Practicum Update

If you remember a couple weeks ago I wrote about my first week in my practicum.  In between now and then some sickness happened, school days canceled, and lots of business.  This adding up to me not sharing anything else about it with you.  But no worries today is the day!
I am absolutely LOVING my placement.  I could not have asked for a better mentor teacher or a better group of students.  You would think me saying this would somehow translate to me wanting to become a teacher.  It does not.  I have NO desire to do that.  I love knowing I only have to see these lovely kidlits twice a week and that I am not solely responsible for planning and executing their education.  Just couldn't do it I tell ya!

But I do love the time I am with them.  Which reaffirms my love for children and desire to do something in my career with them.  So want to know what we have been up to? Good I'm glad you asked:)
I have been getting more and more involved with the class each day.  I now do the Daily Language with them and sometimes even go over some worksheets.  And yesterday was my BIG day.  I taught, for the first time ever, my first lesson...3 times.

I was being evaluated my third time and I did awesome! I love those kids for making me shine:)  They were so excited to have me teach, which always warms my little heart.  They asked all the right questions, volunteered at all the right times, and even made me look dumb a couple times.  Gotta love those fourth graders!
While this may not be the field I am going into, I am happy to be where I am.  My kidlits put the biggest smile on my face each time I see them.  I even got told that I was very pretty yesterday by a sweet little girl.  Oh and I was told I am the #1 Miss Hardin to them (apparently they have another one who comes but they like me the best!).

So here is to looking forward to the rest of my time with these little lovelies! Also I am in need of new ways to say "great job".  Apparently I use that way too much....

I've Got Some Questions

I have had some questions running around in this little brain of mine. And no shocker here, but they are mostly about running! I am new to this whole running thing and I need a little advice/help with this whole thing! And that is where you friends come in!

Question #1
Do you have any problems with your calves cramping? If so what do you do? Mine start cramping when I am barely half a mile in sometimes and I hate it. It makes the rest of the run so hard. I have been trying to really stretch before and after I run but I haven't noticed much difference.

Question #2
How often do you run? I have read and heard many people say not to run everyday, especially when you are just starting out. But sometimes I really want to. Would it be that bad if I did?

Question #3
What are your tricks to helping you get through the miles? I have a running partner which has been AMAZING. But if we talk too much I get winded, but if we don't talk sometimes I get bored. Any suggestions?

Question #4
Do you have any other great tips for running? I am all about trying new things and learning new ways to do something! Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated:)

Weekend Recap

This weekend was a much needed weekend. Sometimes I get so annoyed doing the same thing all the time. Monotony is not my friend. And lately I have been stuck in a cycle and I wanted out.

So early Friday morning I drove the five hours to grandmas house!  Thanks to Lauren I jammed out to T-Swift the whole way there...and back:) Mom forgot to tell people I was coming so it was a bit of a surprise to everyone. I got there right after lunch and was so happy to be there.

We just hung out all afternoon talking and catching up on everything that has been going on. It was so nice to be relaxed and not have to worry about a thing!

Saturday I woke up and needed to run. I tried to convince mom to go with me but she refused. This was my first solo run and I also had a large goal. I wanted to run 2 miles!  And I did!! I was so proud of myself. I had so much going against me but I did it. I was in a new place, by myself, and had had a terrible run on Thursday. I told myself I had to do it and I did!

After my early morning run mom and I hung out with the family. I got to see most of the cousins and their kids too.  We then went on a hike on some of Grandma's property.  It was such a pretty day and the property there is gorgeous.  It was nice to spend most of the day outside:)

Sunday morning was nice and leisurely as well.  We woke up and got ready to head to church.  We were having a big Sunday lunch with all the family afterwards.  I love those times so much and I love being able to catch up with everyone.

I did learn something this weekend that is very important.  Wallenfelsz women are strong, loud, and get things done.  Men don't even try to get in our way.  It's so funny how different we can all be, but still have a lot of the same qualities!

