Friday the 13th

And what better way to start it off than by having a horrible nightmare?

Yup. Thanks a bunch fictional holiday!

Several years ago JJ and me traveled to Pigeon Forge, TN and on the way back we stopped in at a Native American store and he bought me a dream catcher. Ever since, I have not had any bad dreams. I used to have many my Sophomore year of college. I have been sleeping pleasantly since we moved to Elizabeth City UNTIL I put my "wonderful" dream catcher up. Wednesday night I had a serene, clarifying dream then last night...made me wake up confused, sweating and completely unhappy. We will be gone this weekend so hopefully I can see if it even has anything to do with the dream catcher.

I hope everyone has a relaxing yet fun weekend. JJ had his check up yesterday and is healing just fine. Went to Joann's to use a gift card a friend and her fiancee (Cindy and Will) gave me for graduation. Thanks again!! Today I have some errands to take care of and I am going to Zumba at 11:00 a.m. with my buddy Erin. The plan is to stay in New Bern tonight. Tomorrow morning I am going to meet my mama to get some clothes for my first year of teaching (like I said, my mama is the BEST!) Heading to Ashleigh Smith's shower thrown by Lauren after that. Then...BEACHIN' it up baby! The goals over beach week include 1. Catching up with JJ, family and friends 2. Relaxing 3. Keeping up with my working out 4. Relaxing 5. Relaxing ;)

Lots of Love! Marcy

"Say It Ain't So"

I wish I posted on a regular basis so I wasn't feeling like I am playing catch up! Since I wrote my last update post....

1. The school year finished out and my students did well on their finals! The Foods I final exam scores were wonderful!!! The week after school was out we had a Common Core workshop where we focused on getting our curriculum maps completed for the next school year as well as trying to alter our thinking towards project-based learning. I love the concept and have many good ideas but just need to find ways to get more specific for each one I have. It was a lonnggg week but very beneficial for me, especially being a new teacher.
2. My brain has officially defrosted ;) I have been able to do some de-cluttering, soul searching and relaxing! Been able to try some new recipes. I have kept up with Zumba and been able to hang out with some of my EC friends. 
3. Was able to celebrate Father's Day with JJ's dad a little late but nonetheless, we had a amazing time. Spent some time with my family over the Salter families events. My sister and her husband had their marriage blessed in the Catholic church on their 5 year anniversary. That same day, Aubrey, Cullen and James were baptized.  JJ and I are Aubrey's godparents. This bring up a new point...
4. When we were first asked, we both were more than honored. But this title was without a doubt what got me to change some of my thought processes. What kind of spiritual guidance would I be able to offer her? JJ has always been stronger in his faith than myself. Since this event I have definitely doing some soul searching from how I spend my time to what I think about even down to the choice of words I am using. I wouldn't say I have done a 180 but just trying to continually think of ways to improve because none of us are perfect. Of course I want to be the best/nicest/most genuine wife, daughter, sister, friend, teacher, "mommy to the dogs" and even stranger to those I do not know. But even more importantly, I want to be the best "me," I can be. 
5. I started an experiment to try not to be so "bossy" in my marriage. It's easy to just say how I feel right when it occurs, especially to my husband. He has truly ALWAYS been there for me, more than anyone and in ways I just can't begin to explain. The only other person I can rate here would be my absolutely, stellar mother. The two of them are the only people I have truly broken down in front of and let it ALL out. They have been my biggest supporters with their unfailing love and acceptance. They keep me striving to always be the best I can be. But back to my "bossy" change, I started with little things like biting my tongue when he was driving one time back home (I am the absolute WORST "back seat" driver when he is driving!). After a couple of ALMOST slip ups I started to relax. Once I did, we had some of the best conversations on the drive and laughed so much at random things. We didn't talk about bills or or jobs or stresses in our lives. We just had fun. The second thing I did was for a whole week I didn't boss him to wake him up or clean up after himself. Although the house did get a little messier, it was worth it to not see ANY friction at the end of the day. I even noticed he was even MORE attentive to the dishes/laundry that week. I was amazed at what a small change could make to our daily lives. 
6. JJ had to get his wisdom teeth out last Friday. They had to cut up into his sinus cavity and even down into his jaw to remove his 5 (YES, 5!) wisdom teeth. I felt beyond helpless once I got him home. I felt worn out myself! I made sure to wake up every 2 hours to make sure he took his medicine, remembered to feed him first and it was until Saturday night that I realized.. I HADN'T been eating! This was awful and I felt like complete crap. But even through his swollen-ness and feeling like death he knew I wouldn't go fix myself something to eat when I was too busy taking care of him.. he ordered me a pizza knowing he couldn't partake.. now, that's a great husband!
7. Lastly for this blog, JJ and I are going to be the soccer coaches @ PCHS this fall. JJ will be the head coach and I will be the assistant. He was taken such charge in getting everything together and being honest, it's pretty sexy!!! It's nice to see him able to get into something he is so passionate about again but this time for other people..the students/team! I thought keeping ourselves busy would help my continue to push aside thoughts of having children but being honest, seeing him shine through in this leadership, seeing how our relationship is thriving and just everything is NOT helping my case!!! ;) Only time will tell but as for right now, going to continue to enjoy our lives and my new teaching career/coaching position this year and give it my all!

