Three Years Later

Three years ago tonight, I met Jeff for the first time. We talked for hours about life over Baumhower's wings (it might help understand that this was our first date, if you also know we got engaged over ribs at Rendezvous) while watching college football.  I think we knew we were supposed to be together before we even actually fell for each other.  Three years ago, I curtly told Jeff that I wasn't really looking for a relationship and life was good on my own.  I had great friends, a wonderful church family, and a job that I loved (though it kept me overwhelmed).  I'm so, ridiculously thankful that God knew what I needed better than I. 

Our First Picture

Jeff's First SHC Event; I Got Lots of Inquiring Texts that Night

Three years ago tomorrow, I saw Jeff again (and three years ago the day after tomorrow, etc.).  As we began a relationship and even started to talk about marriage, I quickly told him I could not be married.  I told him I'd be a horrible wife and just didn't have it in me.  Honestly, I probably am a horrible wife.  Thankfully God works in me and through me while he's also working in Jeff and through Jeff and a beautiful relationship can occur between two people (one who is very selfish and doesn't really so much have any housekeeping skills).  

The Night Jeff Met Mom - Wicked in Memphis

I read this blog a few years ago posted by a friend of a friend who stated he'd be married to five different women over his lifetime and it couldn't be more true for the two of us.  Jeff didn't even make it to the wedding before he was married to someone different than he proposed.  Life happened and has continued to happen.  I walked down the aisle to a song that declared "we'll say prayers we never thought we'd pray," and we have.  I'm thankful God knows me better than I know myself and continues to give us both grace while teaching us to give grace to each other.  

Our First Halloween

At the SHC Fall Festival in 2011

I'm currently reading A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet and she details how, in her life, God has done immeasurably more than she could have imagined.  I bawled when I read it, because I feel the same way about Jeff in my life.  I'm thankful for what our marriage has taught me about God's love for me.  I'm thankful for what it's taught me about putting the needs of our marriage and of what God has called us to do above my own. I'm thankful for Jeff.  I'm grateful that three years ago tonight, God was at work in both of us to do immeasurably more than we could have imagined.  

Our First Look on our Wedding Day

I selfishly (I'm still learning) hope that the next three years and beyond are more calm than the last three have been, but I'm thankful that Jeff is beside me on the journey.  

At a Cardinals/Braves Game in Atlanta - Summer, 2012

At the Little Rock Farmers' Market - Summer, 2013

Life as We Know It

Wow, what a month!

School has started.  I am loving my little (seriously, only 16 kids right now!) class.  I figured out recently that, other than my years as math coach, this is the first time I've taught the same grade in the same room in the same school two years in a row.  It's been nice to get back in gear.

My Door Sign for School

After a year of grief, anger, confusion, etc., I think we are finally (hopefully) coming back to life.  We began attending Fellowship Bible Church in Benton during the summer.  Jeff has started helping with the youth and I have started teaching 3rd and 4th graders.  Finding a church has been an adjustment and probably will continue to be.  We joke, though fairly seriously, that Safe Haven ruined us.  

Jeff has also begun volunteering with The CALL to help families and DCFS transport children to appointments and visits.  Other than our trip to St. Louis, Jeff hasn't been much north of Little Rock (when traveling in Arkansas), but he's making a splash this week.  His first two appointments are to drive a child to Jonesboro tonight and then to Fayetteville tomorrow.  Talk about seeing the state!  

As a side note, we would appreciate your prayers for this ministry.  Please pray for the children, for Jeff and the other volunteers, for protection over vehicles and protection while driving children, and just for it to be a good thing, in general.  

I am taking two grad classes during this seven week session.  The work isn't THAT bad, but it's really hard for me to manage everything and keep it all straight.  After this, though, I have one class from October - December and then two portfolio/lab classes.  I can not wait to be finished.  

Oscar Helping Me Complete Grad School Assignments

After a year of not much, I finally had to get a family calendar to keep everything straight.  Whew!  (I know, all of you with a million obligations and/or children are rolling your eyes at me right now). We are exhausted, but grateful.  

There's an App for That

I really do enjoy technology and have had an iPhone pretty much since they came out.  However, I really don't use a ton of apps.  Here are a few I enjoy.

I use YouVersion a lot; I enjoy the ease of finding scripture, the ability to take notes and highlight passages and appreciate the reading plans.  Honestly, we moved here a year ago and I JUST found my bible in a box this past week; therefore, YouVersion has been my primary Bible for the past year.