Oh how I needed that weekend. Part of me is really sad to be back, but I know Spring Break is coming in 2 weeks so I think I can make it!

Girl Behind the Blog Vlog #2

So I did another vlog.  And it's about what has been on my heart lately.  Hope you all enjoy:)

And I hope you like that thumbnail.  So attractive...

A Fun Weekend Ahead

Today I am off to see my Momma! It has been a little over a month since I have seen her so I am very excited! I also will get to see many of my other family members that  don't always get to see!
It is a much needed  weekend away and I cannot wait to see all the fun things we are going to be doing.  I may even get Mamerz to run!

Hope everyone else has an awesome weekend:)

Power of Prayer

Lately I have been so amazed by the power of prayer. It is not always the big things that amaze me though. Sometimes those little things are even better.

Like the times when my shoulder is killing me and all I want to do is curl up in bed. I say a little prayer that the pain will ease. I pray that I can get through it and keep moving. And I do. God heals that pain. He knows when I need the relief, and it is the best feeling in the world when it comes.

I also struggle with a bit of anxiety in social situations. New people, new places, crowds, and not having a plan all are anxiety inducing for me. I know this about myself and I do everything in my power to persevere and push through it. But sometimes it becomes too much.

Like in the grocery store a couple weeks ago when everyone and their mother seemed to be there. I was overwhelmed and having what I call little anxiety attacks. I just kept praying I would get through the store without crying and with everything I needed. And I did. Thanks to those little prayers I got through it and known I could do it again.

Anytime I see a tweet or Facebook status about needing prayer I try to send one up for that person then. I think every little but helps, and I know God is listening. You never know who really needs that little prayer and what it can do for them.

Those little moments when I say those prayers bring the best peace I could ever ask for. A calming comes over and I know it is all going to be ok in the world. I encourage you all to pray. Pray for the big things. Pray for the little things. Just pray and you will see what I'm talking about here!

If you are in need of any prayer let me know. I will gladly pray for you! You can leave a comment or email me and I will pray for you. I love my readers and want them to feel this love too:)

A Day In The LIfe

So I have been struggling to come up with something to post about other than running. And I know y'all must be tired about me writing about running. But just so you know....yesterday Lauren and I ran a MILE AND A HALF! Considering this is week 2, we are proud:)

Anyways onto this post. I thought I would give you a little day in the life of Mosby. My days vary, but here is what happens most Tuesdays!

6:30- Wakeup

7:00- Run with Lo

8:00- Shower, eat breakfast, and get ready for class

9:30- Abnormal Psychology class time with Mills!

11:00- Chapel Time (Only 15 left!!!)

12:00- Lunch time (I always get so excited for lunch when I have yummy leftovers. Yesterday was some mashed cauliflower and blackened chicken)

12:40- Folk Dance class (we have been making up our own dances lately with a group and I so want to film ours. We include the bend and snap!)

1:30- Work time (really this is homework time, but I do some work)

3:40- Christ and Culture class (This class is required for graduation, and while great I get bored really easily in there

5:00- Finally done with classes for the day and time for dinner with Ashlee. (We went to Mellow Mushroom for some Gluten Free pizza!)

7:00- Homework time. (Writing my report on the hike I took with my Christ and culture group.)

8:00- Watch movie for a class presentation (As Good As It Gets)

10:00- Fall asleep watching movie for class:)

Well isn't my life just so much fun?! Haha but really that is a typical day for me! Oh the life of a student:)

We Are Runners!

Today I am linking up with Becky for Women Connect.  When I read about her link-up yesterday I knew immediately what I wanted to write about.  And then after my run later that afternoon with Lauren, I knew I had picked the right topic.
I talked all last week about how I have been running lately.  I have hit the one week mark of running and I have already hit 1 mile.  And this week I have high hopes of getting to 1.25 and maybe even 1.50!  