Lots of Love! Marcy

PCHS Soccer Schedule

PCHS Soccer 2012

*All games start @ 6 p.m.

Date	Opponent	Home/Away	Address
August 29th	Pasquotank	Home	PCHS Field (Recreational Center) 310 Granby Street Hertford, NC 27944
September 5th	Pasquotank	Away	1064 Northside Road Elizabeth City, NC 27909
September 10th	Hatteras	Away	48576 HWY 12 Buxton, NC 27920
September 12th	Northside	Home	PCHS
September 17th	Riverside	Home	PCHS
September 19th	Southside	Away	5700 NC HWY 33 E Chocowinity, NC 27817
September 24th	Manteo	Home	PCHS
September 26th	Camden	Home	PCHS
October 1st	Gates	Home	PCHS
October 2nd	Hatteras	Home	PCHS
October 8th	Northside	Away	7868 Free Union Church Road Pinetown, NC 27865
October 10th	Riverside	Away	1260 Godwin Avenue Williamston, NC 27892
October 15th	Southside	Home	PCHS
October 17th	Manteo	Away	829 Wingina Avenue Manteo, NC 27954
October 22nd	Camden	Away	103 US 158 West Camden, NC 27921
October 24th	Gates	Away	88 US HWY 158 West Gatesville, NC 27938
October 31st	TBA	PLAY OFFS BEGIN!	TBA

Recently...

Wow- where do I even begin!?

Since I wrote last, I have done/seen/finished...

1. My absolutely wonderful internship. The knowledge I gained from my clinical teacher is beyond measureable. Without her guidance and leadership I would not be the successful teacher I am..which leads me to...
2. I have my first official teaching job! I am out at Perquimans County High School and I am truly loving it! This semester I taught Teen Living, Foods 1 and 2. Next semester, I will be teaching Personal Finance and Food Technology. My students surprised me this semester. They were respectful and inquisitive. Their entrepreneurship project was a hit (will post pictures later). My job is sending me to two conferences this summer: biotechnology in Wilmington and the CTE conference in Greensboro. In between all of this I....
3. Threw my best friend her bridal shower. I would do anything for that girl (Lauren). Her bridal shower turned out to be such a hit. Thanks to Elizabeth for helping me decorate, Amy for making the wonderful centerpieces and all the bridesmaids and Ms. Wendy for bringing yummy food!
4. Graduated from East Carolina University with my Bachelors of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences education. I am beyond lucky that I found this major because it has turned into the perfect career for me. I couldn't be happier! Eventually when I go back to graduate school, this degree set me up for numerous options.
5. Was a bridesmaid in Kara and Tom's wedding ceremony. It was wonderful to see all the family and just makes me wish we lived closer to them because I truly miss getting to watch Tyler Anne grow like a weed. I made her a first year scrapbook that I know she will love to look at when she gets older.
6. Went to Lauren's bachelorette party in Myrtle Beach. She has no idea where we were taking her and I LOVED tricking her the whole way ;) I had so.much.fun with all the girls! It was one of the best weekends of my life. Lauren "went out" with a bang!
7. Went to Sam and Eric's wedding. Her ceremony, decorations, reception, etc. were so original, so her and beyond beautiful! Their wedding day was absolutely perfect and I wish them many years of laughter, love and happiness!
8. On the one weekend I had free, I still went back home to hang out with my family and friends. I went to a lovely dinner with my parents and got a label maker (BIG DEAL for a new teacher!) I was able to enjoy some downtime with the soon-to-be bride at the beach. Was able to see some friends from high school and then got a beach day with our E.C. friends in Kitty Hawk. 
9. Last but certainly not least to wrap up my weeks of fun I was a bridesmaid in Lauren and Jon's wedding celebration. I feel beyond lucky to be part of her big day. She has been my best friend, my sister, "my person" these past couple of years. I love her so much and couldn't describe just how wonderful her whole weekend was. I meant what I said- JJ & I are always here for both of you. I look forward to watching your love grow and thrive throughout these coming years!