My Fitness Pal has been helpful as Jeff and I have been working on eating in a more healthy fashion.  I actually prefer the app platform to the website platform.  It has an accountability facet, but I haven't really used it.  If you want to friend me, my username is ellenwmorris.  

I use Twitter, Facebook and am trying to get into Instagram; I just use the apps for each of those sites.  Jeff and I have also said we really look like fatties because we pretty much have every fast food restaurant's app on our phones.  It is extremely helpful for knowing what you're putting in your body, though.  I also have apps on my phone for many stores where I enjoy shopping.  My favorite is probably Hobby Lobby with their handy-dandy 40% off coupon.  

My school is amazing for numerous reasons, but I especially love the fact that our Principal has prioritized education.  Our students have the opportunity to use iPads daily.  Some apps I enjoy using for school are Class Dojo (you can take attendance, monitor positive and negative attendance and it is very user friendly for the kids), Red Laser (I use an online QR code generator and the kids use Red Laser to scan the codes for information, websites or data), Stick Pick (a technological version of equity sticks), Near Pod (the teacher can control all of the iPads in the room to present information, websites, videos and quizzes from a computer), and BrainPop (great educational videos on numerous subjects).  I am so thankful our kids have regular access to such great resources! 

Stick Pick

Brain Pop

What are some of your must have apps?

Friends are Friends Forever

Scott and Kaye (and Tori, Austin, Noah and Kansas) became our friends in Tuscaloosa right as we got married.  They started coming to Safe Haven right after the tornado; the week before our wedding, they were baptized during the same service I was.  I was blessed to teach SHC Kidz with Kaye and Tori and Scott and Jeff kept each other company on the theater benches waiting for us.  Last year, they were our physical and emotional support, helping us move to Little Rock.  There really just aren't enough words to express what they mean to us; we are beyond thankful for them and their friendship.  We were excited that they came to visit us this weekend and we got to have a little Staycation with them.  

Thursday night, we made Sam's and Walmart runs to grab food.  Scott is the best cook, and spent his vacation cooking for us!  Pork kebobs, hamburgers and hot dogs, grilled pork loin, hamburger steaks, and squash that seriously melted in your mouth.  

Friday, we took them to Larry's for the experience (as well as a good excuse to go ourselves).  We, then, went swimming that night at the Dailey Center.  Clearly, most others also didn't know they were open on Friday nights and we had the pools almost to ourselves.  Scott, Austin, Noah and Kansas took turns scaring us on the diving boards and water slide while Jeff, Kaye and I watched from the pool.  

Saturday morning, we went to the Farmers' Market.  My newest Farmers' Market addiction is cheese.  I had bought Kent Walker's feta cheese before and it was amazing, but I tried out the habanero cheddar this time.  If you haven't tried it and are a cheese fan, you definitely should.  I also got some six pepper chèvre  from White River Creamery.  It is also amazing.  They had a chocolate chèvre that was delicious, as well!  I've also enjoyed buying flowers from a seller from Wye Mountain.  I got some beautiful sunflowers this time.

With the Murphy's at the Farmers' Market

Happy Kitchen

We had lunch at Whole Hog (Noah's request), then Scott, Austin and Jeff went to see the Lock and Dam and Kaye, Noah, Kansas and I went to the Museum of Discovery.  

Noah on the Bed of Nails 

Kansas and I Broadcasting the News 

Destructing Pennies

We came home; Scott cooked again and then we used the Silhouette to cut everyone something out of vinyl.  

Sunday, we went to church, had lunch and said our goodbyes.  It was wonderful to have a full house; the dogs are absolutely exhausted and extremely happy.  We are so thankful they came to visit; it was much needed for us.  

What I'm Loving Wednesday and Oh, How Pinteresting

Today, for the first time, I'm linking up with The Vintage Apple for Oh, How Pinteresting and have included a little What I'm Loving Wednesday as well.  

I'm loving that College Football season is almost here; Jeff and I are so ready!  I've mentioned before, our whole courtship occurred over college football season; it really is our favorite time of year.  I got our football season mantle almost put up today; here's a picture from last year.

I'm loving these game day outfits from Ellie Crimson and trying not to buy every single houndstooth thing I see in the stores.  I miss being able to find Alabama attire on a whim!

For one final Alabama-themed love, I'm loving that our dear friends from Tuscaloosa  Gordo are coming to visit us tomorrow!  I know technology has pros and cons, but one great pro for me is the ease of keeping up with our Alabama framily.  I can't wait to spend the next few days with Scott, Kaye and the kiddos.  

Because Jeff and I are trying to get rooms set up to do foster care, most of my pinning searches these days revolves around "Shared Bedrooms" and "Refinish Furniture."

