Life of the Party

      Wow, it's Halloween, a full week, and I teach middle school. You want to know what all these things have in common, ME! All these things equal... one tired teacher and one messy classroom. I'm exhausted and this week has completely took me out.   Maybe it's this cold damp weather, or maybe it's the excitement of Halloween?      The costumes today were on POINT! We had everything from cartoon characters to dooms day death doctors. I was amazed at how many students made their customs this year. The creativity was beyond what was expected. I joined in on the fun and dressed up as a hip witch with a massive oversized had and high heel boots. I didn't fit in, but the kids got a kick out of it.      Candy sugar highs filled our days with enjoyment and laughter. Bring on the weekend!

Let's talk about a great listen! Here it is ladies and gentlemen the moment of pure entertainment we have been antispating. I was completely caught up in the story cover to cover. This was a rather quick listen, but the impact and excitement more than makes up for the short length. The cast of characters also made the overall effect beyond entertaining. I didn't realize until listening to this book that there is a whole world of true crime junkies. This book led me down a brief research rabbit hole and I loved every second of it.      What's next? Personally, I would love to see this become a short film or a full length movie. I'd pay to go watch it without a doubt. So many married women are often sidelined by jobs, other women, and disinterest from their husbands. It was believable that a wife could possibly fall in love with a man who calls her constantly and checks in! 5 out of 5 stars!!! Fantastic book.   

      With all the advancements in technology a massive amount of our curriculum has an online base, which isn't always a blessing. Sometimes it can truly be a hinderance and/or annoyance for the teacher when the wifi fails. Today was one of the those days and I did not have a complete meltdown. Thankfully I became a teacher before the world of one to one computers.      We got out the old textbooks and had a day of retro learning. My overall impression was that the students didn't have the extra distraction of their computers, extra tabs, and plugs to get them off task. Today we accomplished more than what could be expected. I might start having complete technology free days in my room. It was like a breath of fresh air. Here's to kicking it old school and opening a book! PS  One of my students stated she had never used a textbook. Ugh... Man times have changed. 

      Well... I finally finished my college CEU courses and passed! The success on my part was very sought after. I worked really hard to finish and finish strong. I scored a 92, which is by no means perfect, but I FINISHED. I will never underestimate a working mother's ambition to succeed. In the next foreseeable future I will not be taking on additional classes.         I'm content with my 92. To be honest it is more than I deserve to have. I had to redo two assignments to get it that high. I'm thankful for the  opportunity, but I'm thrilled it is finally over. My final paper was 18 pages fully typed, edited, and submitted. The sheer research was overly strenuous! 

      My birthday was yesterday... time moves by so fast. I cannot believe I'm 36. Yesterday was so depressing and lonely. I'm not entitled to being celebrated, but it would have been nice to at least be took out to dinner or some nice gesture. Moms are always in the background.     Year 35 was here and gone in the blink of an eye. I didn't even have time to truly appreciate it any of this past year and it passed by without so much as a wave hello. Year 35 brought many struggles and challenges into my life. My journey into motherhood has not be an easy one. Being in my mid thirties with  a toddler has also been a massive challenge and curveball. I struggle daily with juggling work, home, and motherhood.      I have learned: 1. You cannot control everything. Let things go... 2. People will always come and go out of your life. No one is permanent.  3. Toddlers are going to meltdown. (Learn to deal with it) 4. Do the damn thing! If you trul...

      Young adult novels usually lose my interest, but this one has really shocked me. I loved the way the author interweaves the characters. It was refreshing to not be bombarded with steamy sexual content. Sometimes those senes ruin a book for me.      My favorite character was Throne. His woodsmen elf character was marvelously crafted. His complete moral dilemma of falling in love with a mortal was so  complex and passionate that I was hooked. The fact that he can turn into a bear is awesome too! The main character, however, really irritates me. Her stupidity knows no bounds and she is constantly whining around. I prefer strong female leads, not weak female characters.      Amy London also did an amazing job narrating this series. Her voice for Throne was incredible! I love when a narrator has the vocal strength to do multiple characters. I would rate the narrator a 5 out of 5, as for the book itself... My rating is a 3.9 out of 5 due...

      Some of my fellow friends are already planning ahead for Christmas and I'm also a planner too! One can never have enough lists to follow. In my opinion, the holidays are stressful enough without having to worry about financial strain. Planning ahead may ease the discomfort of paying out money for gifts.      In all honesty, don't buy gifts if you cannot afford them. I'm perfectly happy with your presence. Showing up to family events is more meaningful to me. I have went ahead and bought Taylor two books to satisfy my something to read rule. Books aren't overly priced, so it's always my go to item. I will also be buying her something to wear as well. My mom always spoils her, so I know she will have plenty of toys and junk like that.      I think experiences are important as well. We might ride the train this year once I see what the prices of the tickets are. The Polar Express would be her main gift from me, if we decide to go. Of ...

