What's Up Wednesday!!!

I'm excited to share what's up with the Macs today!  Linking up with Mel, Sheaffer, and Shay!

It's Hump Day!

1. What we're eating this week.....
This week is an easy week in the kitchen!  We had French Toast Monday night, homemade potato soup last night and tonight, then eating out the rest of the week because of dance and travel!  Caylee made apple dumplings last night that were delish.  Elmer helped her clean up.

#justsaynotodrugs #andflour

2.  What I'm reminiscing about....
Since everyone is reminiscing about past Halloweens, I thought I would post Caylee's first Halloween pics.  I too did a theme and went with a farmer and a cow.  I thought it was super cute!

I am also reminiscing about all the fun we had last weekend.  It really deserves a post all its own, and it may come.  Basically, we had a ballgame, a house full of kids for an impromptu sleepover, Junior Spirit Shaker camp, a baseball party, visiting a new church, a fall festival at new church, AND a five mile run.  Lawsy mercy!

3.  What I'm loving....
I have been loving this song.  I probably should put it under what I am listening to....

I am loving Thomas Rhett.  He wrote this song for his wife.  I heard him sing it for the first time when Mom and I went to the Opry.  This song sends cold chills up my spine.  Go to iTunes and listen!

I am also loving this stuff.  It is ADDICTIVE!

4.  What I've been up to....
This week, I am in prep mode for a luncheon I am doing on Friday for the teachers at the kids' school.   I am not doing the food, I am blessed in that department- parents have volunteered to bring in different things.  I am coordinating everything and decorating and will be there to make sure everything stays hot and cold! ;)

5.  What I'm dreading....
The time change.  I hate "falling back".

6.  What I'm working on....
This blog!  I am really trying to do a better job keeping it up!  Back when the kids were little, I blogged a lot and I love going back and reading it!

7.  What I am excited about......
This weekend!  Friday night, Caylee is dancing with the Spirit Shakers and Carson is doing his field crew gig then we are driving to Chattanooga after the game.  It will be LATE LATE LATE when we get there.  On Saturday morning, we are heading out early to Peachtree City for the Atlanta Airshow to see the Blue Angels.  I am excited!  They are having a special trick or treat party for the kids so the kids will get to wear their costumes.  There also may be a trip to IKEA in my future!

My tired little dancer after camp with her favorite Spirit Shaker.

8.  What I am watching/reading....

You guys, I have to give a shameless plug for an app I have.  It is called OverDrive.  It basically links into your public library (and the kids' school's library) and you can download books instantly to your tablet or e-reader.  You have twenty one days to read the book (you can set the length of check out days) and then it automatically deletes after the number of days.  I am loving this app.  I basically keep my Nook in my purse now and will pull it out while I am waiting on a kid in car rider line, at dance, or at baseball.  I am so bad about returning library books too so this is great!

9.  What I'm listening to....
Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan- is there anything else? I still love the new Luke album so much!

10.  What I'm wearing...
Confession: My closet needs help.  On the one hand, I can't justify spending money on clothes because I don't do anything special and I basically wear running clothes.  I feel like I wear the same outfits over and over again.  I am currently digging the whole plaid shirt and vest look, but I didn't document it when I wore it last week to PTO.
#bloggerfail

I never answered the question- I am currently wearing a Tennessee shirt (GO VOLS!!!!!) and black yoga pants.
#winning
#VolsShouldhaveBeatenBama


11. What I'm doing this weekend....
DB football, Air Show in Atlanta, seeing family, and IKEA!

12.  What I'm looking forward to next month....
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving, but honestly, I am looking forward to decorating my house for  Christmas and to start my shopping!  The last two years I feel like I have thrown Christmas together because we were in the Nutcracker and so much time was spent preparing and performing in it that by the time that Christmas came, I was over it.  Chad and I aren't in the show this year but Caylee is.  We will still be busy but not as bad.

