It's officially Christmastime!

Not to skip right over the Turkey - believe me, I respect the Turkey - but I'm just too excited about our Christmas decorations!

Quickly, Thanksgiving was wonderful, as usual. We had dinner with my family on Wednesday and his on Thursday and thoroughly enjoyed both!

Rob had to work Friday so did a little shopping (not until 10 thank you!) and we just spent the evening together. On Saturday, the real fun began. Observe:

The tree in all it's glory. I LOVE our tree. It is beautiful and makes me smile.

"Our First Christmas Together" ornament from last year. :)

This years ornament: "Merry Smoochmas"

My angels. I Love my angels.

Another of my favorites.  A few years ago, Hallmark released ornaments called Illuminations. They light up and transition in color beautifully. I got them 90% off when they discontinued them. Gorgeous.

:) Snowman!

I realize it's really dark, but the outside. We have two wreaths and an angel. This is our first year with lights on the roof and I love them!

Introducing the Man Cave

I tried to get a picture in all it's glowing glory, but the flash kind of ruined it. This is my husband's creation. I'm loving the fact that he isn't spending guys night in my living room anymore... :) Sigh... he is such a nerd. And I love him for it!

Cold

As I've mentioned before, I love my job. But, can I just say that its been a finger-numbing 60 degrees in my classroom since about mid-October? I don't handle the cold well and I'm at the end of my rope. Does anyone have a space heater they would like to donate?

On a lighter note, I'm hosting our first annual cookie-baking extravaganza. This is going to be one of three cookie baking dates I'll have this year. I'm super excited. Us ladies are going to bake cookies and hang out upstairs while the men sit in our newly forming man-cave in the basement. Bring on the sweets!

I have to admit

I've got the baby fever. What can I say? There must be something in the water, because every time I turn around someone else is pregnant. Do you know what the beauty of it is? I get to play "auntie!" There is nothing I love more in the world than being an aunt and with those around me becoming mom's I get to play the aunt role a lot. It's fantastic. I'm sure when Rob and I make the decision to start our own family I will discover how much better motherhood is, but, for now, I'm contented being an aunt. But I can't resist drooling over the baby gear. Check out these adorable nurseries!

Rob and I have talked about it before and while I know our feelings may change, we would want to be surprised about the sex. Which works out because I'm not really a fan of "pink" or "blue."

 I love the bright colors and fresh, clean feel. We'll see how Rob feels about it when we get there... :)

And, just as a last minute clarification, I'm NOT pregnant! Just enjoying the pregnancies of those around me!

Benefits of being a teacher

As I'm discovering (though not claiming I didn't already know), there are quite a few benefits to being a teacher. Observe.

• Long holiday breaks - this is the most obvious, and I must say, the most enjoyable. Who doesn't like a long summer/winter/spring/fall break?
• Job security - Now, I can't say I had the easiest time finding a job, even as a math teacher. However, if there were ever a secure job to have, it's in the field of education. We'll always need teachers!
• When we decide to start a family, it will be much easier to work my schedule around my children. Allowing me to work, while still play the integral part of mom.
• Mastering subject matter - there is something about being very knowledgeable about a certain subject that appeals to me. Especially teaching science. It's like going back to school, except that as the teacher I learn it so much better.
• It is so awesome getting to share something I am passionate about. I love math. And, even teaching science (I teach physics to one class) I get to share that passion with my students. Isn't that what everyone likes to do? Share those things they are passionate about?
• Having a job I love. I love what I do. I love my students. I love my coworkers. It's fantastic getting up every morning and knowing I'm going to a place I love. 

And, when I list them, the benefits WAY outweigh the negatives. I am so thankful for a job I love. What are you thankful for?

Back, again

I seem to find myself in the same place with this blog over and over. I continually look at the link sitting on my bookmarks bar at the top of my web browser and think, "I should blog today." But I don't. I have the ultimate lame excuse every time. I just so busy. But am I? Am I that overwhelmed with my everyday life that I can't take 15 minutes out of my day to reflect on it? I notice the weeks and month sliding by so quickly that it scares me to death on how many memories I may be missing. It's been two months since I blogged last. No, three. Ouch. Where to begin? Teaching? Marriage? Family? My boys? Maybe I can successfully condense it down to a somewhat readable post.

• August began a new school year and can I say, I LOVE my job! Granted, I'm realizing just how little I know about science, but how good is it to be able to say that I love going to work? I am teaching 6th, 7th, and 9th grade science. Although, I've convinced myself that I'm a math teacher as well since I'm in the midst of physics with my 9th graders. I am also the librarian for half of the day. It's fabulous. 
• September was just a fleeting moment. Adjusting to my new position and fighting to keep my head above water was a challenge, but I made it and I'm finally settled into a routine. It also brought some major decisions. Rob and I bought new cars. Yes, carS. Multiple. Two. Was this the worst decision we've ever made? Possibly. We both needed them. I got a beautiful, used, 2009 Chevy Malibu, for one heck of a price, I might add. Rob, on the other hand got this baby:

• A 2010 Chevy Camaro, in cyber grey. Now, before you get in a tizzy about these major purchases, Camaros are not as expensive as some may think. We can certainly handle it, but it's definitely a huge change to our monthly budget. And, Rob will probably sell it in a year or two when we decide to start a family. You see,  Camaros hold their value quite well. Just consider it an investment. And, who knew? Our insurance on these two cars is less than our insurance was on our old ones! 
• October was pure insanity. My sister-in-law celebrated a birthday. I celebrated a birthday (23!). My niece celebrated a birthday (2!). Parent teacher conferences. Halloween parties. Its finally over! Here's Isabella on her birthday:

• She's winking! So stinking cute!
• And, here we are in November. Half way through I might add. It's been very exciting so far. Some friends of ours got married. And I got some very exciting news that I'm not allowed to share yet. (No, I'm not pregnant). And, here I am, finally taking a moment to sit and reflect. What a awesome life I'm living. I'll leave you with one happy couple!