Closing Out 2011

Tucker and I have been on vacation this week, together! Usually, Tucker's vacations do not coincide with my school holidays. He planned it just right this year! We have decided that we are so ready for retirement! We have been staying up late, sleeping late, having lunch dates, and working out together. It has been wedded bliss! I wish every week could be like this!

Monday, we celebrated Christmas with Grandaddy John and Carol. We had a wonderful brunch and more presents! Granddaddy John gave all of the grandchildren peanut butter jars filled with change. Tucker and I both got one! We counted Tucker's, and it added up to $75! We assume that's how much is in mine too. We are saving our change for a rainy day:)

Emily and I in our new pea coats! 

Tuesday, Tucker and I went house hunting! We are not quite ready to move just yet. We have a few more projects to complete at the house we live in now before we can put it on the market. We are hoping to sell our house this year and be in a new house before the end of 2012!

Wednesday, we had lunch with Granddaddy John and Carol at Hamilton's in Auburn. It was delish! Then we went back to Granddaddy's house to sing some karaoke! I retired from singing karaoke a few years ago, but I just had to indulge Granddaddy John! He is a karaoke master! Then it was back home to tackle taking down all of the Christmas decorations. This year I decided to buy tubs and organize all of our Christmas decorations. It wasn't very fun, but I know I'll be so thankful next year!

Today, Tucker is out playing golf while I'm catching up on pajama wearing, coffee drinking, and blogging. We have a lunch date planned, then it's off to catch up on a few errands; grocery shopping being one of those things. I hope I'm not the only one who hates the grocery store! I make Tucker go with me to keep my anxiety level down! Ha!

Tomorrow, we are heading to Atlanta! We will be spending New Year's Eve watching our Tiger's play in the Chick-fil-a bowl against Virginia! I'm not going to make any New Year's resolutions this year. I feel like 2011 was a very productive year, and I accomplished everything I wanted to do! I completed my master's degree, lost 15 pounds, and got my booty in shape! My only plan for 2012 is to keep on doing what I'm already doing!

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!!! Happy New Year!

Amanda

Christmas in Snapshots

Merry Christmas! We are finally home after a rowdy day and a half of celebrating! First, let me say how nice it was to have Will home for Christmas! We don't see you enough, Will! Secondly, Kate, Tucker, and I REALLY heard sleigh bells as we were going to bed on Christmas Eve. You might say crazy, but as for us three, we believe!!! Thirdly, tacky Christmas MUST become a family tradition. Tucker and I are already planning our outfits for next year.

Phyllis was the most tacky by far! The puff paint sweater was fabulous, but the gold pants pushed her over the edge! Can you say jealous?!!!

Tucker and I in our tacky outfits!

Bandit was especially happy that Will was home! So cute! 

Merry Christmas from the family!!!

Please don't judge me for how terrible I look in these photos. I forget something every time we go away somewhere; never fails! This year I forgot my makeup:( Catastrophe! On another note, Christmas was fabulous! Tucker got me an orange pea coat, and I got real cow girl boots from Phyllis and Al. I wore them all day to break them in. Tucker got new golf shoes, a new jacket, and lots of clothes. We must have been very good this year!!! Till next time!

Amanda

Super Easy Pinterest Recipe

During this holiday season I have been invited to many parties. I always feel obligated to bring something to the hostess as a token of my appreciation. This year, I found a super easy recipe on pinterest, and it literally takes only minutes. If you are a busy gal and pooped like I usually am during this time of year, you need to try this!

Basically, all you need are small pretzels, Rollo's, and pecans. Heat the oven to 250 degrees.While the oven is preheating, place pretzels on a cookie sheet. Top the pretzels with one Rollo. Place in the oven for 4-5 minutes. This melts the Rollo just enough so that you can easily push a pecan down on top of it. Take out of oven, and immediately push pecans on top of the Rollo. Place in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.    

Just out of the oven.

The finished product!

I will warn you now...these are super addicting. You can't just have one. I made a huge batch. I bought 12 packs of Rollo's, 2 bags of pretzels, and 2 bags of pecans. I used all of the Rollo's, 1 bag of pecans, but only 1/2 a bag of pretzels. There are 8 Rollo's to a pack. This is very helpful information when trying to decide how many to make. I definitely would only use 6 packs of Rollo's next time. I'll be making these for Christmas!!!