13.  What else is new....
Recalls and more recalls on our Jeeps.  I have a serious love/hate relationship with our cars.  Yesterday,  I hated them. Both cars had recalls so when I called to make appointments, they told me to bring one in at closing and leave it overnight then bring the other the next day to be fixed and I could drive the first one left home while car 2 is getting fixed.  Well, someone didn't get that memo.  When I got up there yesterday, the Wrangler (car 1) hadn't been touched and it was going to take two hours to be fixed.  Turns out that both cars were fixed at the same time (two hours later) so I drove one home then we went back last night after Chad got home to pick up the other.  Three trips to Bristol in two days (and it wasn't even for baseball!).

I've decided that I would like to have my Tahoe back.  Chad and I have talked about it but I am not so certain I am ready for a car payment.

Insert mad emoji here.


14. What is a favorite Thanksgiving recipe....
I typically take cream corn to Thanksgiving.  It is easy!

Cream Corn (aka: Skoby's corn- named after a local restaurant)
Melt together on low heat:
3 tablespoons margarine/butter
3 tablespoons flour

Add:
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon accent
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cups half n half milk

Simmer thoroughly until mixed.  Add two small bags of frozen corn.  Simmer on low 20-30 minutes or until mixture reaches desired thickness.  I put everything in the crock pot once the sauce is mixed and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

That's all Folks!  Have a great day!

TGIF!!

Thank goodness it is Friday! Thank goodness we survived the first week back to school after fall break!

I am linking up with some lovely ladies for Friday High Fives!

I decided I would share my current favorites plus one!

O-N-E
As I mentioned in another post, Chad was out of town for my birthday and anniversary.  He was so sweet though.  He left gifts for the kids to give me.  He asked Caylee to hide them and give them to me on the 7th and 8th.  He knew Caylee would remember!  ;)

He gave me Yurbuds for our anniversary and a Jeep shirt for my birthday.  I love them!

I love the feel of long sleeve t shirts.  Not too bulky but provide a layer of warmth and I love our Wrangler so this was great!

T-W-O

My in-laws got me a Yeti cup.  I bought Chad one at the beach this summer and really wanted one for myself but didn't want to spend the money.  They got me the smaller cup for coffee, but cold drinks can be put in there as well.  

T-H-R-E-E

In addition to my cup, my inlaws gave me a little spending money (they are too generous).  I purchased a makeup palette I have been wanting for the past year and a new purse!  My purse is from Target!!!!!  I have become an eyeshadow snob and only wear Urban Decay.  I bought my mom this palette for Christmas and I knew then I wanted it too.  I love it!  Oh, and I love the nail polish pictured too- a new favorite!  Essie Frock N Roll!

F-O-U-R

Since I got a new purse, I am hoping I actually use it.  I have been guilty of just grabbing my wristlet and heading out the door.  This wristlet is my favorite because everything fits in it!  It is even MORE of a favorite when it has a little bit of cash in it!  This is from the Jewel by Thirty One collection.  I love the Kelly Green, a nice pop of color.

 F-I-V-E

We will not be in town for Halloween but that didn't stop us from getting Elmer a costume.  He is ready to join the SEC referees to ref the UT/Bama game on Saturday!  His floppy ear turned upside down is a favorite! 

S-I-X
A bonus favorite...  This stuff is CRACK.  I went to Sam's this morning to get stuff for a couple of events coming up and I saw this.  It grew legs and found its way into my buggy.  SO. FREAKING. GOOD. AND. ADDICTIVE.

Before I go, I would like for you to take moment to say a prayer of comfort for our high school coach and family.  As you know, Carson LOVES being a small part of Dobyns-Bennett's football team.  This week, the head coach's daughter passed away at the age of 32.  She had some health problems earlier in life.  I didn't know her very well but based on the many kind words being spoken about her, she was the kind of woman we all strive to be- an exceptional wife, mom, daughter, and friend.   She was well loved in our community.   She and her husband adopted three children and have one biological daughter- all under the age of 9.  I am heartbroken for our coach and his family and for her husband and the precious children.  Our community has rallied around them something fierce.  Even with a sad heart, it is great to be a part of the Tribe.

Thank you for keeping our coach and our community close in thought and prayer.

October Update

Greetings!  I was doing to do a post on things I am loving right now, but I think I am going to hold off for Five on Friday- it is really good, or at least I think it is!

I thought I would attempt to do an entire update in one post of the month of October.

First up, let's update on the husband.....