After all of these events, I plan to enjoy some down time with my hubby and doggies. Today we went to the farmers market and I bought fresh blackberries and just got done baking homemade blackberry cobbler. We are having some friends over for a BBQ tonight and to play some games. Tomorrow I am off to see my bestie Ashley Polk who just got back from Spain!!!! It's been since last fall I saw her. I am so happy she will be staying here now! Glad she had the time of her life in Spain but happy to have her back in the states. She is starting on her masters degree this summer and I am proud of you sugar booger ;)

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! Look for new recipes, pictures, stories, etc. here. JJ and I just went today to look at this gorgeous house in the country sitting on 13 acres with chicken coops, horse stalls.. the whole country life I have ALWAYS wanted. We will just have to see.....

MUCH LOVE! Marcy

I'm back!

& Ready to begin blogging again! Saw the blogger changed their privacy settings so you can't search me by name and find my blog (reason I went completely private because there was no way I wanted my student's finding this!).

Can't wait to write and fill everyone in. Life is beyond good!

It's the most wonderful time of the year...almost.

I hope everyone has been doing awesome because even through "hell week" at ECU, I have still managed to keep positive no matter what.

My niece Tyler Anne just turned 1 years old this past Saturday! She had an awesome birthday party (JJ and Jim even dressed up as pirates because it was a pirate theme). Kara made her an adorable owl cupcake cake. The whole day was so relaxing. Aunt Danielle and me got in the hot tub and soaked away the Thanksgiving holiday in style. Speaking of Thanksgiving, I think this one was the best one yet! We started by leaving EC Wednesday after JJ got off of work. We dropped the doggies off in New Bern and Jim came with us to my parent's oyster steaming and crawfish etouffee night. They started this sort of tradition last year the Wednesday before Thanksgiving but JJ couldn't go because Kara went into labor with Tyler Anne! How time has flown! We all had a blast at my parent's and Lauren joined us too. Many people enjoyed a cold beer but I had strep throat and felt like death so I opted out. We stayed at my mama's house and celebrated Thanksgiving with my family in the early afternoon. JJ helepd Aubrey "beeuild" with Legos. We then headed to Emerald Isle to celebrate with the Mead's where Tyler Anne, Jim, Kara and Tom had arrived. The whole day was beyond fun and I loved getting to spend time with our families. Friday Kara and I toughed the Black Friday crowds for a little while then made a Mexican feast for dinner. Sunday we went to Annunciation with the Mead's and then enjoyed breakfast at Bayside (Thanks again Aunt Mitzi!). We headed back to EC late Sunday night.

