Seven Quick Takes

1. It is the end of my first year of teaching. Even though I have 2 1/2 days left of school I have a very long to do list before I wave goodbye to my kiddos. This weekend I hope to finish up my DVD I made with video and photos of the past year. Let's see if I get this task done before Sunday night.

2. My 14 sweet students gave me a wonderful Snapfish photo book today. When I began looking at it I started to cry. It finally hit me that I will be saying goodbye to my very first class and many of them will be going to different schools.

3. On one of the pages in the book they wrote about one of their favorite things about me...I will definitely blog about their responses.

4. Tomorrow is my sister Leslee's birthday!



5. Eric and I are going to do a makeover on our boring master bedroom. We are going to paint, add new blinds, and hopefully curtains.

6.
My students have been fighting with each other lately, so I busted out one of my favorite childhood books. Chrysanthemum is about a sweet little mouse that gets picked on and teased because her name is so unique. I taught my kiddos the importance of loving everyone and showing kindness. After I read the book the first response I got was, "Wow Ms. Christine, that was a long book." I pray that I planted a seed.

7. Happy Birthday to my bestie, Michelle Brown!

Ten on Tuesday

1. What was your high school superlative (if you didn’t have one- what would it have been)?
I didn't have one but I would have loved it to be friendliest or best dancer who was never on the dance team and never even taken a dance class.
2. What sports did you play in high school?
Sports...does gym count? I was in theater all four years and enjoyed it a lot.
3. What was the best part about your wedding (if you’re not married yet, what are you looking forward to)?
There are several moments that I still think back on that make me smile. Here are my top 3.

#3 Having our whole wedding party surround us and pray over Eric and I.

#2 Having Eric's 13 year old brother carry my 21 year old cousin all the way to the dance floor.


#1 Marrying my best friend.
4. It’s your last meal– what Appetizer, Soup, Salad, Entree and Dessert would you choose?
Take me to Roy's and I'll be good to go.
5. What song is your guilty pleasure?
Baby ft Ludacris: Justin Bieber or Thinking about Somethin: Hanson
What...don't judge.
6. What is your favorite professional sports team, and why do you like them?
San Antonio Spurs because they have some good guys on their team. (but to be honest I hardly ever watch them) I really like the Cardinals too because of Albert Pujols...and yes that is the only reason.
7. What is your favorite reality show and why do you like it?
The Bachelor or Bachelorette because I like to see which person they "think" is the one they will spend the rest of their life with. I don't think they can find love by dating a person who is also making out/dating other people, but it sure is entertaining.
8. How would you classify your home decorating style (modern, classic, french country)? We moved in last September and we are still in the process of creating a decorating style for our house.
9. Pizza- deep dish or thin crust? White sauce or red sauce? What toppings?
Cheese and pepperoni on a pan pizza.
10. Favorite weekend getaway within a two hour driving radius?

Drive 20 minutes to the airport and hop on a plane to take a short ride to Playa Mujeres. It's not a 2 hour drive but the only getaway I want to go to right now.

Rants 'n Raves

People, places, or things that I gotta gush about...

What: Thai Chili Restaurant
Location: San Antonio, TX
Bragging about: Tum Yum Soup
Hot and sour soup with chicken and straw mushrooms seasoned with lemon grass, Thai herbs, and cilantro.

I have been going to this incredible restaurant for a few years and have never not ordered this soup. You can order the soup any level you want depending on what you can handle. I usually pick a level between 5-7. I would highly recommend a large glass of water and box of tissues when eating. It will definitely clear out your sinuses but it will be so worth it.

I visited my sister and brother-in-law on Saturday and they generously gave me their leftover tum yum soup. Eric and I haven't had it in awhile but once we took one sip we both sighed and said, "this is awesome." We had just enough for one bowl each, but could have had a few more. I forgot about this little liquid treasure and will definitely go to Thai Chili next time we are in San Antonio.

I hope you give Thai Chili a try next time you are in the Alamo city.

Cation: DO NOT eat the soup if you are preggers or cannot handle spicy foods. Tums, Pepto and Pepcid AC will not be able to help you.

7 Quick Takes

1. I am still recovering from strep, but the good news is I am officially not contagious anymore. I hope to feel great tomorrow so I can go to San Antonio to celebrate Mother's day with my mom.

