Merry Christmas

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Merry CHRISTmas!

Merry Christmas from the Penningtons!  

We wish you and your family the most wonderful blessings during this special season.  

Remember to keep the real meaning of Christmas close to your heart and share it with those around you.  

We love you guys!

Christmas Wish List

Have you made your list and checked it twice?  Is Santa going to name you naughty or nice?  I struggled this year making a list, but I have managed to round up a few items on the top of my list.  Trust me I love a present just as much as anyone, but for some reason each year it gets a little harder to make a list.  I guess that means I'm satisfied :)

1. Black Sparkle Toms

2. Disney Princess Running Tank

3. Monogram Necklace

4. Iphone

5. Brave

Traveling Tuesday (On Hiatus)

I know its Tuesday guys, which means our Traveling Tuesday series continues, but it's going to have to be on hiatus this week.  Progress reports = grading all night, which meant no time to write my blog post.  Sorry about the delay, but we will be back in full swing next Tuesday!  Just incase I haven't said Tuesday enough in this post, Happy Tuesday!

Thanksgiving Recap

Oh is it Monday already?  My five days of pretending to be a stay-at-home wife were wonderful.  There was cooking, cleaning, shopping, and of course lots of eating.  But Sunday night rolled around and the reality of my decisions to play all week crashed down on me like a ton of bricks.  Lesson plans and grading were a harsh slap in the face to the reality that Monday held.

However, lets skip all that Negative Nancy stuff and get to the food.  Thanksgiving was amazing.  Like who doesn't love a holiday that is solely devoted to spending time with friends and family, eating delicious food, and sharing all that your thankful for?  Our Thanksgiving was so amazing that I managed to snap ONE picture.  It was of my food naturally.

Daniel and I have consumed more food in the last couple of days than we did the entire month of November.  We had lunch at my mom's Thursday, dinner at Daniel's parents, dinner again at my mom's friday night (leftovers), and then Friendsgiving at church on Sunday.  I have indulged in massive amounts of turkey, mashed potatoes, pineapple casserole, dressing, green bean casserole, mac&cheese, and tons of green veggies!

We also felt that no holiday would have been complete without a little trip to the hot and fresh sign.  Saturday night we hit up Krispy Kream (thanks to the hot & fresh sign app on my phone) and spent the evening watching Home Alone and Richie Rich.  I hope the next month moves at turtle speed, because I am LOVING all the holiday movies on ABC Family and the Hallmark channel!  

How was your holiday???  Did you join all the crazies on Black Friday???  Don't forget to tune in tomorrow for Traveling Tuesday!  Remember if you participate you can link up in the comments section below the post!

P.S. Special shout out to my grandma who had a birthday yesterday!  Happy Birthday Lo!

Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving from the Penningtons!  

I hope your holiday is full of food, family, and laughter! 

Above all remember to spend time today being thankful.

I am thankful for...

Traveling Tuesday- Disney World (Part Three)

Welcome back to Traveling Tuesday!  Your one stop shop for all types of travel advice and ideas.  Today we are journeying yet again to Disney World.  Today we are heading to the Magic Kingdom! We briefly went to the Magic Kingdom on our first day at Disney, but there is so much more to see!

Day Five- Magic Kingdom

How does a princess start her day?  Why by visiting other princesses of course!  Daniel and I spent in a little on the morning of day five, but we timed our arrival perfectly.  As we walked into the Magic Kingdom I realized the wait time to see the princesses was 0 minutes and I knew this was my chance.  I ran through the roped off area as if someone may jump in front of me and I anxiously awaited my chance with the princesses.  Whether your 4 years old or 24 years old it doesn't matter, the princesses talk to everyone like they are the most special people they have ever met.  Cinderella asked me what kingdom did I come from, Belle told me my beast wasn't nearly as hairy as hers, and Aurora complimented my ball gown.  Best day ever!

After catching up with the princesses that morning, we headed into the wilderness to explore the Swiss Family treehouse and Tom Sawyer Island.  Disney does a phenomenal job of taking you back into time as you climb the steps of the treehouse and ride the log raft across the river to the island.  Tom Sawyer Island was a place I would have really liked to have spent more time exploring.  It was getting close to lunch time though and I was getting a little light headed.  On the island you will find caves, paths, bridges, and all kinds of things to explore.  You almost feel like Tom Sawyer himself, because you rarely run into other families.  

