Shroomy

The recent damp weather has made our yard fertile ground for mushrooms.

(and weeds)

"La la la la la la, la la la la la!"

Peek At The Past Week

I haven't blogged in over a week but we've been busy as usual. I kept my nieces Olivia and Victoria last Thursday while my sis-in-law had a doctor's appointment.

Livy and Tori are going to have a baby brother or sister in April!

Last Friday I visited IKEA in Charlotte for the first time. I only spent $2.11 because I has a $25 coupon I got in the mail. Well, I did spend a little more if you factor in my meatball lunch and cinnamon rolls for the family.

I enjoyed looking through the showroom at all the space-saving ideas.

Corinna's room is so small that eventually a loft might be an option.

Although the furniture isn't the quality of the furniture my hubby makes, it's trendy and rather affordable.

another loft

Ok, I'm not fooling anyone....this is a pic of my living area through my messed up lens. At least it was cleaner than usual. Plus, we do have a wall unit from the 1970's. Do they shoot deer over in Europe? IKEA could've added a wall mount or two...they have a store in the south for goodness sake.

IKEA had some interesting paper chandeliers on display but I wonder how quickly the dust accumulates?

I can only dream of a kitchen of this magnitude!

The downstairs of IKEA had all of the upstairs items neatly packaged in boxes. There were lots of closet storage units and organizers galore. If I return again, I need to have a game plan of what I'd like to purchase. I basically got a few trinkets to use up my coupon.

Corinna's first soccer game of the season was last Saturday when it was unseasonably cool. I enjoyed the damp cooler weather.

Corinna scored 6 of her team's 7 goals!

She had a little rest while in the goal. Don't you dig the pink uniforms? I couldn't go to Drake's game Saturday because it was at the same time as Corinna's, but his team is 3-0 for the season thus far.

What is that flash of tangerine? Why, it's J.J. accompanied by his teammate nectarine Noah. My hubby's playing in an adult soccer league through the Y.

The Amigos of Mayhem won their first match.

sideline action

Drake campaigned this week for Southwood's VP. He didn't win the election, however. He was disappointed. I had the opportunity to share that I ran for Senior Class Treasurer and got beat by Tracie O'Grady.

Over the weekend, it was brought to my attention that I was not on the sub list for the schools I've worked in over the past 2 years. I was not notified about a mandatory substitute teacher training that I must attend. To make a long story short, the class is being offered again next week. After that, I hope to be working several days a week in Lexington City Schools.

I'm also planning to go to the sub workshop for Davidson County Schools. I have a friend who teaches at a nearby elementary school where there are multiple teachers expecting babies in the winter and spring. I can't be considered for those openings without completing the sub requirements for the county school district as well.

Up next....we've got 4 soccer games this weekend, weather permitting.

Stay tuned!

Mid-week Musing

Here what's been going on with the Cullens Crew lately:


Corinna had a friend Gabby spend the night last Friday. They dressed in style to attend Drake's soccer game (in Wilkesboro).

High heel shoes to a soccer game....sometimes you have to pick your battles. They ended up walking barefoot most of the day.

Drake continues to play soccer with much skill and heart (perhaps a college scholarship is in the future????)!

I love the intensity on his face. The team won both games this past weekend.

Hayden's play practices began last week and will continue through November when LYT will perform "Annnie." I am pleased to report that middle school is going surprisingly well (yay GOD).


I spent much time in reflection as our country recognized the 10th anniversary of 9/11 on Sunday. May our nation turn to the LORD~!

On Monday, JJ and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. I continue to thank God for giving me a godly man who leads our family well. I've spent time this week also reflecting upon how the Lord has sustained our family and blessed us beyond measure. He has provided for all of our needs and many of our wants. He withholds nothing from us (not even a full-time job for me). Since the school year has started, God has continued to show me that it was not His will for me to return to teaching full-time. Of course, I immediately acknowledged that, but it's great to be reminded frequently by the Holy Spirit.

I am not stressed. I can continue to lead a small group of teenagers in a weekly Bible Study. I have been able to better maintain our home. I can take my children here and there and everywhere after school without having to come home and prepare lessons, etc. Does the concern and worry about how we're going to pay for college or live in our retirement years creep in? Sometimes.

Yet, I am once again reminded of the Lord's perfect provision.

He will take care of our family for the next 13 years, the next 50....until He calls us home!

Happy Campers

We spent our Labor Day weekend camping. We had a smaller group this time, but we had a fun and relaxing stay at Falls Lake.

We spent a little time at the playground.

The kids played Uno and rummy

and even hangman.

The adults did some reading.

Our campsite was a short walk or bike ride to the swimming area.

The children played for hours on the "rope." There were no lifeguards on duty so I guess it was allowed.

The older generations sat in the shade.

CORNHOLE!!!

The campsites were very spacious and shady. (My the automatic lens cover on my camera broke so I have to zoom in to take pics without the black. But this shot was still the best one our site.)

My childhood friend Jane lives closeby in Wake Forest. She brought her daughters by to visit. I forgot to have picture taken of Jane and I.

We returned to the lake.

We were preparing to leave when a snake was spotted in the lake. My friend Kevin got a picture of it but I didn't.

Here's most of our camping crew....minus JJ and I and adding Drew. Drake met Drew within minutes after our arrival.

more cards

Now we've always got to fit the bikes in while camping. Hopefully soon JJ and I will get bikes and a bike hitch.

popping down the pop up

JJ's mom enjoyed camping with us this time. And we managed to go the whole camping trip without rain.

We did run into a little trouble on the way home. Thankfully, someone on the road alerted us that our tire was about to blow.

While JJ changed the tire we made a food run.

We're hoping to fit at least one fall camping trip into our schedule. It was too warm to even sit by a campfire this past weekend. We're ready for a little chill in the air!