teacher gifts

I always struggle with finding Christmas presents for the boy's teachers. Before we moved to Small Town I would just go to Starbucks and get a gift certificate and a cute coffee mug (because what teacher doesn't like coffee?). But since the closest Starbucks is an hour away, I must get a little more creative with my gift giving.
A girlfriend told me about Planters Seasonal Nuts that they have at Wal-Mart. Have you tried these? They are really yummy!!

Look at that peanut brittle...yum:)

My favorite is the Brittle Nut Medley (because I have a major sweet tooth;) but the Winter Spiced is good too. Kinda cinnamony with a spicy kick!

I found some 1/2 pint canning jars Better Homes and Gardens brand that were around $8 for a 12 pack. It took two nut containers to fill all 12 jars with just a little bit left over for me to snack on;)!!

I found the gift tags here and printed several out on card stock. Then I just wrapped a pretty ribbon around!

I like the way they turned out.

What kind of teacher's gifts do you give?

Life in a Small Town

We have now officially been in Small Town for 6 months, and they said it wouldn't last (well maybe I said that).
There has definitely been some pros about moving to a small town:
1. No rush hour traffic.
2. You can get anywhere in town in less than 5 minutes.
3. I don't spend $4 on a cup of coffee.
4. It's beautiful here.
5. People are friendly.
6. The closest mall is 45 minutes away (I'm trying very hard to think of it as a pro--like a forced savings).

Some of the cons of small town life:
1. No 24 hour fitness facility (or even a gym with child care)
2. No Starbucks (my $4 cup of coffee)
3. Only one place in town to shop ( and yes, it's That place)
4. People are friendly (I'm kidding)
5. No shopping!!!

So, hum... My pros and cons kinda resemble each other don't they!?! But for the most part I think that we are settling in just fine. In fact, I am feeling very happy and optimistic about my life (or maybe that's just the medication talking). I feel like we can grow closer as a family and as a couple without so many "things" around to distract us.