      Sometimes you just need to disconnect and relax. This weekend, I shut off my phone and wifi router and spent some time just being me. I was able to reconnect to being just a mom and have some quality time with Taylor. The leaves are changing and a joy ride was exactly what I needed.      It rained nearly all day on Sunday, but Saturday was beyond gorgeous. We spent our early morning at a local eatery ran out of an old house. The musky smell was something that seemed off,  but the food was incredible! The homestyle southern breakfast was exactly what I needed after a long week of activities. The strangeness of converting a house into a place of business was something that still perplexes me. They even left the old framed photos on the walls up. I used to clean that house as a teen, and nothing has changed but the random tables everywhere. Nothing matches, including the plates and cups.      After a much needed meal we continued our ...

      What an extraordinary harrowing tale of a serial killer and his daughter. With each chapter came new insight to what our main characters experienced. At one point I had to put the book down. Denzil rocks at writing a story that will keep you guessing to the end. I still wonder if the daughter really did kill those teen girls.      I have fostered, but I don't know if I could take in my captor's child who help entrap me into his barn of death. If you're interested in a "what would I do book" this is for you! Dark twisted lies of deception that leaves you utterly anticipating the next chapter. The "then" and "now" sequencing is also something that I want to rave about. Going between the past and present was also something that really hooked me into reading this book.  Maddie's character alone will keep you on the edge of your set. Will she ever really learn how to express emotion? Can Zoe, the "mom," help guide her into adulth...

    It's not often that I get delayed by a train, but when I do it's awesome! These monstrous moving bricks have always fascinated me to the point of awe. I rolled all the windows down in my car so my toddler could hear its horn as it crossed the road. The loud motor along with the rumbling of his sheer weight against metal is something to really take in.      I usually just forget about the train because in the last thirteen years, I have only been delay by it maybe six times in total. The little thirteen minuet interlude was more than worth my time. When Taylor gets older I will purchase us some tickets to ride. The open railway cars seem to be the best seats in the house. Any  suggestions?      I should have taken better/ clearer images. My windshield is really dirty and my phone camera isn't the best. I hope I instill my love for trains in Taylor, but maybe she will at least enjoy a few rides on one whiles she's still little. 

       Somedays you cannot win for losing. The odds are stacked against you and you just have to muddle your way through it. Today was this way for me. Mom had an appointment in Asheville, NC and we left early; meaning we had a 45 minute window on top of our two hour commute.      That 45 minutes didn't really help with anything. I-40 past Canton was at a standstill and I could have walked faster than our movement. Down to a one lane road is ridiculous. Luckily, I was able to take an exit and drive the backroad, but the damage was already done. Mom arrived around 15 minutes late and had to be "worked in." That means she could only be seen if and when another patient was late or canceled. We only waited around two hours and she was able to be seen.      Her post operative appointment went really well all things considered. I was pleased with the feedback she received and I have high hopes that her main artery will be completely healed at ...

      I had one pleasant surprise today that seemed somewhat outlandish. As I was turning the soil in my raised garden beds, prepping for the colder weather, I noticed little potatoes sprinkled everywhere. This abundance of food made my garden heart happy. I thought I had already dug everything up and stored them for future use.      Supper was amazing! I boiled the baby potatoes until they were done and in turn fried them in a butter salt mixture until golden brown. This is NOT a healthy meal and I only ate a few of them. It was such a satisfying cheat snack.      It's the little things in life that seem to make me the happiest! 

      I wasn't too thrilled with the story line in this book because it's been used and told before. Where is the  originality?      I did however enjoy the characters and their dialogue. The narration were also on point and had a smooth delivery. I'm not sure if I would read/listen to anything thing else written by Scott due to the disappointment that I experienced with this specific title.      Ed's character by the way was overly dreamy and swoon worthy!      I would personally rate this book a 1 out of 5 based upon lack of  inventiveness. This story has been told before and maybe the author needs to branch out and dive deeper. I would not recommend this book. 

      I don't normally have many books that keep me guessing throughout the entire book, but this one takes the cake. I was immediately drawn into the story and literally couldn't put this book down.     The book has it all! This is my first time reading/ listening to anything written by Blackhurst and I'm overly excited to see what else she has written. From the characters to the plot, this is a must read! The last few chapters reveal what happened and my assumptions had been way off. I always love a good mystery book.      I would rate this book a 5 out of 5. I would have liked to learn a little more about the troubled rich family, but may there will be  sequel? 

      How does one go about getting followers? I seem to have a steady flow of page views from the same locations, so that isn't the issue. If you are reading my day to day posts.... Please hit the follow button. I would really appreciate it. 