I love the orderliness of this room; I'm not totally in love with it, but like the functionality and clean lines!  

I would love to make a fabric covered cork board to use as a head board of sorts behind their beds.  Trying to make the rooms gender neutral as well as inviting has proven difficult for me.  

I really want to redo the chest of drawers we have a fun color like the bottom piece, but with the stained wood top similar to the top piece.  I'm not sure if kids would enjoy it so much, though.  We're trying to make decisions.  I love that look, though!

Happy Birthday to Mom

I've been quiet for the past few days because most of my time has been spent collecting items and making decorations for mom's surprise birthday party yesterday.  We were successful and she was surprised, but, not being able to double check the guest list with mom, I know I probably forgot a million people I should have asked.  

Food Table at Mom's Birthday Party

The cake was probably the most delicious cake I've ever had (and not just because we haven't had sweets for 3 months).  Jeff was a mint-making hoss.  He made like 300 cream cheese mints and they, also, were delicious.  

Guest Book Table

Guest Book (I LOVE my Silhouette machine!)

Thankfully mom had been out of town on vacation a few weeks ago, so I snuck in and stole some pictures from her childhood.  I just printed them at Kinko's and made a collage frame.  

Three Generations

I'm so thankful so many dear friends were able to come; some precious friends from Monticello were able to bring Mimi up for the party.  One huge blessing this year has been getting to spend so much time with Mom and Mimi.  

It was fun to celebrate Mom and honor her; I hope she felt loved!  She is seriously one of the most generous and caring people I've ever known.  Jeff and I are ridiculously thankful for all of the ways she has helped us; but when I say I'm glad she's mine, it's because I'm so honored to have had a lifetime to learn from her.  I learned what it means to be a woman, a Christian, a wife, a teacher, a parent to other people's children, a musician, a friend, and so much more.  I'm so thankful God chose her to be my mother and thankful for what I've learned about Him by watching her.  

Happy (early) Birthday, Mom!  We love you!

Jeff and I Relaxing After the Festivities

Our Zoo

Our house really is a zoo.  Really.  Between the cat, the two dogs and now the guinea pig, it's always something.  Tonight, Francis and Oscar were fighting over the hay Ethel has somehow spread all over the room.  Just another day in the life.

Oscar is the oldest member of the zoo; I got him in 2001 from the humane society.  He had been abused and is still scared of air.  He's been with me everywhere; he's lived in New Orleans, Monticello, Little Rock and Tuscaloosa.  He's about as crazy as they come and currently is trying to teach Francis he doesn't really want to play.  

Next came Frank, he was also a rescue from the humane society in 2006; he was rescued from a puppy mill.  Mom and I drove through the night from St. Louis after the World Series so I could get him the next day.  He's been my travel buddy; he even made the trip to Mayo Clinic with Jeff and I.  He's about as sweet as they come and a little OCD.  If he hears the word night, crate, or bed, he runs to his crate, opens the door with his paw and gets in.  This picture of he and Francis is one of my favorites; it shows their differing personalities perfectly.  As much as Francis is Daddy's girl; Frank is Mama's boy.  

Oh, Francis!  A friend from college found her wandering last May and was looking for a home for her.  Because of her independence, we figure she probably peaced out on her own.  She's as cute as she can be and is so sweet, but she is horrible.  We have tried to attribute it to her being a puppy; we're hoping anyway.  Here's to hoping she doesn't eat any more textbooks!  Here's another picture of the F's.  They own the place.

The newest member of the zoo has weekend and vacation visits.  Through a grant from an organization called Pets in the Classroom, I was able to get Ethel as a classroom pet last December.  My coworker has a guinea pig named Lucy, so we named mine Ethel.  I expected to be somewhat indifferent towards her, but we love her.  Somehow, she actually does have a lot of personality.  She's wonderful with my students and teaches them so much about responsibility.  We are grateful to have her!

Craftackular

I love summer, and this year the break was much needed.  School takes up my weeks and grad school has occupied my weekends since last October, so one of the things I had been looking forward to all year was working on some projects I'd had in mind for a while but hadn't had the time to complete.  I was able to ramp my projects up a notch when, at the beginning of the summer, I bought a Silhouette machine with my birthday money.  I had wanted one for awhile, thanks to playing around with my friend Amber's, and have not been disappointed!

Here are a few of my projects:

This is just a simple moss M that I made.  When I initially got the materials to make it, I intended to put a bow on it and to hang it somewhere, but I really liked the simplicity of the moss.  It was simple to complete.  I used spray adhesive, a wooden letter from Hobby Lobby and a sheet of moss.

