Monday, January 31, 2011

Weekend with the Scheuer's

This weekend Nick's parents came up to Blacksburg for a visit.   Turns out they brought warmer weather with them as well.  This weekend was one of the nicest we have had in a long time.  It even got up to 60 degrees yesterday.  On Saturday we took full advantage of the nice weather and went for a hike at Buffalo Mountain, right past Floyd.  






When we got to the top we were rewarded with an amazing view and a wonderful picnic lunch.  



The rest of the day/ weekend was spent exploring Floyd, cooking delicious food (of course!) and just enjoying being together.  I have to include this-

At one point Saturday night I looked around and realized we were all engrossed in our various Mac products.  Pictured here we have an iPad, iPod touch, and a Macbook Pro- not to mention I was probably using the other Macbook as well.  This makes me laugh- I guess we are keep Steve Jobs in business....

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Nick's Debute

So, if you live in NC you have probably heard of Our State magazine.  Over Christmas break, one of Nick's friends called to tell us he had seen Nick in the magazine.  He said it was an add for Mast General Store.  We laughed so much about this because while Nick did work at Mast all the way through college, he has not worked there since 2005.  This add appeared in the December issue...so weird!   While we were home, I would look for the magazine while I was out, but then soon forgot all about the whole thing.

The other day when I checked the mail, I had a letter from my sweet friend Meredith.  Look what was inside-


That's Nick on the right, helping that girl find the perfect backpack for her next adventure!  That job was perfect for him- he got to research and recommend the best outdoor gear.  Until he asked for more hours that is, and occasionally had to work in with the soaps and housewares.  Can't you just imagine him organizing soaps?

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Snowshoeing at Mountain Lake

Last weekend we decided to go up to Mountain Lake with some of our friends for some winter sports.  They cross country skied while we borrowed their snowshoes.  It was so nice to get outside and take in the view!




We enjoyed a picnic lunch with the Boleys once we got to the top-



This is the old clubhouse.  The roof and windows are long gone, but the beautiful stone remains.  These benches look like something out of Narnia to me...



Come to Blacksburg and play- there's a standing invitation!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Last First Day...


Tuesday was Nick's last ever first day of class.  It is so hard to believe, but he is almost finished with his masters! We have been loving Blacksburg; its hard to believe this life stage is almost over.  By far the most common question we are asked these days is "so, what next?"  Honestly, we don't know!  Nick is just now starting to look for jobs and we are excited to see what the Lord has in store for us.  We will keep you updated!

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Peanut Butter Granola Bars


I made these granola bars this week (twice actually!) and we have loved them!  They are delicious, so quick, and so much better than what you can get at the store.    I thought I would share so you could enjoy them as well!  

Peanut Butter Granola Bars (adapted from How Sweet It Is)

makes 12-16 granola bars

4 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup unsalted chopped nuts (I used mixed nuts because that's what I had)
3/4 to 1 cup of peanut butter, melted
1/2 cup honey

mix ins-  
coconut
chocolate chips
dried fruit
anything that sounds good to you!

Mix all together in a large bowl, adding in any mix ins that sound good to you.  I am loving them with chocolate chips and coconut.  I ended up using almost a cup of peanut butter on my second batch and they held together much better than the first time I made them with the 3/4 cup. 

Press into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish and bake at 350 for 25 minutes.  Let cool completely and cut into squares. Enjoy!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Snow Days

Tuesday we woke up to this- 


which has allowed for two snow days so far!  I get so excited about snow days- probably as much as my kids.  It's one of the best parts of being a teacher.  Nick is (still) on Christmas break.  We have loved these few surprise days of rest right in the middle of the week.  We have watched a lot of Lost, eaten this delicious soup....


 ....I've been doing lots of this.....


....and just enjoying our time together.  I hope you enjoyed the snow too!

Monday, January 3, 2011

A Fun Game...

So, if you know Nick at all, you know he loves to tease and play tricks.  There have been several nights since we got married that I have come to bed and laid my head on my pillow only to find something strange hidden in my pillowcase- like my hairbrush.  Who would think to do that?  Another night when I went to bed there was something black and charred on my pillow.  I could not figure out what it was.  Turns out it was a charred green bean that we had found earlier in the day in the bottom of the oven.  Again- who would think to do that?  If you thought he threw it away after that, you would be wrong.  Soon after I found the green bean on my pillow it started showing up in other places like my makeup bag and in my car.  

Eventually the green bean wore out.  The game did not.  We moved on from a green bean to a baby sock left by our niece and then on to a little yellow bear that one of my students gave me last year.  This bear has been around the longest and has shown up in some pretty crazy places.  Some of my favorites being in the pocket of my favorite sweater, on my loofa in the shower, and tied to my apron strings.  I try hiding it back for Nick to find, but my mind does not work like his.  My spots are never as good.

The other day I was baking and went to scoop out some flour.  I just assumed it was lumpy and proceeded to scoop the flour-


You can imagine my reaction when I pulled this little guy up out of the flour.  Who would ever think to do that?


And this is why there will never be a dull moment when you live with Nick!

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Copeland Lane



Welcome to the world Copeland Lane!  Anna and Kyle had their sweet baby girl on December 28th.  She is beautiful and healthy.  We went to Raleigh last week to meet her.  It was love at first sight!

Girl cousins with Copeland

Boy cousins with Copeland