Those may be small numbers for all you runners, but it is all HUGE to me.  I am so proud of myself for doing this, and even more proud that I am falling in love with it! I do not know how I have gone my whole life without running!
All this being said I owe a lot of my success to one person.  Lauren.  She is one of my best friends, and  I could not have done any of this without her.  She is so encouraging and amazing!  

We both started running at the same time, so we are on the same level which has been great.  We push each other, challenge each other, look out for each other, and we are in this together!  I love her so much for doing this with me!
How could I ask for more in a running partner? I LOVE seeing women helping women, and I love even more being part of that.  I look forward to the rest of the semester of running with Lauren and all the encouragement from it!

Update on Running and an Amazeballs Recipe!

So I mentioned earlier this week that I have started running with a friend and that I have a 5k coming up.  Tuesday and Thursday of this week were training day and friends I ran 1 MILE this week!!  You have no idea how big this is for me!

I have NEVER in my life ran a whole mile before! So to be able to do so, even if it was a 13 minute mile, I am beyond PROUD of myself!  This upcoming week me and my running buddy Lauren are looking to really settle into to that first mile before moving forward.
Now for an amazeballs recipe for you all! I about died over these Turkey Meatballs.  They were so easy and so yummy, I could not wait to have them for lunch the next day!

Ingredients1-1/2 lbs ground turkey1/4 grated parmesan cheese7-10 sliced garlic clovessalt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in one bowl.  Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper.  Make gold ball or smaller size meatballs and place them on the sheet.  Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Then enjoy!

Why I Love Being Single

I wrote this post a couple weeks ago and thought I would save it for Valentines Day since it was so close.  No I am not anti-Valentines, I just think it is kinda funny what some couples do!

In case you could not guess from the title of this post...I am SINGLE. As in there ain't no man in this life of mine! And I am perfectly ok with that. Now this is not to say I would not accept you setting me up with a really great guy...

Anyways since all of my friends are either married, engaged, or seriously dating someone, I have been able to really look at the pros and cons of this whole dating vs single situation. And here is what I have come up with.

1. I don't have anyone that I HAVE to take into consideration but myself.
Yes I know how selfish that statement sounded. But please let me explain. When planning trips or where to go to grad school or even what I want to have for dinner, I only have one person to really consider. And that is me. Yes I do consider a lot of other people in those decisions, but at the end of the day I get to do what is right for ME.

2. I don't have to worry about "Oh no he hasn't texted me back yet. Is he mad at me?"
Yes we all say we don't do this with our boyfriends, but it happens. I really don't like being all that caught up in another person. I don't want to worry about mundane things like texting.

3. I don't have to worry about making time for someone
I am a busy person. Yes I know I could make time for someone, and I do with my friends. But that whole "we haven't spent any quality time together" drives me crazy. I am a go with the flow kind of person.

4.  I don't have to worry about looking cute every time I see someone
Yes I like to look cute, and yes it happens most days.  But this whole "I have to make sure to dress up and change up my outfit from what I wore the last time I saw him" things is a no go with me.  I wear what I want when I want.  I do not have to impress anyone!

5.  I can eat all kinds of food and have no boy judgement
I hate this whole "I have to look cute while I am eating and don't want him to see me eat something gross"  and the sad thing is I would fall into this category.  Fortunately I don't care what the besties think about what I eat.  So no boy, means more yummy food for me!

If you have a significant other and maybe fall into one of these categories, your totes OK.   And seriously if you want to play match maker with me....I am go!

Happy Early Valentines To Me!

Every year on/around Valentines day since I started college my Mom (Mamerz) has sent me a care package full of all the things I love!  I seriously look forward to it EVERY year.  I have no idea why she chose this time of the year to send something (maybe you can share with me mom?) but I LOVE it none the less.