      All my does are heavily pregnant and I'm so excited to meet all the new baby goats (kids). My billy, Junior who is usually super chill has decided become a di*k! He is ramming the does and chasing the younger goats. He wouldn't let no one at the feeding stations either!      Junior has even started being rough with me. I always have a toddler in tow, so this just isn't going to work. He weighs around 230lbs, so handling him myself isn't an option when he is being a pain! We hooked two leads to his collar and it took both me and my husband twenty minutes to put him in his solitary pin. He needs away from the other goats before he causes a miscarriage. He usually comes to food, but even that didn't seem to help. Junior is in full rut, which means he smells really bad. He pees directly on his face, so you can just imagine how awesome we smelled after handling him  today (can you hear the  sarcasm?).      Kidding season is upon us...

      Bear season is currently open and with that comes hunters and hounds. I completely respect hunters and their heritage. I too, come from a long line of bear hunters and spent much of my youth as an active hunter. As a livestock owner, I hate bear season with a passion. Their hounds wreak havoc on my goat herd and my various flocks of birds.      This morning, before breakfast, I had to go out and watch over my goats as a pack of hounds moved through. The only way I take action is if they are after my animals. Dogs cannot read posted signs and do not understand property boundaries. If they are trying to harm my farm animals I will shoot them. The bottom line is... my animals come first! It's my responsibility to take care of them and it's your responsibility to teach your dogs what to "hunt" for. Do not come at me with that crap about they were too excited. My dad would shock the crap out of a dog if they were after something that they were NOT supposed...

      Ummmm... What the heck did I get myself into? I thought this would be a nice little activity to do with my toddler, but this run down establishment was a total waste of money. Over $80 bucks for my husband, my two year old and myself to get in. I will not be doing that again. The lady at the window was totally rude too. That should have been my first clue to turn around and run!      The train didn't run the two hours we were there and the Santa shop was closed until 2:00 PM. I know she would have loved to ride the train.  There was only three rides that I deemed safe enough for my child to get on. The small ferris wheel looked like it was at least 40 or more years old. Cover up that rust! Everything was rusted and seemed to be falling apart. Even some of the walk ways needed some TLC.  The water down at the paddle boats smelled awful (and was brown) and I wasn't about to get on one of those dinky paddle boats. With my luck, the boat would h...

      Interesting... this book was actually free on Audible  in the plus  catalog. I was hooked instantly and could not put it down, however the ending seemed so rushed. I actually carried my phone with me while doing farm chores and listened to the book on speaker. There could have been so much more added at the end. I would love to read and/ or listen to a sequel. How are the survivors now?      I loved how the author switched perspectives in each chapter and we got to learn each person's dirty little secrets. Who would actually sign up to live on an island for money? I have no idea, but I would pay to watch said show on the survivor's experiences. This could easily be a real life show and so many people would play into this.      With each plot twist, I was constantly guessing as to who the murderer was. I love a book that keeps be guessing and a good love story mixed in makes it twice and nice. I was glad that Covid 19 inspired ...

      I have some news, well, you might not exactly be excited about it, but I sure am! This is my birthday month and I think birthdays are important and we should celebrate them all! I entering my late thirties, so this birthday is extra special.      This month will bring about a new beginning for myself along with my daily life. I'm dedicating myself to improving my overall health. My A1C is a 6.2 which isn't bad, but I'm going to start to work on my weight. I need to be able to move and keep up with my child. I was out of energy after I took Taylor to the playground the other day and I was totally devastated that I couldn't do everything that I wanted. I need this change!       I will also be getting a tattoo for my child that didn't make it. I think Tessa's death has really played a major role in my mental health. It's been two years and I need some closure and in the past I have done this with "tattoo therapy," which isn't a real t...

      Stuffed mushrooms with a side of baked red bell peppers filled my plate today for lunch. I love to cook and I love to eat it even more.      I didn't have the correct wine to soak the mushrooms in, so it tasted a little off. No one complained and my toddler ate her portion of it along with some left over macaroni from last night. I have enjoyed my lazy day doing chores. The somewhat quiet house has been a complete haven away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.      Any suggestions for supper? I do have deer ribs chilling in the fridge, so any thoughts would be appreciated. 

      Sometimes you just need a break. There is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to a monotonous life style. Everything is too predictable and tiring. No sleep, but plenty of chores to keep you busy around the clock. Living off of  caffeine and routine! Why am I up this early, you ask? Just because I'm not at work doesn't mean there isn't still a routine to stick to.      I took the remainder of the week off to really take some time to relax. Ha, that's a total joke in itself. There is not relaxation, but there is always plenty to do around here. My list:  1. Clean out the Goose house  2. Jax's cage  3. Clean out the raised garden beds and prep them for the first frost  4. Flip the compost  5. Finish any and all class work  6. Basic day to day chores  7. Take Taylor to a local playground to play  8. Make a Christmas shopping list      Fall break is just a cover up, but I do plan to nap e...

