Reminiscing

Tonight I am thinking about how much Matt and I have changed over the years. Not in a sappy way, but just in an of-course-we-are-growing-up way. When I think back about all of the fun we have had, I can't help but be thankful. Going into this Thanksgiving week I have so much to that makes me feel blessed. My husband, my pups, my great family, my health, all of the yummy food I eat every day, musica, books, friends, and the beautiful land and sky that gives me inspiration every new morning. Here are some photos from our past several years together. Each brings back special memories.  

Dorm room and Americone Dream :) 

Old Maxima, trips home

My favorite place in Knoxville

Time at the park

Go gators! Go write the next American novel!

Travels!!!

Kisses and Graduation

No caption necessary for this night..

Corn monster

New places

Pretty people

I can't get the photos to rotate...technology fail.

Hope everyone has a great week and a wonderful Thanksgiving. Remember what it is actually all about :)

November

This month is really flying by quickly. I have been busy making Christmas gifts for friends and family. Matt and I got a head start this year and we are practically done shopping! It feels good to have it done early. I have tons, and I mean tons, of papers to grade before Thanksgiving. We are super excited to be able to see everyone and have a few days away.

I have hit somewhat of the fall blues. I need to be going to the gym more often. I can't seem to get into a good routine. Tonight I made Matt some coconut macaroons. First time and I think they turned out pretty well! I am trying to think up some good new years resolutions. It will be here before I know it! I am trying to not wish away my days too much. 7 school days until Turkey break and then 3 or 4 weeks until Christmas break.

Currently I am teaching Animal Farm by Orwell. I am reminded by how much I love dystopian fiction as we listen to the audio book in class.  We have had several meetings about the school transitions coming our way. The principal of my school was announced as the principal of the new high school. I really hope I get the chance to work there in a year or two. I would like to move up from 9th grade English, but I would be happy to teach it as well.

Only 3 more books to read for 2011. I have about 6 on my nightstand and I am not sure which ones I will actually get done with. I am reading Understanding Exposure that a friend lent me. I really want to be able to use my camera to the fullest extent and I think this is a good step to doing that.  I think I will also purchase a 50mm lens to broaden the type of photos I can take.

I got an exciting package in the mail this weekend! My Aunt Janie sent us some bedside lamps! I need to find shades for them. I will post pictures when I do. Hope everyone has a great week! Send me some updates about your life :)

Chicago!

This past weekend I visited my dear friend, Jenn, in Chicago. It was so much fun! We did several things but also still had time to just relax in her apartment. What I liked about the city is the distinct feeling on the streets. Even though people weren't smily or especially cheery, there was an energy that never went away. I couldn't believe all of the shops and unique places to eat. I love going to "home-town" eateries. Here are some photos from my trip. And a special thank you to Jenn for showing me such a great time! Miss you already.

Lately and October book reviews

Hi all!

It feels like it has been awhile since I have written on here. Matt and I have been busy. Two weekends ago my parents came to stay with us for Homecoming. It was Mizzou's 100th celebration. We went to a tailgate and then to the game. The weather was amazing! It was so nice to have my parents here and so hard to see them go. I am already looking forward to seeing all of our family for Thanksgiving. (Photos on another camera...will be posted some other time) Mom brought us some awesome canisters for the kitchen. I had been looking for quite some time and they found the perfect ones!

The leaves have started to change. I will post some photos that I have taken. I have just been playing with my camera a bit, trying to learn how to do new things. I borrowed a book from another teacher at school about how to use a camera manually. I still feel like I have so much to learn! I am not ready for the cold weather. It is just about time for me to get out some sweaters and scarves. School has been going okay. I think everyone is ready for a little break. This weekend I am going to visit my good friend Jenn in Chicago. I have never been there before, so I am really excited! It will be Halloween-any good suggestions for costumes? I can't think of anything this year and I am really running short on time!

So now to the book reviews! I am finally all caught up for my books for the year. I just finished number 20! I read The Book Thief by Mark Zusak, The Battle of Jericho and November Blues by Sharon Draper. It took me a really long time to read The Book Thief and it was a pretty good book. It is narrated by Death about a young German girl during World War II. I found at times that the author was just trying really hard to make it "good." On to the other books...I found them much more interesting.

Sharon Draper writes Young Adult Lit books and they are really great! Several of my students recommended the books to me and once I started reading I couldn't put them down! Jericho is a boy who wants to part of the coolest group in school, the Warriors of Distinction. He and his cousin "pledge" and several hazing activities occur. I don't want to give away the ending! Josh, Jericho's cousin, ends up getting hurt. The next novel is about Josh's girlfriend, November, and her dealing with pregnancy. That one is narrated by both November and Jericho. These books are really easy to read and just plain enjoyable. Even though the subject matter is difficult, they are realistic. I know they have spoken to a lot of my students and I am sure to many others. Check them out, fellow teachers!

Lastly, Matt, the dogs and I went up to Iowa to visit my Grandparents. We were able to relax and have a really nice time visiting with them and my Aunt and Uncles. She makes the best food-we had mashed potatoes both days!!! We also inherited a grill and some meat! On Monday night we cooked up a bunch of burgers and chicken since it had been so long! We sure have missed grilling. Here are some photos from our visit.

"Bloom where you are planted"  :o) Have a great night!

Wedding Bells: photos

Here are some some photos that I took from our anniversary. We didn't have anyone to take our photo, so I set up the camera on top of the fridge! We went to a nice dinner and then enjoyed our cake. 

Yummy!!!