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!

The Quest

To get fit, that is. Recently, I've felt the need to get a reign on my summer's worth of laziness and weight gain. Don't get me wrong, by no means am I fat, but I'm not where I once was. At one point in time (before the wedding...) I used to look in the mirror and think, "Yep. I'm hot." Not so much anymore.

Is cellulite hereditary? If anyone has the answer to this question, please let me know, because I'm about to go boot camp style on my thighs and I don't want it to be all for naught.

Speaking of toning the thighs, the hubs bought a bike. Finally. I pulled out my old bike (okay mom forced me to take it home since it never made it over here after the wedding) and have been riding it around a little bit. Enjoying the breeze in the cool summer air. As well as a little burn - did I say little? I meant fire - in my thigh area. Getting a bike has always been something we've thought about we finally bit the bullet and did it.

Nothing too expensive - no, really - considering the amount of money bikes cost, but a nice road/trail bike he can take on the street as well as the Katy Trail.

Here's to my quest to lost cellulite. Hopefully I'm not banging my head against a wall on this one.

Only because...

... I forced myself to have a night off, am I finally writing in my blog. I don't know where to begin. The past two months have been a whirlwind. Admittedly, I was pretty much lazy through the beginning of July. However, I honestly haven't stopped since mid-way through. But, dear readers, I've got so much to tell you. Another night. I'm wiped. I'm exhausted. I'm a new teacher. 'Nuf said.

I leave you with a picture of my first visit to the ocean (next time I'm going with Rob!!!). Please ignore the pasty white Irish skin. I don't tan, I freckle. I dream of color - and I don't mean the red kind.

Deer in the Headlights

That pretty much describes me right now. Complete and utter shock induced by my recent acquisition of a job. A job! I got a job! I will be working for a private school teaching 6-9 grade science. Yes, science. I realize that I'll be a certified MATH teacher, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.

For the past month or so I've been having some serious doubts about my career as a teacher. What was I thinking? Why on earth would I want to be a teacher. The amount of work involved is not for the faint of heart and after being denied a couple of times, I was beginning to think God had other plans for me. Right-O.

I applied at this school after a friend from church told me they were hiring middle school teachers. The day after I turned in my application they called for an interview. The interview went great, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. I'd already been denied jobs which I thought the interview was well for. The same day, they called and offered me the position.

I'm stoked. I'm a freaked. I'm pretty much trying to keep myself from hyperventilating. I'm extremely nervous already. I should probably bring a brown paper bag with me to school the first day. It won't be pretty.

The science thing is okay with me. I know it's not what I originally set out to do, but I'm at peace about the job (well, aside from being so nervous I could puke).

Plus, they are taking me to Florida for a teacher training seminar. I'll get to see the ocean for the first time. But, that's a whole other story.

For those readers who are teachers, I could really use some advice. I don't even know where to begin to set up my classroom and start prepping. I'm anxious to get a hold of the curriculum, but what else is there? I need someone to calm me down.

Yay for a job and yay for Florida!!!

Product RAVE

I don't think I've ever really raved about a product on my blog, which says a lot. If I am so happy with something that I feel the need to share it on my blog, it must be good.

SMALL DISLCAIMER: This post may be a little TMI for some (it's really not that bad). If you don't want to read about bras and boobs, don't continue.


That said, as I pointed out in an earlier post, I've gained a little weight and have decided I need to ramp up my exercise routine. (Can I increase an exercise routine that never existed?) How I was going to exercise was a bit of a problem for me. I thought about getting out my old bike, but it's buried in my parents shed and probably needs a new tube. I thought about walking/running, but was worried about my feet. Well, I got some new shoes for a great price (perks of working at a shoe store) and they've been feeling pretty good. I really wanted to try the couch to 5k program, but ran into one issue. Keeping "the girls" in place. I've done various forms of exercise in the past and anything more "strenuous" than walking was a problem because I could never find a bra that really held them in place. I mean, they can cause some pain if you don't have proper support! So, now that I had some good shoes, I decided I needed to find a good bra.