On another note, I have been loving my Christmas break. I have been sleeping late, drinking lots of coffee, and relaxing on the couch. Tonight I plan on having dinner and doing Sips n Strokes with a good friend, Tricia Adams! My sweet husband has been working himself to death to deliver all of those last minute Christmas packages. Even though he is worn out, he still found time to watch Twilight and New Moon with me last night, and I have been waking up to this every morning!

I melt!

Amanda

Blessed

I made it; I survived the last day of school prior to Christmas break! What a day it was! There were lots of presents, carol singing, and candy cane munching. Even some of my sweet students from last year brought me presents. It felt good to be remembered <3. On another note( a not so good note), some of my students decided to make weapons out of their candy canes. I didn't even know this was possible, but apparently you can suck the end of the candy cane until it reaches a very sharp point. Then you can use it to pretend you have a bear claw and proceed to pretend to be a bear and mock scratch other students. What can I do? I was also threatened AGAIN by the same student who threatened to kill me after asking him to quit talking at the silent lunch table. Don't worry, this time he only threatened to slap me... for asking him to sit down. I sent another student to I.S.S for bullying, and another missed the Christmas party entirely for making bad choices. So needless to say, it has been a rough day, and I am so very grateful for Christmas break.

Although my job is tough at times, I am so very thankful to have a job.I know so many who are looking for teaching jobs at this moment.With budget cuts and our wonderful Governor taking money from the education fund, it's not a very pleasant time for teachers looking for jobs. I also try to remember that many of the students I teach come from not so good backgrounds, and the hugs they get from me morning and afternoon may be the only hugs they ever receive. It's so very hard when you have students in your room, whom you know will not receive many presents , if any, for Christmas. Sadly, we teachers have many of these students.

My goal this Christmas season is to count my blessings, and there are so many! This weekend was absolutely fabulous! It started with a relaxing day on Saturday with a little shopping mixed in. Tucker and I also went with Tucker's parents to the Auburn basketball game. This was our first time to see a game in the Auburn Arena, and it was a blast! I was also surprised with a graduation present from Phyllis and Al! They gave me a birth stone ring that is STUNNING! I love, love, love it!!!

It could not be any more prefect!

On Sunday, the crew met up at Arricia's at the Auburn Hotel and Conference Center for brunch. They had a wide variety of food to choose from and it was all delish! I'm not proud of myself, but I literally ate myself sick. The dessert bar pushed me over the edge, but you can't say no to dessert. Well you can, but why would you want to?! Phyllis and Al, thank you so much for supporting me during this time and for making this celebration so special!

From left: Jay, Jim, Kathie, Emily, Andy, me, Tucker, Mymama, Al, and Phyllis

I was so happy to have Jay and Jim come eat with us!

This screams Boswell Christmas card 2012!

Tucker having fun with the nutcracker. Had I known he was holding this above my head, he would have had an altercation with the nutcracker! Ha!

Emily and I in our fabulous coats! Our goal is to have a pea coat in every color!

Then it was off to Birmingham to celebrate Christmas with my Grandpa and my Aunt Rhonda. I had an awesome time getting to see my cousins., some that I had never even met before. There was lots of yummy food. Unfortunately, Tucker and I were still so full from brunch that we couldn't even think about eating! There was lots of cutting up, story telling, and laughing. I love my family!!!

From left: Staci, Rachel, Taylor, Gracie, Grandpa, Claire, Jason, and me. Talon is squatting and Claire isn't looking. She was precious in her Santa outfit!!!

Jason, Grandpa, and Talon

My Aunt Rhonda! Love you!

Tomorrow I anticipate sleeping late, wearing pj's all day, and coffee drinking on the couch! I may even wrap a present or two! Merry Christmas!

Amanda

Colonial Day and Cell Projects

Whew! This time of year is so busy for teachers! Planning a Christmas party, missing class for programs here and there, and benchmark testing makes for a rough week. Not to mention, I have a whole course of study to fit in somewhere! Here is a snip it of what we have been doing in school lately.

Enjoying gingersnaps and apple cider on Colonial Day!

Some of the fantastic costumes! 

I love the white wig! He made that with cotton balls! So creative!

I dressed like a man on Colonial Day! It was much easier than pulling together a woman's outfit.

On Colonial Day, the students were asked to dress in attire that colonists would where during the colonial period. That morning, the students participated in many activities that taught them about life during the colonial period. They learned about taverns and had warm and cozy snacks such as gingersnaps and apple cider. They also got to make homemade air fresheners using oranges and whole cloves. They also played games that boys and girls would have played during the colonial period.The students' costumes were so very creative!I was blown away with how well they did!