I sprayed the letter with the adhesive and placed the sheet of moss on top.  Then, I cut the moss around the letter, leaving enough to fold around the back of the letter.  I simply went around cutting, spraying and folding until it was complete.  If I were gifting it, I would probably back it with card board or something.  This one's mine, though and I'm loving it sitting on my mantle.  

This is an ottoman made from an old end table.  We cut the legs off of the table, put high density foam on the top and covered it with upholstery fabric.  It's incredibly sturdy and works wonderfully as an ottoman or extra seating, which we really needed.  Francis also likes to use it as a dog house.  

This was a Silhouette project I did today; it took about 3 minutes, really.  I just made a monogram out of vinyl and applied it to the toes of my rain boots.  I've seen some with ribbons attached, too.  I may try that later; they're pretty cute!

These are the beds that we were able to get from the CALL Mall; thanks to extremely gracious friends, we also have mattresses that look brand spanking new to go on top of them.  We are picking up a chest of drawers (or chester drawers) tomorrow and the room for our prospective foster children is coming together.  

We have used Jeff's Bolt-On sander (gosh, I love that thing) and I've stained these espresso (like everything else in our house - I'm addicted to that shade).  I'm very pleased with how they are turning out.  Now to figure out how to remove the stain I splashed all over the porch.  

I'm thankful to have gotten a few things accomplished, but thanks to free time to peruse Pinterest, I have plenty more on the list.  

I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie

Mine and Jeff's newest obsession is the library, seriously.  The Central Arkansas Library System is amazingly organized and the hold/delivery system on the website is a beast, for real.  It's really like a book nerd's version of Christmas; you find the book you want, put it on hold, and they deliver it to the library of your choosing.  My bank account and my back thank me (One time I moved 25 plastic totes of books, honestly, 25).

I have been meaning to get a replacement card since taking my 5th graders in the spring, but finally went a few weeks ago.  After I talked Jeff's ear off about them delivering the fifty million four books I'd put on hold, he went to get a card and is now hooked himself.  

I think Jeff has a copy of every single John Grisham book on his nightstand.  I have a copy of 11/22/63, which will be my first ever Stephen King book to read and, as a polar opposite, The Little Lady Agency.  I am typically a nonfiction gal, but during the summer I love to read fiction!  I have already read and returned The Apple Orchard, which I loved!

I'm on the hold list for Sparkly Green Earrings, A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet, Kisses from Katie and Start.  

What are you reading?  What else should I put on my list?

Gifted.

I'm linking up today with Kelly's Korner and the "theme" today is favorite nonprofits and charities.  Two that are dear to us are The Brown House and Sound of Hope.


The Brown House is a group of families and individuals who literally live life day to day sharing God and love with each other and other precious families in their neighborhood.  Also in the neighborhood is The Brayden House, which is being built to serve families while their precious babies are in the NICU in Tuscaloosa.  

Taken from their web page, The Sound of Hope exists to raise funds and awareness for orphans and vulnerable children around the world.  They are committed to helping children break out of the cycle of poverty by partnering with programs that offer holistic care. 

I am blessed to know the founders of both of these organizations and am humbled by the way they have given their lives to those that they serve.

Favorite Freezer Meals

I've read Kelly's Korner for a while now, but this is the first time I've linked up.  Each week she has a Show Us Your Life link up; the theme for the week is freezer recipes.  Here are a couple of recipes I've made lately.  Each can be frozen either already cooked or before cooking.  

The first, I heard about from a college friend on Facebook.  It's a healthy meatloaf recipe.  Here's the link:

Healthy Meatloaf Recipe

When I was single (and even now sometimes, just cooking for Jeff and myself), I would cut a loaf pan of meatloaf into slices and freeze them so that I could just cook one or two slices.  I also make mini loaves or use muffin tins to make small loaves and freeze them so that we don't waste servings.

Jeff and I have been cutting down on carbs, but I was craving spaghetti and meatballs recently, so I made meatballs and used spaghetti squash.  Jeff loved these and I've made them several times since discovering the recipe.  I did add a couple of tablespoons of parsley to the recipe.  Some, I made and stuffed with fresh mozzarella.  

Low Carb Meatballs

Number three is not a recipe, but a freezer hint.  We have also rediscovered the beauty of Sam's Club lately and have been buying bacon in bulk because it is much cheaper.  To make it easier to use, I line baking sheets with foil, lay the bacon out in slices, freeze it and then take it off the pans and put it in freezer bags.  Then, when we need to use the bacon, we can just take out the number of slices we want.


Enjoy!