SUCCESS!!! I searched the internet and came across a message board that was talking about big-breasted women who run and the bras they wear. Over and over, I saw this bra.

 Um, WOW. I was pretty skeptical to start out. They didn't really carry my true size, but I went ahead and ordered something pretty darn close and anxiously awaited my package in the mail. I pulled it out, still skeptical and from the looks of it thought, "Yeah, this can't possibly do anything. There's nothing to it!" I put it on and I swear the heavens opened and the angels sang. This bra is fantastic. Not only did I RUN around the house and bask in the glory that my boobs weren't hitting me in the face, but I could do jumping jacks in this baby and they hardly moved an inch! I'm sold.

Top that with at super soft, non-chafing, moisture-wicking material and I've got it made.

I guess I can't use "them" as an excuse for exercise anymore.

Book Review: The Lost City of Faar

The Lost City of Faar by D.J. MacHale

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
Bobby Pendragon travels to his second territory in search of the evil Saint Dane to try and uncover a plot to destroy Coral. Bobby has grown up quite a bit in this book which automatically makes it much better than the first. There is a lot of imagination in MacHale's writing and a I appreciate his descriptions and inventive settings.



One pet peeve I have about this series so far is what seems to be continuous plugs for random name brand products. Several times he refers to a product followed by said product's slogan. A bit annoying in my opinion.



I'm a little worried as I continue the story that it is going to be much the same for me as "A Series of Unfortunate Events" was in the repetitive nature of the plots from book to book. I truly hope MacHale can keep me interested. I have heard a lot of good things about these books. Maybe my expectations are just too high.


View all my reviews.

4 and 9

Only four more days until I can officially feel my liberation from Lindenwood.

• Complete coursework: Check
• Pay all balances: Check (Can I hear an amen for no student loans?)
• Attend graduation: Check (yes, I did walk for those who are wondering)
• Receive diploma: To be mailed June 22

I am so unbelievably happy right now, you can't imagine. I've fought my last battle over my account balance and I'm free!

Let me enjoy this for a moment.

Okay, moving on... 

... The newlywed 9... ahem, 10? Hmmm... I've decided it's time to start some sort of exercise routine. Fortunately, I haven't really had to focus too much on my weight since the wedding. I didn't diet for the wedding. Now, I'm finding the scale creeping upward. It's the scale, right? That's what I was telling myself, when much to my dismay, after a little trip to the doctor, I've seemed to have gained approximately 10 pounds. I don't like it. I don't like it at all. 

I blame it on my job. (I have to blame it on something, right?) I've always worked jobs which require a bit more physical activity than most. I worked for close to 5 years shelving books at a library (quite the romantic spot, if you ask me) which required a lot of repetitive lifting and squatting. Lifting and squatting. Now, say it with me, lifting and squatting. Oh, and walking. And lifting and squatting.

Proceed to teaching. Anyone who is a teacher knows how much time is spent on your feet. And, as a middle school teacher I was always trying to keep the energy alive in my classroom by moving around, "dancing," and doing other random activities that outright make me look like a complete idiot. Nuff said. Oh, and the lack of real lunches probably helped. I was usually able to sneak in a fruit and jello cup (one of my favorite snacks) and some yogurt. Quite the diet.  And dinner? Dinner and student teaching don't mix.

Fast forward to the present. I found a summer job working retail. The hours suck, that's a given. And, I'm sure to bring a book with me every day. Isn't it exciting? This sedentary job has taken me off guard and my traditional eating habits just will not do anymore. 

I'm now beginning an adventure in meal-planning and an exercise  regimen. Meal planning so far has been pretty fun. Exercise? Not so much. I've thought about taking up running. Doing the couch to 5k seems fascinating. I may try it, though I fear I will regret it with my plantar fasciitis. Bring on the pain. If that doesn't work, I may pull out my old bike. It's not too rusty. Do you think it's still cute? It's purple. I got it around the time I was 10. If those don't work out, I'm not sure what I'll do. Any suggestions? I'm probably going to pull out the Wii Fit. Just for some more "relaxing" work. I don't imagine that will fix my 10 pounds though. 