Little girls of all ages MUST eat at Cinderella's Royal Table at least once in their life.  The magical dining experience starts out with you entering Cinderella's Castle and you are immediately direct to your meeting with the princess herself.  After meeting Cinderella and having your photo taken you are escorted into the dining room.  Throughout your meal announcements are made as the various princesses enter the room.  Belle, Aurora, Ariel, and Snow White travel to each table to chat and take photos with all of the guest.  The food is delicious as well.  I had the "fried" chicken, baked macaroni and cheese, and broccolini.  It was really good, but not the fried chicken we know and love in the south.

I cannot rave enough about the quality of the firework shows at Disney.  You can find a show that will light up the sky on a nightly basis and it is always spectacular!  The show at the Magic Kingdom is especially magical, because Tinkerbell "flies" out of the top of the tower before the show and they illuminate the castle with different color lights throughout the show.



See you guys next Tuesday for another edition of Traveling Tuesday!  If you blogged about your travels today, share the link to your blog post in the comments section below.  I can't wait to see what you guys have to say!

Happy Holidays

Woohoo!  The holiday season is officially in full swing.  Thanksgiving is only days away and Christmas is right around the corner.  This is the time of the year that I hope things slow down, way down.  I absolutely love every aspect of the holidays and I want to hold on to them for as long as possible.

We actually jumped the gun and decorated our Christmas tree this weekend. {pictures to come}  It was so lovely to drink hot chocolate, pig out on red velvet cheesecake, and watch White Christmas while decorating our tree.  

Cheesecake Factory Red Velvet Cheesecake YUM!!

One of our favorite ornaments :)

The best part of decorating the tree was actually the discussion on where to put the tree.  Daniel and I had never really had any options as to where to put our tree before so this year was a challenge.  And of course in true married fashion we disagreed on where to put it.  It all culminated into a profound statement fron Daniel.  He said, " Well it makes sense geographically to put it where you want it, but it makes more sense sentimentally to put it where I want it."  HAHA!  He has a way with words.  Needless to say, sentiment won out and so did Daniel.  But to be honest I love its placement.

Once we get all our decorations up, I will be back with a Christmas post.  Happy Monday guys and don't forget about Traveling Tuesday tomorrow!  Link up in the comment section below with your post on your favorite travels!

High Five For Friday

Hey Guys!  It's Friday again!  Short work weeks are the best and next week will be no exception with Thanksgiving on the horizon!!

Now its time for High Five for Friday!

1. I dusted off the tennis racket this week and it was awesome.  I've still got the magic... look out Wimbledon 2013 ;)

2. Veteran's Day was amazing... I got a day off and Olive Garden... Thank you veterans!

3. I got new pair of slipper/boot thingies. They rock.  Warmth + pink = awesomeness

4. In other news, hot chocolate has just been approved by the FDA as a new segment of the food pyramid.

5. Happy Birthday (tomorrow) to my beautiful sister-in-law!!  Welcome to the Quarter of a Century Club!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

College Kid

Go Pirates!

I'm going back to college.
Just kidding... I wish!

Today is College Day at school.  It is my task to share crazy stories experiences with my students that will make them understand the awesomeness of the college experience.  We get to fully embrace the day, college t-shirt and all.  For most teachers this is cool... not cool when you look like you are in high school still.  It gets confusing and you just get that "Hmmmm, I think your a teacher, but you cannot possibly be since you look like you are 14 years old" look.  Oh well rocking the look anyway.

As I began reflecting on what I would tell my students, I realized why would anyone pass the college opportunity up if they could make it happen.  My four years of undergrad and year of grad school were the best years of my life.  I met incredible people, gained valuable knowledge, learned to see the world from different perspectives, and actually got to see other parts of the world.  

The thing I enjoyed most about college though were the little things.  Sitting outside on a fall afternoon drinking my hot chocolate and studying.  Bicycle rides down the Greenway.  Long van rides for far away tennis matches stuffing my face with Whales and Sour Patch Kids.  Early morning breakfast with my tennis girls after a grueling 6 am workout.  Lunch dates on campus with Mr. Pennington.  Pouring down rain on both my graduation days. The list could go on and on, but you guys get the point.  Life isn't always about the big events.  Sometimes its about the little small ones in between.

Question of the Day: What is your favorite college memory?