I had mentioned in a previous post that some changes may be coming our way.  Before I go any further, it isn't a separation or divorce.  There was a time that we thought Chad was going to be relocated to Washington, DC for a period of a couple of years.  We knew that two years wasn't long enough to move up there and sell our house here so the plan was that he would work up there during the week and come home on weekends then the kids and I would go up there as our schedules allowed.  Well, I am happy to report that they didn't get the contract and he isn't going anywhere- for now.  I hate that they didn't get the work; it would have been a great job for Chad, but I am glad we may not have to do a long distance marriage thing right now.  Don't get me wrong, there are some days I feel like we have a long distance marriage and he is in town!  If you could, keep Chad and his job situation in your prayers.  We love the company he works for but he has basically finished all of his contracts locally and will have to work in other areas.

Next up, what is going on with me?

Nothing.
Zilch.
Zip.
Nada.
With a little bit of Luke Bryan thrown in.

I spend my days in my jeep going here and there.  I get up, drink my coffee, get the kids off to school, run, come home do laundry, clean house, try to keep up with Elmer, cook, pick up kids, run them to activities, help with homework, shower, shave, and go to bed.  Wash. rinse. repeat.

Actually, that isn't entirely true.  I spent a night with this Georgia hottie:

And yes, I was close to him.  Bless his heart though.  He was SO SICK the night of the concert.  He came out and sang Kick the Dust Up and I knew something was off.  He made the band stop after the song and said he had two things to tell us: (1) that he wasn't going to reschedule the damn show again and (2) he woke up that morning with sinus sh*t but he would still rock it out.  Well, he did, but it was noticeable that he wasn't giving it 110%.  His band and the crowd had to sing for him.  He is still great and still my favorite!

A couple of pics of the opening acts and the venue:

This is the reason the concert was postponed.  Still lots of mud!

Chancie Neal

DJ Rock.  I sent him a tweet asking if he would make me a playlist for my half marathon.  He is AWESOME.

Chris Janson.  He sings Buy Me A Boat

Chris Janson put on a show.  He can play the harmonica like mad.  He was very feisty on stage.  My guess is he will be a headliner soon.  He just needs to eat some cheeseburgers and lift some weights.  He is SO SKINNY- like anorexic skinny!

Hi Rhett Akins AKA: Thomas Rhett's daddy!

Ben Haslip

Dallas Davidson

As for Caylee, she is getting ready for the Nutcracker.  She has been a trooper during Carson's fall baseball season.  This girl is growing up on the ball field!

She went through a phase of wanting to wear this crown ALL. THE.TIME.  Ate with it. slept with it on.  We let her.

Cheering on our Indians and our field crew kids in the rain in Maryville, TN!

These cat ears.  Her BFF got some from the dollar bin at Target and Caylee wanted some too.  They wore them to the DB games and got lots of compliments!

She made a sign for her favorite Senior Spirit Shaker!

Her love language is Auntie Anne's cinnamon sugar pretzels.

Since we spent so much time on the ball field, Caylee learned a new hobby to pass the time- cross stitching!  She is pretty good!

Caylee also made straight A's on her report card.  I am so proud of her.  Third grade is no joke.  It is even different now than when Carson was in 3rd grade.  Her teachers are great.  We have been so blessed with great teachers for both kids.
#proudmom

Last, but certainly not least, my boy.  Carson has been quite a busy and social kid.  He played fall baseball and is doing his field crew gig all while going to school.  Chad and I are trying to teach him that this is the life of a student athlete.  He had an excellent report card as well.  All A's and B's. Fifth grade is no joke either.  Holy batman- the rigorous curriculum!   He was bummed about the Bs, which I wish he wouldn't be but at the same time, glad he is.  I told him given the schedule he has kept the last nine weeks, he should be so proud.

He got to spend some time on the mound this fall.  Still has a way to go but getting better!

That's Carson in the orange shirt.  The ball boys wear orange shirts so the refs can see them.  He must stay side by side with the sideline referee.  The guy in maroon is the head student manager and the guy who trained Carson.  He is a sophomore, I think,  Great kid!

Well, that is it for now!  Thanks for hanging in with me!