Backlogged

This is the post where I dump a whole lotta photos and provide brief explanations. If I were a true blogger, I'd break this into ten different posts. Seeing as my semester is moving rapidly toward the end, one post is somewhat miraculous.

As you might have guessed, Brooklyn and I have been running. That's one thing I won't give up, even in the insanity. I need my time alone in the great outdoors (of the city). It's interesting to note the weather changes by my outfits. Tonight we are due to have our first freeze of the season.

Forty-degree run. Afterward, I went home and ordered real cold-weather gear.

Chilly run after two solid days of rain = mud run

Impromptu bath time

Love seeing sub-eights! Brook's not too impressed. She wanted to sprint the entire time.

As Ty mentioned, we spent a lovely Halloween at the Winburnes' home. I loved seeing our neighborhood get excited about Halloween. So many families participated by dressing up, setting up displays, passing out candy, and even showing movies on the lawn. We loved the fire pit in the W's front yard.

Brooklyn did not know what to think about my Jack-O-Lantern

That same weekend, my Centre for Musical Minds students had their recitals. My handful of students played in four different recitals on the same day. It was a whirlwind, to say the least! I was so impressed by the success of all the students (at all levels), and I loved that costumes were encouraged.

CMM teachers! Pony Up!

The very next day, I broke out the Christmas music. I must say, the cooler weather has made it feel more like holiday season!

After a short hiatus (on my part), we both made it back to game night. What a fun time we had with these friends! Halfway through our Trivial Pursuit game, Ty declared a trip to Kroger was necessary. We all split up in the store and came back with different items. We had a feast, to say the least! At one point, the board was entirely covered...

We've also been enjoying a lot of breakfast tacos. They've been my easy go-to dinner. So fresh and tasty!

On those nights when I'm home too late (or too tired) to cook, Ty steps in like a champ. Last night he made a delicious balsamic chicken and mushroom skillet dish. On the nights I arrive late and still have hours of work looming over my head, he takes me out to recharge. Dallas certainly delivers in the food department. 

My bowl of hot chocolate 

GF pizza: venison sausage, mushrooms, green onions

Quinoa and fruit bowl!

Recently, my migraines have returned with a vengeance. I'm dealing with about two a month, and my energy has been lower than normal. My eating habits haven't train-wrecked, but I certainly haven't put the time into intentional preparations. Trying to get back on track this week.

Next time I'll choose the larger cart...

Colorful fridge means nourished family!

Water, spinach, mango, chia seeds, peanut butter

Water,  cucumber, pear, fresh ginger, frozen mango

This past weekend, we made an investment in our winter survival: we bought a fire pit! I'd been asking for one for about a month, and I had my eye on one at Home Depot. After doing some research, we went back last weekend and made our purchase.

Roasting GMO-free marshmallows :) 

Naturally, there have been the usual piles of books, ground-breaking and inspiring lessons, hours of practice, trips to the library, and late-nights planning lessons.

I only wish I could spend more time outdoors, because campus has been exceptionally lovely of late!

Did I mention my family is coming in TWO WEEKS?!

Can't wait to hug them, laugh my head off, and show them the best Dallas has to offer.

And with that, I leave you. Good night.