20 Places Every American Should Visit

In light of our new series we started yesterday, I am carrying on with the travel theme.  Daniel and I have been discussing on a regular basis where we would like to take a family vacation to next year hopefully.  See, with the exception of our honeymoon, we have never been on a vacation together with just the two of us.  Its a little overwhelming thinking about narrowing down the five million choices that we have come up with.  Some are realistic... some not so much.  Here are some ideas we have been throwing around.... Disney, Europe, the Outer Banks, Washington, D.C., New York City.  I guess we will have to wait and see what happens!

I was recently searching a travel site and came across the "Twenty Places Every American Should Visit."  I found this really interesting.  As much as I love international travel, I think sometimes I should really concentrate more on seeing more of our own country.  American is the home of some truly beautiful sites.  Check out the list below and see which one's have made your list.
(I have traveled to the one's in pink!)

20 Places every American Should Visit

Highway 1, Calif.

French Quarter, New Orleans, La.

National Mall, Washington, D.C.

Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas, Nev.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyo.

Times Square, New York City

Nashville, Tenn.

Grand Canyon, Ariz. (Flew over on the way to Las Vegas)

Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles, Calif.

Disney's Magic Kingdom, Orlando, Flordia

Independence National Historical Park, Philadelphia, Penn.

Taos Pueblo, N.M.

Fenway Park, Boston, Mass.

South Beach, Miami, Fla.

Civil Rights District, Atlanta, Ga. (I have been to Atlanta, but never the CR district)

Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pa.

Architecture in Chicago, Ill.

Ellis Island, N.J. (I have seen it on the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, but I have never been inside)

Pearl Harbor, O'ahu, Hawaii

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City, N.Y. (Only the outside)

Question of the Day: If you could choose any place in the world to vacation, where would it be?

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/07/28/20-places-every-american-should-see/

Traveling Tuesday- Disney World (Part Two)

Over the weekend, I started brainstorming some ideas for trends that I could try to start on my blog.  Since traveling is on the top of my list, I thought why not start "Traveling Tuesday."  I am by no means a world traveler, but I think its awesome to share travel stories, because insider tips are the best to have when traveling to new places.

Each week I will feature information on trips I have taken in the past.  Once I run out of travel stories, I guess I will have to convince Mr. Pennington to take me somewhere new.  I would absolutely love to include some guest post on here, so if your interested in sharing information about traveling and great tips please let me know!  Also, if you want to participate on your own blog just post the link to your blog post about your travel experience in the comment section below!  Happy Traveling!

This week we will resume with recapping our Disney World vacation from last summer.  If you missed part one, check it out here.  Today, we will be going to the Animal Kingdom, Blizzard Beach, and Downtown Disney.

Day Three- Animal Kingdom

So if your really just not into the Disney-thing, but find yourself there on vacation, Animal Kingdom is a great place to be!  Of course there is Disney-themed memorabilia everywhere, but its also an accredited animal conservatory.  It's the largest of all the Disney theme parks around the world and you can spend days exploring the wilds of Africa, Asia, and the Americas from the comforts of central Florida.

Every guest begins their journey through the Animal Kingdom at the Tree of Life, it is truly a spectacular piece.  We spent the day seeing some amazing shows (The Lion King), animal watching, and riding the best ride Disney has to offer... Expedition Everest.  We rode it 6 times!

The roller coaster is in the mountain!

The Safari is absolutely amazing.  They load you up on a "jeep" and set out to capture some animal poachers.  Along the way you see zebras, elephants, giraffes, flamingos, gazelle, hippos, and much more.  The way Disney has create a wildlife perserve for these animals, yet still allowed the public to experience the wild of nature is truly breathtaking.

The Nemo show, A Bug's Life (in the Tree of Life), and Mickey's Jungle Parade are all must sees as well.  In case you have never been to Disney, when you arrive each day at a park they have maps for the park with times listed for all the events going on at the park that day.  Its a good idea to find the more popular attractions (the one's listed above) and make a plan for when you are going to see each one.  For the shows, arrive early and take that time to rest.  The seating area fills up fast and in August air conditioning is much needed.

We rounded out our day at the Animal Kingdom with dinner at the Yak and the Yeti.  Its a great restaurant  especially if you like Asian inspired food.  It was not my favorite place we ate, simple because Asian cuisine is not at the top of my list, but it truly was delicious.

The very last ride of the night was the Dinosaur ride.  I knew something scary was in store for me when Daniel and Mr. Rex nearly broke my hip trying to jump on the ride before me so I could have a certain seat.  I won't spoil the ride for you, but just know that its not for the faint of heart.

