easy, delicious, and because it's just my husband and myself, it fed us for two whole days (including lunch!). Before the baby comes, I want to try out a few more crockpot recipes so that I have a collection to use this winter! Thankfully my husband is a HUGE fan of the crockpot (he also doesn't mind cleaning it for me :)). Otherwise, we have been trying to grill as often as we can, and also utilize the fresh fruits and vegetables from our local farm. This may be the first year that I am all "corned" out! 

2. What I'm Reminiscing About: Every year before school starts, I start to think about my past school experiences. If being a professional student was an actual job, I would absolutely have that job. Hands-down. I love school. I love learning. I love being surprised by things, thinking of new ideas, having discussions with people. Honestly, one of the reasons I became a teacher was so that I could always be at a school-- it is definitely where I am meant to be. 
Oh and I'm missing the summer already. 

3. What I'm Loving:


4. What We've Been Up To: "We" (I use that loosely since my husband and sisters have been doing all the work!) have been working on finishing the baby room. The walls are done, now we just have the furniture left to paint. I think we are going to save much of the decorating until after Baby M is born (since we aren't finding out the sex of the baby). Once all of the furniture is done and set in place, I will share photos! 

This week, I FINALLY finished the baby registry.Wow. That took a long time. It was confusing, stressful, overwhelming, but also fun haha. I think what made it so hard is that you want the best for your baby, but there are so many opinions, options, styles, etc out there. It was definitely hard to choose the larger items, but now it's done! Thank goodness :) 

5. What I'm Dreading: 

6. What I'm Working On:  I just finished setting up my classroom today (yay!!!) and I am starting to lesson plan for next week already (double yay!!). Although, one of my goals this year is to only plan three days in advance (this is going to be so hard!). Because so much can change in a day (students need extra time with certain concepts or students don't need as much time), I really think I am doing a disservice to myself if I plan anymore than that. Trust me-- this is not going to be easy! I also want to make sure that I spend as much time with my husband as I can. If my nights are filled with lesson planning and grading rather than spending time with him, then I am not giving us the time that we need together. Teacher friends-- any suggestions on how to balance life/work better than I have in the past?

7. What I'm Excited About: As much as I don't want the summer to end, I am so excited for the fall. I love the smells, the food, the weather, the outdoors. I feel so fortunate to live in New England during (in my opinion) the best time of the year. Honestly-- if you have never traveled to New England, come here during the fall. You will not be disappointed. 

8. What I'm Watching/Reading: Shamefully, I am watching Bachelor in Paradise 2. It is so addicting! It also provides a lot of comedic relief after a long day haha. We are still watching "Ballers," which I really like. Any suggestions for what I should start watching this fall? We don't really have that many shows that we watch on a weekly basis, but we are always looking for new ones to try out. 

9. What I'm Listening To: Sam Smith Pandora-- seriously if you have not listened to this station, you must! 

10. What I'm Wearing: Dresses. Lots and lots of dresses haha. It is too sticky/humid for anything else right now. 

11. What I'm Doing This Weekend:  Mentally preparing myself for an almost full week of school! Oh and probably some relaxing too. We were extremely busy last weekend, so I am looking forward to enjoy the last few moments of August. 

12. What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month:  Pumpkin everything. Apple everything. 

13. What Else is New:   I recently purchased some Fall/ transitional maternity items from Old Navy and I can't wait to try them on! I will let you all know how well they fit!  

14. What Is My Favorite Back to School Tradition:  My favorite back to school tradition is school supply shopping. I typically go to Staples and Dollar Store and let me tell you I am in heaven. I spend hours in there-- not an exaggeration. I love pens, folders, decorations, sharpies, pencils, etc. It just makes me happy :) 

What's Up Wednesday

Today, I am linking up with The Larson Lingo, Mix and Match Family, and Pinterest Told Me To for What's Up Wednesday! 

1. What We're Eating This Week....

It has been extremely warm this week, so Jim and I have resorted to grilling food (chicken sausages for example) and including fresh fruits to our menu. 

2. What I Am Reminiscing About 

After visiting UNH on Saturday, I have really started to think back to my Freshman year of college (which was about 10 years ago!). I loved college- and not for the typical reasons! I loved school; I loved learning. I miss taking notes, I miss my chemistry labs, and I miss the dining hall :) I spent just under 6 years at UNH (for undergrad and grad), and I wouldn't trade those years at all. 

3. What I Am Loving 

I am LOVING the beautiful sunsets the past couple of nights. 

4. What We've Been Up To 

Jim has been working so hard on our yard this spring, and I have planted quite a few annuals and perennials in our flower bed. We have been trying to make the outside look presentable :) 

5. What I'm Dreading 

Organizing the end of the year...lesson plans...study guides and reviews...finals...it's all coming! 

6. What I'm Working On:

This blog....it is still a work in progress....

7. What I'm Excited About 

My "wedding" photo shoot Saturday! I will keep you posted :) 

8. What I'm Watching/Reading

Married at First Sight....if you haven't started watching it, you need to! You can catch up pretty easily since there are always old episodes on during the day. 

9. What I'm Listening To

Michael Buble/Frank Sinatra Pandora and Disney Movie Pandora (yes I have very interesting/eclectic taste) 

10. What I'm Wearing 

Dresses! When the weather is hot (for New England mind you haha), I love to wear dresses at school. The dresses I have are light, airy, and extremely comfortable. Most of my dresses either come from Old Navy or Kohls, and I typically look for them during the Fall/Winter-- they have great Spring/Summer sales during those times! 

11. What I'm Doing This Weekend 

Relaxing, photo shoot, more relaxing, oh and probably grading....

12. What I Am Looking Forward to Next Month 

The end of school! 

13. What Else is New:

I will have some news to share-- potentially next week if all goes as planned :) stay tuned! 

14. What Is Your Favorite Thing To Grill in June:

Honestly, either chicken or chicken sausages. I am a huge fan of simple, but tasty meals! 

I can't wait to read everyone else's posts! Have a great Wednesday everyone :)