      This was a surprisingly delightful listen. The upbeat cheerleader narrator seemed to fit the overly enthusiastic main character who couldn't see her own flaws. She provides her readers with advice on how to obtain an  emotional unavailable man, but in return we learn that she was just projecting her self image.      The last few chapters is where the whole story comes together. If you enjoy a Hallmark picture perfect story, this is for you! Pumpkins and puns included!      I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars due to the highly predictable ending. Hallmark needs to hook this girl up! She could totally write their new movie script. 

      I'm loving this Fall like weather at the moment. Cool crisp mornings paired with hot coffee and and good book breaths life back into my soul. I yearn for days like this and hopefully one day I will get to fully appreciate them. Fast paced life isn't meant to last forever and week days seems to drain all the energy out.      This morning I actually had to grab a coat to go check on the animals. I was somewhat cold and my coffee was not hitting the spot. The chickens were stubborn and did not roost last night, so I had to check in on them. I guess they just didn't want to go up? 

      Taylor received this as a gift last Christmas, and I cannot believe they have already come out with a new version. She loves this gift and has a small collection of characters, but with this new updated version I fear that she may be missing out on something incredible.      The price is just too outrageous along with the character, so she might not be getting it. I just cannot see spending additional money when her old one is working great. My child is so rough on things and it has lasted this long with NO issues. I would have to say that this devise is more than worth its price. I will not go out and buy the newest addition though. She uses it everyday. The pink box does have some wear and tear on it along with some massive stains. The battery doesn't last as long (as to be expected).      I would still give this item a raving review, especially for durability! 

      What a great way to have healing in the form of story telling along with displaying the disparity of MMIW to your audience. Medina delivered a breath taking story about loss, healing, and culture.      I was spellbound with this book and couldn't put it down. With twists and turns along the way, the plot kept me guessing. I had predicted that Grace's character would never  return only to be overjoyed that she made it out at the very end.     I bought this book on Audible, but the narration was terrible and completely ruined the first few chapters. I ended up buying the digital copy and reading it on my phone. Audible did this book so dirty in so many ways. Why choose an expressionless narrator to read such a fantastic book?      I would rate this book a 5 out of 5. I hate book spoilers, so I try to avoid that at all cost. I hope this book makes our Keepers of the Flame reading list at school. 

    An afternoon spent with family is priceless. I know the hayride was well worth it seeing my toddlers face. She just couldn't stop smiling and giggling.      I wish we would have had a few more minutes in the pumpkin patch, but I also understand that time is money. I was overly enthusiastic about the whole experience. We have made this into a family tradition and will make the trip on a yearly basis. These  traditions will live on with her even when I'm gone. I want her to have these memories, because I never had that chance. My family didn't have the extra income and moments like this did exist for me.      I splurged and bought the hayride wrist bands. Our tractor driver was super sweet and made Taylor's evening by giving a a pumpkin her "size." He didn't have to do that, but I appreciate it. He was super nice and took us for a joy ride at the end before dropping us off at the truck.            The view...

     I had high hopes for the  Torrent Witches Series  by Tess Lake, but unfortunately, it fell short of expectations in several key areas. While the premise promised an exciting blend of magic, mystery, and intrigue, the execution left much to be desired.      The pacing felt uneven throughout the series, with moments that dragged on unnecessarily and others that rushed through crucial plot points without proper development. The characters, though occasionally interesting, often lacked depth and consistency, making it difficult to fully invest in their journeys or care about their fates.      I have been listening to this book series for well over a month and man...  The author needs to move on! The world-building showed potential but was inconsistently applied—important details about the witches’ lore and the universe’s rules were either glossed over or introduced too late to have meaningful impact. This left the story feelin...

      Mom is home and cleared! Thank goodness she finally leveled so I could bring her on home. Maybe I will stop stressing out some much.     It takes an ambulance around 45 minutes to respond to the house, so let's just hope nothing goes wrong while my husband and I are both at work. She next appointment will tell us if the blockage has been cleared.      There is still so much to do around the house and this added stress is breaking me down! Here's to a fantastic weekend. 

    After a very exhausting day at the hospital yesterday the only good thing I can say is that I listened to an entire book. Howards books gave me then overall impression that she didn't go back and reread her own story. The book's progression and lack of character development was futile. Why would you wait until the last few chapters to finally add in some actual movement in the story's plot?      The narration didn't aid the book's overall story. In fact I was so overwhelmed by the lack of expression that I just wanted the book to end in chapter 6. I usually try to give each book a chance to impress me as a reader and I avoid reading any comments on Audible. I also avoid the ratings. I should have just took a moment and looked at the ratings before downloading the book.      I would rate this book a 1 out of 5 due to lack of interest. I do not feel like this rating is unjust, because I did finish the book and I was never "hooked" or remotely in...