Day Four- Blizzard Beach/Downtown Disney

Water parks at Disney World can go one of two ways- you love them or you hate them.  I enjoyed a brief love affair with Blizzard Beach on the day that we went, but that only lasted for about an hour.  Water parks in Disney World in August are some of the most crowded places that you will ever go.  My tip for Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon is GO EARLY!  The only way that you will enjoy the rides at the park without waiting in line for over an hour is to get there when the gates open.

We arrived at Blizzard Beach as early as possible and moved from slide to slide as quickly as possible.  By lunchtime the lines were so long and the beach chairs were completely full so we decided to call it a day and head back to the resort.  I don't have any pictures to share, because we didn't take our camera to the park.  Using the Disney Photo Pass though is a great way to get pictures all around the park without having to worry about your camera, especially at a water park.  But just remember, much like everything else at Disney the photos are not cheap.

After a short nap and showers, we were ready to head out again.  The agenda for the evening was dinner and shopping at Downtown Disney.  Now if you are not familiar with Disney World, you may be surprised to find out that Disney is way more than an amusement park.  One of the most common questions that I get asked is, "What is there to do there besides ride a few rides?"  Oh how much you have to learn about Disney World!  Downtown Disney is a restaurant and shopping center created by Disney that caters to kids of all ages.  At nighttime it becomes the scene of Orlando nightlife with bars, clubs, and shows like Cirque du Soleil.  There are more restaurants than you can imagine with almost every type of cuisine being represented.  Stores range from Disney themed merchandise to ESPN, Lego, Little Miss Matches, and so much more.

Florida in August... Hot!

Ahoy! The Pennington's own the Black Pearl now!

Dinner that evening was at Raglan Road.  This is an Irish pub style restaurant, but it is very nice.  They have very authentic decor including Irish brews and dancers!  I had the Shepard's pie and it was to die for.  The star of the meal however was dessert.  Bread pudding is without a doubt the most delicious dessert in all of Disney!

(Sorry for lack of pictures... Blogger is being funny... tune back in later for more pics)

BEST DESSERT EVER!
Bread Pudding at Raglan Road

 That wraps up day 3 and 4!  See you guys next week on Traveling Tuesday for the Magic Kingdom and Epcot!  Feel free to join in next week with a travel post and link it in the comment section below!

Happy Veteran's Day

Happy Veteran's Day!  Thank you to all the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting the freedom of this wonderful nation!  My prayer recently has been for a revival in patriotism for our nation and a greater appreciation for those who serve.  So many take for granted the freedom that they have and are so far removed from the idea that there are those who sacrifice not only their time, but their lives for America.

US Cemetery in Normandy, France

I am off to spend my day with my mom.  National holidays = a break from school.  Maybe I can actually get some Christmas shopping accomplished today!  Be sure to check out the blog tomorrow for a new series I am starting... Traveling Tuesday!

High Five For Friday

It’s Friday, Friday
Gotta get down on Friday
Everybody’s lookin’ forward to the weekend, weekend

I told you last week that Fridays are quickly becoming my favorite day of the week.  This week is no exception... 3:00, I've got my eye on you!

Today, I'm participating in High Five For Friday with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk.  I've followed her sister's blog, The Small Things Blog for some time now and I have just decided to try it out.  So here we go.

Here are my top 5 things of the week:

1. Election Day 2012

It's not quite what your thinking.  The students in my Civics class have been running their campaigns for the last week and it all culminated on Election Day!  They were so awesome and I cannot resist bragging a little.  There was debating, presidential speeches, and most importantly... SWEETS!  Don't you just love when students take your ideas and run with them!

2. Meatloaf

My love affair with meatloaf is long and serious.  The word "loaf" may gross some people out, but my mom's homemade meatloaf recipe will always hold a special place in my heart and stomach.  Daniel and I tag teamed in the kitchen Tuesday night to create a steller meal which left both of us saying "I wish I hadn't ate that third second serving."  Look for a recipe post next week!

3. Everyday with Rachael Ray

The magazine fairy placed the new Everyday magazine in my mailbox and its just in time for the holiday season!!  Yum-O is all I have to say about this little treat!

4. Colorful Skinny Jeans

I got the cutest pair of red skinny jeans this week.  Not only am I pumped because who doesn't loved a good pair of colorful skinny jeans, but they are just in time for Christmas!!  I have a feeling I am going to be super festive this holiday season!

5. Election Day 2012

While the big excitement for the week was happening in my classroom, I cannot miss the opportunity to say that a highlight of my week was exercising my right to vote.  Democracy can only work it the people support it, so to all of you who voted thanks for perserving the sacred tradition of our country.  

