Knee Update

I'm still getting a lot of sticking and catching with the knee, so I'm going in for another MRI.  Although I'm frustrated that I'm not out hiking or running, I have to try to stay positive that at least I am on the bike.

I'm still trying to get upper body workouts in as well although it's hard to stay motivated when you can't carry heavy dumbbells around.  I know I will get there eventually.

Big Fellow

Here's a good looking fellow from one of the game cameras that Jeff is watching...

Yard Sale and Playtime

A couple of weeks ago, I put together a last minute yard sale because some neighbors were having one.  I finally made the decision to let go of the tons of baby stuff that I had accumulated over the years.  It was hard to pull out all of Hailey's baby stuff (I can't believe she's almost 7!), but even harder to pull out stuff that I was saving to use one day.  However, Jeff was extremely supportive of my emotions and helped me let go of the stuff that I was trying to hang on to.  I didn't sell everything, but made some good progress.  Nothing is allowed back in the house, so it is all sitting in the garage and I've been selling some of it on Craigslist.

Two of my favorites

Marley LOVES sleeping with Hay Hay

Another beautiful evening

Preparing for Hunting Season

Jeff has spent some time over the last couple of weeks trying to prepare for hunting season.  He has spent some time checking out the game cameras with his dad and John as well as putting up a new tree stand.  

Someone ordered me some hunting boots too:)  I can't wait to try them on to see if they fit!

Miss Abby

Jeff and Sarah's dog, Abby, had to be put to sleep today.  The poor girl had a rough couple of years and is thankfully in a better place now.  I know how hard it is to lose a pet and my heart goes out to all of them.  Emily is doing really well with it, but I know that too has its ups and downs.  As much as Abby will be missed, she is no longer suffering and that is the most important thing.

Crockpot Whole Chicken

Since I no longer buy the meat that I "want" at the grocery store, but instead buy the meat that is on sale (thanks, Jeff) last trip to the store meant I bought a whole chicken.  The whole chicken was only $3.44.  That's much better than getting a couple of chicken breasts for $8.

Anyhow, I balled up some foil and put that at the bottom of my crockpot to keep the chicken out of its juices and then put the chicken in.  I rubbed it down with butter and then sprinkled it in spices (salt, pepper, paprika, and some herbs) and then let it cook for 8 hours on low.

It came out better than I even expected and was just like picking up a rotisserie chicken from the store.  I'll definitely be doing this more often...cheap, easy, and delicious.

Snakes and Football

This week I spent most of my time outside looking for spiders for our spider lab at school, but on Friday we found more than just spiders.  Luckily I came across a 5' long black snake first and then was able to show it to the kids without them completely freaking out.  They had a blast watching it climb a tree.

Hailey came over for the weekend and got to spend some time with Jeff and with my parents.  We went to our usual spot Friday night after some Chic-fil-a to check out the albino deer.  Hailey was pumped to get to look at them through the binoculars.

Baby turtle that Jeff found while getting stuff ready for hunting.

She lucked out with a new pair of sneakers and some toys for her dolls from Grandma and PaPa.  Today they went on a walk down to the lake for some exercise and to enjoy the fresh air.  The cooler weather was much needed after a hot and humid week.  It figures that it would cool down after I finished my outdoor lessons.  We grilled up some chicken quarters, made deviled eggs, potato salad and apple pie after we made our weekly trip to the grocery store.

Saturday night was reserved for the Tech v. Ohio State game and some beer for Jeff.  I opted for two pieces of apple pie instead of drinking. ;)  Hailey watched Diary of a Wimpy Kid while we watched the game.  It was a really good game, just stinks that it was on so late because I kept falling asleep.  Amazingly enough, VT beat Ohio State which was awesome and put someone in a very good mood. However, it made for a very early alarm this morning for Jeff to head to work.

Football & Bass Pro

This last week was a good one.  Jeff and I both had off Saturday and Monday, Labor Day, so we actually got to spend some time together.  Saturday we cleaned the house and did yard work and then went grocery shopping. We had everything done before lunch time which was nice.  Then we went to see Emily for a little bit who was spending the weekend with his parents. And finally, we were back home to watch the first Tech football game.  We had to move my recliners up closer to the television so that Jeff could get the full experience.  He wasn't quite as loud as I was expecting after all of the talk leading up to how important game days are. ;) While the game was on I made some apple protein muffins for the week and baked some turkey burger zucchini lasagna for dinner.  It was a great day!

On Monday, we picked up Emily and headed to Richmond to check out Bass Pro.  I hadn't ever been and Emily likes to go see the fish is in big aquarium.  Jeff was able to pick up a few hunting items and Em got a camo shirt for hunting.  I can't believe how expensive camo is...was $120 for the pants that fit me and the same for the jacket.  The good part about this is that I was able to try on things and figure out what fits.  Jeff has been looking online to find me something that is a little cheaper that will work for my first season of hunting.  I still need to complete my hunters safety course and then I'm ready to go.  I am looking forward to sitting in the woods and spending some quality time with Jeff, and of course learning a thing or two.