When I went to the Post Office yesterday and saw my box, I jumped for joy! It got even better when I opened it and found all of my favorite things in one bog box:)

Mom wears Clinique makeup and gets their cute free gifts all the time.  And my favorite mascara is Clinique so I always love getting these little surprises.  Add in some lip gloss and blush and I am one happy girl!
All of my favorite candies were included...I may have opened the hot tamales before this picture so they are in my tummy.  And seriously the Conversation Hearts are my absolute fave!
A nice sweater along with all of this makes it even better.  This is so not a good picture of the sweater but I have plans for it this week and will make sure to take some pics:)
Thanks Mamerz for always thinking of me on Valentines and sending me something sweet! I love you tons and cannot wait to see you in a couple weeks:))

Weekend Recap!

1.  I have decided to take up running.  It has been one of my goals for a while to do just that.  For whatever reason I think running is the absolute most wonderful workout one can do...I just ride the struggle bus when it comes to that.  BUT Kelly and I have decided we want to run the Color Run in Atlanta on April 6.  So Lo and I have turned into running buddies to help me train!  We ran half a mile twice on Saturday outside at Sycamore Shoals.  To say I was proud is an understatement! This week I hope to get up to .75 of a mile!  Any running tips are greatly appreciated:)

2.  Saturday the children's minster at my church, Kelly, asked me if I could come to church early and help out with the kids.  After I got there she told me she would be giving me a shaving cream beard and the kids would throw fruitloops at me.  Oh the joys of Kidmin.  P.S. I kept smelling the shaving cream all day and I HATED it!

3.  My Christ and Culture group, a class all seniors have to take, did our hike on Sunday.  And of course I needed to look cute.  I looked in one bag for a sweatshirt and found this one instead.  Totes forgot I evened owned this.  Loved it though and it was perfect for the hike!

4.  I have been on a major baking kick.  And after Kelly and Jess told me they loved my red velvet cream cheese brownies, I decided to make some more.  Except these were blue.  And I iced them.  And I made them into hearts for all the roomies.  Gotta have some love this week!

4 Recipes For You!

Sorry I have been MIA the past two days. That cold I had was not a nice one AT ALL! I was not a happy camper and all I wanted to do was sleep. But I am now back on my feet and ready to go with all of this energy!

Despite my sickness, I still was able to cook quite a bit this week. And boy do I have some YUMMY recipes for all of you!

Monday I mentioned making Oreo Balls last weekend and was asked to post that recipe. People these are super easy and super yummy!

Ingredients:
1 package of Oreo's
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 bag of chocolate chips (for richer go with semi-sweet)
wax or parchment paper

You take the all of the Oreo's and crush them up in a bag. You want them pretty crushed up. Then mix the crushed Oreo's with the cream cheese in a bowl. Depending on how cold you cream cheese was, you might need to refrigerate this mixture for a short period of time. You need to be able to make balls out of them with you hands and don't want them to stick to you or fall apart.
 Line a baking sheet with you wax/parchment paper.
When cold enough roll you Oreo mixture into balls. You can make them as big or as small as you would like. Place them on the line baking sheet. Freeze the Oreo balls until they are hard enough to not fall apart.
When the Oreo balls are hard enough, melt your chocolate chips and dip the Oreo balls in the chocolate. Place them back on the lined sheet. Freeze the balls again to harden the chocolate. And now enjoy!

Another recipe I really enjoyed this week was some Ranch Chicken courtesy of Lauren. I really like things to be super easy when I cook, and this one definitely was!

Ingredients:
2-3 chicken breasts
1 package ranch dressing/seasoning mix

Put the chicken breast in a gallon size bag. Pour in all of the ranch mix. Mix it all around and coat the breasts.  Let sit in the fridge for a couple hours.  Place them on the grill (you can also use the oven). And then enjoy!

I served this with some of Mamerz broiled asparagus and it was amazing:)

 I made some Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers. I don't know about y'all but I love bell peppers and I love using my crockpot. I used this recipe as a guideline and only changed a few things.