Happy Friday!

Embrace The Camera

Good Morning!

Today, I am linking up over at The Anderson Family Crew for Embrace the Camera.  Its a great challenge to all of us to get out from behind the camera and snap some shots of ourselves with our family and friends.  Today's picture is from a recent football game Daniel and I attended.  We had a great time, got super spoiled sitting at the "club" level, and watched the Pirates bring home another victory.

Go Pirates! Arrgghhhhhh!

So take the challenge!  Grab your camera, snap a shot, and link up with Emily and the rest of the blogging world!

Disney World (Part One)

There has been a lot of talk about Disney World in the Pennington house lately... there always is.  In August 2011, Daniel and I were able to spend a magnificent week at Disney with his parents and I have been asking to go back almost daily!  I know its such a popular vacation spot for families, so I wanted to share a little about our wonderful week there.  I am not a Disney "expert," but if you have any questions or want some suggestions of places to eat or stay then please leave a comment!


Day One

We started our trip bright and early, hitting the road at 3:30 a.m!  Our plane left at 6:30/7, so we wanted plenty of time to get to the airport, park, and find a little breakfast.  I know this is silly, but nothing makes me feel more alive and excited that going to an airport!  I mean the possibilities are endless at an airport and its so thrilling to head out for a new adventure.  This was my first full vacation to Disney so I was pumped.  We hit the parks for a day and a half when I went on a field trip in 8th grade, but you can't do Disney in a day and a half!

We arrived in Orlando shortly before 10 am and hopped on the Disney Magical Express.  Guys, this is the only way to do the Disney experience!  You feel so taken care of immediately and its so wonderful, because your transportation to the hotel is pre-arranged and they take care of your baggage as well.  We were checking in to Disney's All Star Movies Resort by 10:30 and ready to hit the parks soon after!  I wasn't sure of the schedule for the day, but Mr. Rex and Mrs. Jan told me they wanted to start out at the park they thought I would love--- The Magic Kingdom!!  It's best place to start for a princess!

We're Here!

The day was absolutely wonderful.  We had lunch at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe, watched the parade, and rode the Buzz Light-year ride.  It was nice to walk slowly through the park and take our time. Later in the afternoon we visited the Hall of Presidents, rode the Haunted Mansion ride, and had a character dining experience at the Crystal Palace.

Once we arrived back at the hotel, I had the lovely ordeal of handling the situation known as "the damaged luggage affair."  We received a call over lunch saying that my luggage and my mother-in-law's had been damaged at the airport.  Who knew that would mean I would have to say goodbye to my beautiful pink luggage.  I loved that luggage... it travelled to Europe and back with me, so disappointment doesn't even cover it!  Also, my favorite hot air curling iron was destroyed.  The lovely people at Southwest agreed to replace my luggage though and reimbursed me for my curling iron.    

Day Two

Day two was an adventure at Hollywood Studios!  What fun!  Daniel's parents had given us a wedding gift basket the night before at the hotel and so we rocked our bride and groom ears for the day.  Hollywood Studios is such a neat park, because this is the place to see all the movies that you never think about being "Disney."  Day two also happened to coincide with the celebration of the 23rd year of life for one Mr. Daniel Pennington.  We celebrated hard by riding rides, eating lots of food, and goofing off the whole day!  The Honey, I Shrunk The Kids playground was awesome!

The birthday boy chose Pizza Planet for lunch that day and it was just as exciting at Buzz and Woody promised it would be!  Okay, it wasn't quite as cool as the movie made it out to be, but the food was really good.  The Cars and Beauty and the Beast show rounded out our evening.  They are both great shows to see and I highly recommend getting to each show early, because the seats fill up fast.  If you have ever been to Disney, then you know that getting a place to sit, in the shade is a rarity so take advantage of it when you can.  

For dinner we had probably what I would consider to be the best meal of the trip.  Minus the fact that we had to wait an hour plus (past our reservation time), Mamma Melrose is the place to be in Hollywood Studios.  The food was incredible and I will go back there ever time, hands down my favorite!  I had a pasta dish (no surprises there) and homemade pound cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for dessert.  They even sang to the birthday boy!!

 

Check out the rest of our vacay in the days to come!  My mother-in-law and father-in-law are headed down to Disney later this week to celebrate 30 years of marriage!!  Super excited for them (but a little jealous, because I want to go)!