This week has been CRAZY! I headed back to Greenville on Tuesday morning and this is how my schedule went: Computer lab for 3 hours, class, KON initiation, class, Lauren's house (best part!), internship where I had the worst headache of my life but did my last lesson, helped Jessica make a swaddle for Nathaniel, Lauren's house where I did my presentation, final exam, presentation, computer lab, presentation, computer lab, class and then turned in 2 big assignments then FINALLY- on the road again back to EC! Came home to my house decorated for Christmas, swept and room rearranged all thanks to my hubby! :D

I just wanted to do a little shout-out to my buddy Lauren. If it wasn't for her, all this back and forth would have been dreadful! Thanks for opening up your house to me- it truly made a huge difference in my attitude and comfort in Greenville! You are such an amazing friend to me and I thank God for putting us back together. I think we make a pretty unstoppable, hilarious team.. definitely one that the world couldn't handle missing! I love you!

While I am on the subject of feeling sappy, let me just point out a couple of things. I am working on writing my Christmas letters to go in my Christmas cards (corny..I know) and I got to thinking...wow, how am I going to fit all of my overflow of blessings onto ONE little page!? It will go something like this: getting engaged, JJ's graduation, bridal shower, bachelor/bachelorette party, our wedding and now marriage, JJ landing a wonderful job, us moving to EC, me finishing up my last "semester" at ECU...I just got exhausted thinking about everything that happened. Not many people can say their year was the best year ever but I know wholeheartedly- ours was! Thank you to all the people who supported us unconditionally (my parents, Jim, my three amazing sisters, all of our family members, my bestest friends (Lauren, my bambeanie Ashley, Alli, Kaitlyn, Yolanda, Janna) who stuck by my side through it all. I most importantly want to thank my hubby who always keeps me calm, works hard for our new little sprouting family and prevailed through all the obstacles this year brought (can't have a rainbow without the rain, right?) He is a motivating factor to push through my traveling and school because come May, it will all be worth it! I can't wait to take our delayed honeymoon this summer. It is going to mean so much to me to get to spend that relaxing time with you and I feel we will appreciate it a ton!

My parents are the best parents in the whole world. Point blank. No questions. They would do anything for their children and even their grandchildren now. They have been so supportive of all the changes in mine and JJ's life this past year. We couldn't have done any of this without them! My mama has been the bestest friend I could have ever asked for. When I am feeling lonely or sad or mad or happy, she is always there to lend a listening ear. I don't know what I would do without her. They sacrifice so much for us kids and I hope that as JJ and I venture into independence, both of our parents can finally start doing things for THEMSELVES. Both of our parents have given so selflessly to us and I hope as we start to build our family, we can do the same for them! Mama- I was serious about of Vegas trip by the way!

I haven't had anytime to post any tutorials because I haven't been able to exercise my creative side in awhile. I hope I can catch up and not disappoint soon but for now, I am going to continue to watch the Rachel Ray show drinking my hot cup of coffee with my dogs by my side in my newly placed bed with the heat blanket soaring. Have a good day everyone!

Sincerely,

Marcy Beth

A - Z

A-Z

A. Age: 22
B. Bed size: Queen
C. Chore that you hate: Pretty much all of them but #1 would be dusting!
D. Dogs: Rascal and Mercedes (Rascal is lab/husky/chow/pit bull mutt boy and Mer is a poodle/beagle mix but I think she has terrier in her?)
E. Essential start to your day: Coffee. No questions.
F. Favorite color: Purple, Teal
G. Gold or Silver: Silver
H. Height: 5'3"
I. Instruments you play: does the recorder count?
J. Job title: Currently: unemployed!
K. Kids: 0
L. Live: in Elizabeth City
M. Mother’s name: Kimberly
N. Nicknames: "Marcy Beth", Little Bit, Ember
O. Overnight hospital stays: No
P. Pet peeves: The sound of Styrofoam..!!!!Q. Quote from a movie: "Don't judge me monkey"-Grandma's Boy
R. Right or left handed: Right
S. Siblings: Older brother, two older sisters, sister-in-law and a half-brother
U. Underwear: Always
V. Vegetable you hate: BEETS!!!!!!
W. What makes you run late: My dogs being so cuddly
X. X-Rays you’ve had: Teeth
Y. Yummy food that you make: I don't think I have a signature dish but I keep trying new recipes all the time
Z. Zoo animal: Otters