Okay, I'm done with my weighty woes. Tell me I'm not the only one though. How did you keep your weight in check? And hurry, I had to pull out my swimsuit yesterday... my legs don't quite look as nice as they did last time that thing saw the light of day... Here's to losing 10 pounds.

Girls Week

I had a bit of an abbreviated girls week, but it was a blast. We went to the zoo and shopping and it was a great time! Since I haven't posted pictures of James in a while, here he is at almost 4. I can't believe it! I sneaked a of picture of mom in there too... :) I was playing a little bit with making his eyes pop. What do you think?

Happy Monday!!!

Come out, come out, wherever you are!

I had to make a couple of changes to the html of my blog layout to accommodate the larger image sizes from flickr . Can everyone see it or is it too wide? Thanks!

The Hubs

The Hubs, originally uploaded by sjluto.

Love this picture of Rob, just thought I'd share!

The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I liked the story, I liked the characters. The book is a bit juvenile, as it should be when written from the perspective of a 14 year old boy. There were a few times when I got a little annoyed by it, but I kept going mainly because I liked the plot and knew that as the series continued he would get older and the juvenile feel would eventually go away. (hopefully) We'll see how the rest goes.


View all my reviews.

Let Summer Begin!

While I've technically not done anything regarding school in the past 3 weeks, Saturday will mark the beginning of summer - the end of school. I graduate from college Saturday! Wait, it's been 4 years already? You mean I've been with my husband for 5 years (almost) already? Huh, let me let that sink in for a few minutes...

Okay, I'm done. I'm going to have quite the weekend! I have a (hopefully final) job interview tomorrow at 10am that I've been mentally prepping myself for all week. I'm really hoping I get this job! I don't know if my nerves can handle much more of this interview stuff. It really just throws me all off...

Then, I'll be cleaning all day on Friday to prepare for my graduation party on Saturday. God, please keep the rain away. I don't think I can fit all these people in my house. Amen.

Which, brings me to graduation. Did you walk in your college graduation ceremony? I'm debating this. If I walk it's really going to cut me close on time to get ready for my party. Like, really close. As in, I may be late to my own party.... I know its a great accomplishment and all, but I really have no attachments to Lindenwood. No one I really need to say "goodbye" to. Part of me wants to walk, but then I think it's probably going to be a long boring ceremony that I'm going to wish I had skipped. It's not like I actually get my diploma that day. What did you do?

Meanwhile, while I go contemplate the decisions I need to make, I'll leave you to contemplate my newest favorite photo:

What do you think? Pretty? Creepy? Let me know!

Book Review - The Graveyard Book

I'm kind of bummed to make this my first book review, since I didn't even finish the book, but here it is:

Neil Gaiman's (an author recently brought to the spotlight for his book Coraline, now a movie) The Graveyard Book is the most recent winner of the Newberry Medal, an award for outstanding children's literature. I love children's books, but must say I was pretty disappointed with this. To be honest, the story was fine. It was imaginative, interesting, curious, and often left me wondering what the heck was going on. If done properly, a book which creates these emotions can hook a reader and suck them in for an inevitably good read. However, I did not feel that way. In fact, I couldn't bring myself to finish it.

This is the second time I've tried reading this book, and the second time I've failed to complete it. To be honest, I blame it entirely on the improbability of certain events and facts in the plot. Now, before you get started on the "it's a fantasy, it's supposed to be improbable" standpoint, let me explain. At the beginning of the book, the child is an infant and somehow devises a plan to escape his crib with the thoughts of an average 10 year old. Okay, maybe he's smart for his age. This occurs over and over. In many situations he has the mindset of someone much older than him but there is no reason nor rhyme to this. The author didn't explain that the child was unusual in any way aside from growing up in a graveyard. In fact, I feel the author meant for him to be a "normal" boy. But when I am consistently reminding myself that this boy is only 6 or 7, not 15, I just got annoyed. There was just too much that didn't make sense to me.