2. I have been craving dairy since yesterday. I can't have it because I still might have a slight fever. Fever and dairy...no good.

3. I wish I was Mary Poppins and could snap my fingers and have my whole house disinfected, cleaned and organized. I'm snapping...nothing's happening.

4. Every time I look at the clock the first thing I think is what my kiddos are doing at school.

5. I am really nervous Eric might get strep too.

6. I thought I was going to enjoy resting and relaxing at home while watching the first season of Glee. I tried watching the first episode and fell asleep 20 minutes into it.

7. Cat naps rock.

Yep, It's Strep

I found out today I have strep throat. I pretty much knew it was coming last night at school when I began getting a sharp pain when I swallowed and getting aches all over. I took a flashlight and examined my throat and saw white bumps. When I went to the Doc she took one quick look in my throat and said, "Yep, it's strep."

I thought I could go my first year of teaching without serious illness. The really funny part is I told this to Eric on Tuesday...oh life.
It's Thursday and I write a blast from the past story but as of right now I am having chills and sweating. I think I might just rest and finish Grey's. Sorry for the lame post but I hope to blog a great story next Thursday!

Goodnight.

My Symptoms...

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of strep throat are:

• A sudden, severe sore throat.
• Pain when you swallow.
• Fever over 101F.
• Swollen tonsils and lymph nodes
• White or yellow spots on the back of a bright red throat.

You may also have a headache and belly pain. Less common symptoms are a red skin rash, vomiting, not feeling hungry, and body aches.

Thank you WebMD. I have a Doctor's appointment at 11:15. I'll update you on the prognosis.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Do you prefer markers, crayons, or colored pencils?
Crayons by far. I get so excited when I open a fresh new box and see all of the sharp points. Too bad my crayon boxes at school are all dull and I have to rip the paper to expose more of the crayon.

2. As a child, how did your parents celebrate your birthday? (Parties, cake, you pick the dinner, etc.)
We celebrated with big parties every five years. There isn't a reason why it just happened that way in the Galvan house hold. I had big parties when I was 1,5,10 and 15. After my quinceanera the large parties stopped but we still celebrated my wonderful birth.

Me at about one years old.

My quinceanera. Working the big cinderella dress and glasses.


3. How do you feel about leggings?
I like them. I own 1 pair. I hope to collect more next fall.

4. How do you prefer to follow directions? With a map? Words?
Definitely a map. Preferably a map on my phone so I can look at it at stop lights.

5. What do you eat for snack?
sharp cheddar cheese, hard salami and crackers.

6. Have you ever ordered anything from an infomercial or bought any As Seen on TV products?
YES!!!! Well I didn't order it but my wonderful husband bought it for me. He got me bumpits! I really like them but to be honest I feel like people will see my amazing poof, know it is totally fake, and rip the bumpit out of my hair. I try to only wear it around people I know won't do that to me.
7. What’s your favorite thing about summer?
Getting into my car and instantly sweating...
I would really have to say it would be Eric's b-day, my b-day, our anniversary, and relaxing by the pool!
8. Do you have a tattoo? What and where is it?
nope, none, nada. I am not against them but I just don't have any. My best friend has a lot and I think they are pretty hip.

9. Are you good at journaling?
YES!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE to journal. The only sad part is I have never filled up a whole journal. I am in the process of doing that now. My dream is to have a lot of journals for my kids to read when I am old and gray and can't remember the good ole days.

10. What’s your favorite way to eat a hamburger?
Everything on it. Sometimes with or without pickles. Depends on my mood.

Monster Cookies

A friend and I made these delicious cookies on Saturday. I won't be surprised if they are all gone by the end of this week. I hope you like this recipe as much as I do. Have a great Monday!

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 12-ounce jar creamy peanut butter
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1/2 cup M&Ms
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup raisins, (optional) I didn't use raisins since Eric is not a fan of them.
  
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 4 1/2 cups quick-cooking oatmeal (not instant)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats.

In a very large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugars. Mix well. Add the salt, vanilla, peanut butter, and butter. Mix well. Stir in the chocolate candies, chocolate chips, raisins, if using, baking soda, and oatmeal. Drop by tablespoons 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Do not overbake. Let stand for about 3 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool. When cool, store in large resealable plastic bags.

These cookies were amazing!! A quick and easy recipe that everyone will enjoy!

"As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more."

Psalm 71:14