Ingredients:
4 Bell Peppers
2-3 Carrots
Half a head of cauliflower
1 Large Onion
4 Cloves of Garlic
6 oz can of tomato paste
1 pound ground turkey (can use pork or beef as well)
1 Tablespoon Oregano
Salt and Pepper to taste

Cut the tops off of your bell peppers and set them aside.
 In a food processor, chop up your carrots, cauliflower, onion, and garlic cloves.  Mix them together in a bowl with the tomato paste, ground turkey, oregano, and salt and pepper.
Place in your crockpot.  Add 1/2 cup of water.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Recipe number 4 is another dessert! I made Red Velvet Cream Cheese Brownies.  YUMMO!  I used this recipe and it was seriously the best!

Ingredients:

Red Velvet:
1 stick unsalted butter, (8 Tbsp) melted
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup cocoa powder
Pinch salt
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
2 eggs
3/4 cup all purpose flour

Cream Cheese:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter an 8 x 8 inch pan. {I used glass}

Brownie layer: Add melted butter to a large bowl and add sugar, vanilla, cocoa powder, salt, food coloring, and vinegar, mixing after each addition. Whisk the eggs into the cocoa mix. Mix in the flour until lightly combined. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, saving 1/3 to 1/4 cup of the batter for the cream cheese layer.

Cream cheese layer: Blend together cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl. Spread the cream cheese on top of the brownie batter in the pan. Put the remaining cocoa batter over the cream cheese layer. Using the tip of a knife, swirl through the cream cheese mixture to create a swirl pattern. Bake the brownies for 30 minutes. Remove to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before cutting.

The Interview that Never Happened

Last Thursday I got an email telling me I had received an interview for the Counselor of Education program at the University of South Florida in Tampa.  I pretty much freaked out.  To say I was not expecting this is an understatement.  I had filled out an application but found out too late I was missing a letter of recommendation.  So I figured I would never hear from them again.
After getting the email I called my mom not knowing what to do.  The interviews were for the following week and I was in school in Tennessee.  I looked into flights but since it was so last minute (I was going to have to fly out the next day) they were at least $1000.  In order to not have to spend this much I called the office.  They granted me a phone interview.
I was told my interview would be from 12:30-1:30 Monday.  If you follow me on Twitter you know I have not been feeling good the past couple of days.  Something similar to the flu but I'm calling it a cold.  Needless to say I was worried about how I would get through this interview.

I put on my comfiest shirt and sweatshirt, and even brought out the red fuzzy socks.  All in hopes my fever would fade and I could get through the interview.  I waited and waited.  12:30 past and no call.  1:00 came and still no call.  At 1:20 I thought I would email them to see if I had made a mistake.

By 1:45 I had heard nothing.  So I called and come to find out they were going to reschedule me.  A number of people needed phone interviews so they were setting those up separately, they had just forgotten to email me and tell me.
So now as I still await this fever, cough, and stuffy nose to go away I also have to wait out my interview time.  Hopefully by the time it happens I will actually be able to answer some questions coherently!
Also I just realized that in the picture of me one of my eyes is crossed.  Let that tell you how sick I am that I just realized it and am not taking it down.

Weekend Recap

1.  Friday night I went over to a friends apartment and made Oreo balls.  And then we watched Sex and the City all night.  Best way to spend a Friday night if you ask me!

2.  After spending my Saturday morning and afternoon doing homework and laundry, I realized that for the past two weeks I have worn something that was either white, grey, red/pink, or black.  I might have a problem...

3.  Sunday I went outside only to discover that I had a couple of inches of snow on my car.  I am not of fan of scraping snow off cars.

4.  As I drove through Milligan, I realized what a beautiful campus we have when it snows.  Unfortunately I only like looking at snow...not being in it.

Not a very eventful weekend, but I needed time to sleep and relax.  I am so busy during the weeks that I really do enjoy doing nothing on the weekends!

Hope you had a fabulous weekend as well!