Maybe it was the writing style? Maybe it was just me? Either way, I'm telling you why it didn't work for me. I give this a 2 out of 5, mainly because the idea and story was there, but the characters were its ultimate downfall. Obviously, someone liked it (my husband included) to award it a Newberry Medal. But I'll leave that decision to you!

Flickr

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Mother's Day Miscellany

Happy Mother's Day!!! I think this day is an excellent reminder to honor those women who are near and dear to us without whom we wouldn't be here! I love you, Mom!!

I graduate on Saturday! Finally! I am so happy to be done with school and kiss that place goodbye! No more dealing with the annoyances of Lindenwood! That's another story entirely. I'm a little nervous though because I'm having my first real party at the house on Saturday. I'm excited for everyone to finally get to see our house, but I really hope it doesn't rain! I don't think my house is big enough for everyone to be inside! Pray for a beautiful day!

I mentioned my graduation present in my last post. For those who may be wondering, my awesome husband got me a Canon Rebel XSI DSLR camera. I am stoked! They had a deal at Best Buy where we got the camera, an extra lense, and a camera bag for an awesome price. I've been spending much of my free time reading up on it and playing. Be sure to check out my Flickr photostream (link up top) for updates!

Rob figured it could be a good investment as I'd like to hone in on my photography skills and he wants to build me a website to add to his portfolio. I'm thinking about trying to start up a small side business taking pictures of children and families. I don't know if I have the talent for this, but I'm certainly willing to learn if it means I can do something I love. We'll see! I can't wait to set up a session with my nephew and maybe my neice!

Speaking of my photostream, what do you think? I went to Main Street in St. Charles and was just snapping pictures of things I liked. Some turned out, some didn't, but I think that's the way it works, right? I only got a few up, I have a LOT more I plan to post when I get a chance.

Summer's almost here! They are cleaning out the subdivision pool and the weather is steadily getting warmer! I LOVE summer. Warm weather, ice cream, sitting outside in the sun. It's my favorite. I just wish I didn't burn so easily... I feel like I should take out stock in sunscreen.

Does anyone have summer plans? I'm hoping to get a job and start planning for my classroom!

Now, watch, knowing St. Louis, it'll be 50 degrees tomorrow..

My New Photostream

I've been doing some work with my photography hobby lately and decided to start a Flickr profile to share them. Check them out and tell me what you think! There isn't much there right now, but I hope to be adding a lot more in the future! The link is also at the top of my blog. Good night!

WOW Sandwich

World of Warcraft, that is. I'm sitting on the couch next to my hubby and my neighbor, both of which are deeply engrossed in this game that is slowly abducting husbands across the world. Ladies, watch your men. Once they start, there's not turning back!

It all started during student teaching when I was spending HOURS after school working on things for my classes. Poor Rob needed something to fill his time so he decided to start "WOWing" again. The problem is, I'm not spending hours after school on work anymore and he's still playing his fun little game... hmm...

I suppose it gives me guilt-free time to read a book!

Which, by the way, I think I'll start posting reviews on my blog.... we'll see how it goes.

Sincerely,

A Good Read

Recently, I discovered an awesome website called Goodreads. Thank you internet gods! My favorite hobby (who has time for those?) is reading, it always has been. I go through spurts where I read constantly (now) and some times where its maybe not so much. Often the lack of activity in the world of my favorite hobby is due to the lack of time, entrancing material, or ability to move on after the end of a good relationship (with a book, that is). When I have time, and a good book, you'll likely find me reading. There are moments, though when I must mourn the publication of the final book in a great series and will abstain from diving into a new world for a little while - Harry Potter and Twilight were my most painful moments.

It's quite amazing, really, that one can become so attached to characters whose lives only exist on the pages of a book, created in the mind of some genius author who means to torment me by sucking me into his/her invention only to cut my relationship off and leave me wondering what happened for the rest of their lives. Phew, that was a long sentence...

