Bringing out the BIG guns...

The past two weeks as a teacher have been extremely trying... I have had to pull out the "big guns" to handle the amount of stress and chaos at work. I have faced several calls to DSS regarding my students, a homeless student, teacher conflict, and an overall sense that I am solving problems but finding no resolution. As I left the classroom on Friday with a heavy heart and no resolve, I wondered what next week might bring.

As I sorted through my thoughts throughout the weekend I came to a few conclusions.
1.The circumstances that my students face in their home lives are beyond my control...
2. I can not take my students home with me (emotionally and literally).
3. Some circumstances, no matter how unhealthy, may not change.

While I sat in church on Sunday reading Colossians 1 this verse spoke to me...
"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:17)

This verse resonated with me and my current struggles. This verse said to me "He is before ALL THINGS, and in HIM all things HOLD TOGETHER." That said to me no matter how hard I fight, plead, worry, struggle, or stress the Lord is before ALL of these concerns. He holds all things together in HIS hands and I do NOT. As I face difficulties at work, in life, or even just in my heart I need to remember to trust in HIS power and not my own.

I resolved to pray and seek... for the Lord to be seen in the bleakest of circumstances... in the lives of those I encounter who are fatherless, homeless, and hopeless.

With love,

Danielle

* Maybelline Macara ( A must have) *

Throughout our many years of friendship, many might consider us a little bit "girly and like to primp." I must say, I can not argue that statement in any way, shape, or form. One can not even fathom how many tubes of lipgloss, lipstick, and chapstick we have combined not to mention any other products.Therefore, I thought our blog could benefit from some beauty product reviews. 

As I was watching the Today show, they were showing some of the new top products rated by Allure magazine and the Maybelline Volum' Express the Falsies Washable Mascara was one of them. I must say  I love Estee Lauder, Avon, and Lancome; however, this mascara is very comparable if not better. ( not to mention, much cheaper) I love it and would highly recommend trying it out for yourself.

If you are interested, here are some reasons Maybelline believes you will love their product...lol

Why You'll Love It

• Patented Spoon brush and Kera-fiber formula instantly build 8x more volume without clumping.
• Unique flexible wand helps to lift and separate lashes to provide the look of 300% more lashes.
• Ophthalmologist tested
• Contact lens safe

For Best Results

Hold brush with spoon side against lashes and sweep from root to tip to fill in gaps and coat each lash with Kera-fiber formula. Repeat until false lash look is achieved. Do not let dry between coats.


Until next time,
Rae

Before the 'teachers, mothers, chemist, wives' stuff...

..there was just 'best friends'.

I just recently decided it was a good idea to consistently back-up my computer.  Knowing my computer has previously crashed twice (both at critical times in my graduate school career) should give you some indication of my level of stupidity.

During the back-up process I discovered some killer pictures...one in particular I thought I'd share.

The four of us were on a GIRLS ONLY beach trip with our mammas.

so. much. fun.

The luggage situation on this trip was borderline embarrassing.

The evening events following this point in time have not been discussed outside of the present parties. What happens in 'Vegas' (Myrtle Beach), if you will...

After dinner snack... or second dinner?!

Olive Focaccia Bread for second dinner tonight. Where breads are concerned this recipe is pretty simple! I think the hardest part is waiting for the bread to rise (about 2 hours total), but it is totally worth it. This recipe requires very few ingredients and has a huge pay off in taste.  
Now Philip and I are enjoying this amazing bread and watching Modern Family. That's what I call a great way to end the day. Until tomorrow, good night!
- Danielle

The Weekend

This weekend Philip and I went to Hendersonville, NC to go apple picking with his family. We had an amazing time climbing trees, tossing apples, and walking the beautiful in the beautiful mountains. We picked a basket of apples that will soon be given to friends and family. Hopefully they will be turned into apple pie! I thought about how wonderful it is to enjoy God's beauty in nature this weekend. How good are the things He gives us to see, hear, smell, feel, and TASTE!

Speaking of tasting... check out this cake that I whipped up for my mother-in-law's birthday on Saturday. It is a Three (or Four) Layer Pumpkin cake with pumpkin cream cheese icing...
 
OH YEAH! Yumm.

Until next post, - Danielle

What's For Dinner

After a seemingly never-ending day of putting out fires, dealing with behaviors, and teaching division I decided to make some comfort food for dinner. I pulled out an old favorite recipe of my mom's (Thanks Brenda!) and I made chicken casserole with broccoli and stuffing, yum! For dessert I am making Chocolate Almond Frozen Mousse (Thanks Pioneer Woman!) The recipe for the dessert is extremely simple, so give it a try. This evening will hold yummy food, dog walking, and quality time with a friend. Enjoy.

Danielle

MMMmmmm...

I guess I will be the one bringing the chemistry to this tale...unless everyone else is thinking about a different kind of chemistry ;-) 

It is 9:06pm, and I am at work trying to write. However, rather than being able to concentrate on anything concerning platinum complexes, I can't quit staring at the recipe for these delicious morsels! I can't wait to try them!

-Joanna