In science, the students were assigned a cell project. They could choose to make a 3-D model of a plant or an animal cell. Once again, I was blown away! I swear they are genius!

Only three more work days! We are counting down the days to Christmas break!

Amanda

At Last!

I'm unofficially finished with graduate school! Whoop! Whoop! I say unofficially, because in my mind, it's not official until I have that degree in my hand and more money in the bank! I'm so very excited to be finished! I feel like after a year and a half, I finally have my life back! I took my last final last Saturday. Although, I don't know what I made yet, I feel pretty confident that I didn't blemish my 4.0!

I'm so very proud of myself for accomplishing this goal! It wasn't easy, but I did it, thanks to my wonderful family and friends! I would like to thank Tricia Adams for always proofreading my papers and not being afraid to hurt my feelings. Ha! I would also like to thank my grandpa for his support and encouragement when I just wanted to quit. And I can't forget my mother-in-law/cheerleader who never ceases to let me know how fabulous I am :)

And last, but not least, I have to thank my wonderful husband. He spent many a night alone on the couch, eating hotpockets and pizza. When I was home, I was often in study mode, writing papers or lesson plans. Finally, once again, he has my full and undivided attention. I thank you, sweetheart, for your patience, your help with all of the housework, and your love and support. You are the best!

The delay in blogging is due to my laziness, that I have been enjoying this past week. It's been so nice to not have any assignments due, papers to write, or presentations to prepare. Most importantly, I'm most excited to not be making another trip to Phenix City!

Have a wonderful week!

Amanda

Thanksgiving, the Iron Bowl, and Crafts!

What a busy week! Today it was back to the daily grind. Thanksgiving was so much fun and much needed. Tucker and I went to Wetumpka to celebrate Thanksgiving, and on Friday, I spent the day watching football with my grandpa. It was one of my favorite days :)

All of us women cooking!

Kate, Emily, and I

Tucker's grandmother, Mymama, bought us girls those "cutesy poo" bags as she would say :) Inside was a mini muffin pan, spatula, and the ingredients and recipe for Pecan Bites. They are delish! I will post the recipe as soon as I have tried to make them! Hopefully they will be a success!

I had to do all of my Christmas decorating on Wednesday, before Thanksgiving! I absolutely detest decorating before Thanksgiving! Call me old fashioned, but I believe in celebrating Thanksgiving, THEN decorating for Christmas. This year, with our very busy schedule, I had no choice.

Tucker putting the angel on the tree!

The finished product!

Our fireplace and mantle. The stockings are home made. My mother-in-law is a knitting genius!

Christmas is my favorite holiday. Decorating for Christmas this year was a little stressful though. I couldn't decide where to put the tree. After three locations and multiple scratches, it finally found it's home.

Friday, Tucker and I stayed up late creating our sign for Gameday on Saturday morning. We were on T.V.!!! We recorded it just in case you missed it :)

At Gameday!

We had so much fun!!! I don't really want to talk too much about the game. I think everyone knew we were in for a loss.I was very proud of our guys for playing their hearts out and not giving up! Better days are coming! War Eagle!

Lastly, I have a new addiction (thanks, Kate!), Pinterest! I have gotten so many good craft ideas off of there. I'm so glad I will be finishing my master's degree this December. At least now I'll have more time for crafts!!!

An old window used to display wedding pictures <3

Tucker and I found this at Angel's Antiques in Opelika.

I used scrapbook paper behind the pictures. I absolutely LOVE it!!! In other news, I take my last final this Saturday! Wish me luck! Have a great week!

Amanda



Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving! I would like to say first and foremost that it is important to remember to be thankful everyday for the blessings in our lives.Sometimes it's a constant struggle; nobody knows that better than me, but I do try to remember to count my blessings rather than counting my disappointments.

I am thankful for so many things. This year has brought with it ups and downs. It's been mostly ups, but as my grandpa says... every now and then life throws you some bumps in the road. I am thankful that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I am so very thankful for the life he has given me, and the opportunities that I have had throughout my life thus far. Anybody that knows me well and knows what my life has been like, truly believes in miracles. I, in no way, should be where I am in life, but I'm here thanks to God. I am a miracle!

I am thankful for my relationship with my grandpa. He keeps me grounded, listens to me fuss, and comforts me when I cry. He's the closest thing to a dad I have ever had, and I cherish every moment that I have with him. I am trying to remember everything he has told me, every story, every saying, so I can one day tell my children about their crazy great grandfather.

I am thankful for the time I had here on Earth with my grandmother.I know she's looking down on all of us, and I know I'll see her and my dad again someday. What a day of rejoicing that will be!

I am thankful for my dog, Bandit. He keeps me warm at night, and makes me feel safe when I'm home alone. For a long time, it was just little boo and me.Slowly, he has adjusted to Tucker and loves him just as much as he loves me. Plus, I can talk to him without feeling like a crazy person!

I am thankful for my in laws. I know some that would not be able to but that, but I'm so glad that I can. I am very fortunate to have married a man with such a wonderful family. They are accepting, supportive, and a little crazy ;) They actually like getting together, and it is so much fun when they do! I love each and every one of them, and I'm so very proud to be a part of the Boswell clan.

I am so very thankful for my wonderful husband, Tucker, who has been awesome this year. He supports me while getting my master's degree, and he encourages me every day. Sometimes he's my punching bag and my sounding board, but most importantly he is my best friend. I'm so lucky to get to spend forever with my best friend! I'm very thankful for the memories we have shared, and I'm looking forward to the memories we will make in the future.

What are you thankful for? Happy Thanksgiving Friends!!!

Amanda

Let Them Eat Cake!

This past Sunday I decided that I would bake a cake for my cousin, Khat's, birthday. She just turned 21, and I'm so proud of the beautiful young woman she has become. It's not easy making it on your own, but she's doing a pretty darn good job. Now back to the baking...Khat wanted chocolate cake with chocolate icing....Yum! Yes, I could have ordered her a cake from Kroger's, but I wanted her cake to be special, so I decided I would forge into baking territory.

The ingredients.

He's a whiz with the mixer!

Making the home made icing!

Yes, it's three layers!!!

The finished product!

Happy 21st Birthday, Khat!

Considering that this was my very first chocolate cake, I think I did a fantastic job. I haven't quite mastered how to get the layers even, so the cake was a little lopsided, but it tasted delicious all the same! Next time, I will also add more frosting between the cake layers. I ended up with a lot of extra frosting, but it was oh so good! I dipped my finger into the bowl one too many times!

I got the recipe from Allrecipes.com. I have listed it below if you ever think you might want to bake a super rich chocolate cake!

Sandy's Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

• 3 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup baking cocoa
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/3 cups sour cream
• 1 1/3 cups boiling water
• FROSTING:
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 3 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate
• 3 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
• 5 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, cream brown sugar and butter. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy. Blend in vanilla. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add alternately with sour cream to creamed mixture. Mix on low just until combined. Stir in water until blended. Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. For frosting, in a medium saucepan, melt butter and chocolate over low heat. Cool several minutes. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, sour cream and vanilla. Add chocolate mixture and beat until smooth. Frost cooled cake

The recipe was very simple. Tucker had to help me not to stress about the huge mess we were making. I don't think my kitchen had ever been that messy. I'm the person who likes to cook but to clean as she goes. That's nearly impossible to do when you are baking.Flour and sugar seem to get everywhere! It was all worth it though! On another note, it's officially Thanksgiving break!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Auburn vs. Georgia

War Eagle! Even though we were massacred Saturday night, I still believe in Auburn and love it!!! We had a fabulous time in Athens BEFORE the game! Ha! Georgia truly has a beautiful campus. We enjoyed strolling downtown and seeing all the sights. Lunch was fun! We stopped at the Copper Creek Brewing Company and had burgers before the game. They were delish! They even brewed their own beer! From there, we headed to the game with our heads held high and with even higher hopes. Boy, were we ever disappointed! It is important to remember to support our coaches and players even when we aren't playing our best. Better days are coming soon!

Downtown Athens at the Georgia Theatre

Lunch at the Copper Creek Brewing Company. They brewed the beer in the area behind us.

The famous "arches".

Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia.

Tucker and I being silly with the camera at lunch.

On our way to the stadium.

More picture silliness <3

We left the game in the middle of the third quarter when it was apparent we were not going to make a come back. This was a big deal! Tucker never leaves a game early!!!We had big plans to go eat pizza at Little Italy in Athens to celebrate our win, but those plans were dashed, so we just hightailed it out of there! Thanks to Tucker's Aunt Kathy and Uncle Paul for letting us stay with them Friday and Saturday night! They run a fabulous B & B! Ha!

Now we are preparing ourselves for the Alabama game! I fear things may get a bit ugly for us, but I'll still be there sitting proudly in my orange and blue!

Amanda