My relationships with books are love/hate. I love meeting new "people" learning about them, and feeling the emotions that emanate from the pages as if I was right there with them. If you know me, you know I don't cry at just anything, and usually only when I'm mad or frustrated. I have a respect for a book that can make me laugh, or cry, and invoke a plethora of other feelings that I didn't know I was capable of feeling. I often stop to wonder how a word can carry so much feeling and meaning opening little places in my heart and mind I didn't know existed.

But, I digress... back to my newfound website. This place is great! I have found so many good books to read from here and I love my ability to read reviews and see what other people are reading. I am also able to write reviews for books I have read and keep tabs on my list of books I want to read.

I just finished the Mortal Instruments series and it was amazing! If you liked Twilight, I'd give this series a whirl. I'm willing to bet you'd like it too.

I'm debating beginning putting book reviews on my blog... what do you think? I don't consider myself an exceptional writer (especially of reviews) but, I know I always like to see what other people think before I dive into something. Let me know!

Done!

I finished my portfolio for school today! I've been working non-stop on this thing for the past two weeks and I'm glad to say it's finally finished!

Also, I've had my second job interview with a school district and will have my third on Tuesday. Then, onto a building interview, hopefully! I've got the inside scoop on a couple of positions and I hope something works out.

As for tonight, I've spent entirely too much time in front of my computer and I fear my eyes might just fall out of my head. I think I've got blisters on my fingertips. I'm done for tonight. Cheers!

Back to Work!

What a break! One of the best parts about being a teacher is, of course, the breaks! Much needed breaks! I have been SO stressed out and I needed this for my health and sanity. Unfortunately, my break was almost as busy as my time working, but it didn't consist of lesson planning, so I'll be okay. No, really, don't worry, I'm quite alright. I had a minor break down last night at the prospect of going back, but all is okay now.

Most importantly, however, my best friend, Valerie, got married! She was so beautiful and had a beautiful wedding. I'm so happy for them. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves... (I never said they were good pictures...)

Sweet flower girls!

So happy!

Gorgeous!

Pastor Nathan did a great job. The bridesmaids are her sisters (one has a baby on the way!)

Saying the vows

Toasts!

First dance. Love the dress!

Just got back...

...from an interview for a summer job. Wish me luck! I should find out in a couple of days.

Prayers Please.

I just found out today that my grandmother has been diagnosed with breast cancer. This is her second battle after defeating the disease 15 years ago. Breast cancer likes to rear its ugly head in my family and we're not going to step aside this time!

Psalm 103

A Psalm of David.

 ¹ Bless the LORD, O my soul;
         And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
 ² Bless the LORD, O my soul,
         And forget not all His benefits:
 ³ Who forgives all your iniquities,
         Who heals all your diseases,
 ⁴ Who redeems your life from destruction,
         Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

Just wanted to share a bit of truth

Check out Lindsey's blog for a bit logic.

Pardon My Dust

I'm trying to revamp my blog and it has taken a lot longer than I expected. I'm tired, and I'm going to bed. Enough said.

Tuesday Musings

1. I haven't blogged in exactly 91 days.
2. Student teaching sucks the life out of you.
3. It was a blast.
4. I'm going to miss my kids.
5. I'm not going to miss not having free time.
6. Rob is the best husband ever.
7. He does the dishes and cleans the bathrooms.
8. What more could I ask for?
9. I'm on spring break and it's amazing.
10. I really want to start blogging regularly again.
11. I need motivation.
12. Is anybody still out there?
13. I've been feeling a little down this week.
14. I'm not sure why.
15. I love my family.
16. I love God, though I don't always understand His ways.
17. They are still perfect.
18. I'm not.
19. I need to find a summer job.
20. I don't want to work this summer.
21. Growing up sucks.
22. I'm loving every minute of it.

Ready. Set. Go!

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve! I am so excited! My first Christmas as a married woman. We've spent a lot of time discussing where we're going and when, but I think we've got it figured out. There are so many things I'm looking forward to.

1. Making pull-apart cake for Rob and I on Christmas morning. Yummy! I only get it once a year!
2. Watching Rob open his presents. I didn't get him anything exciting, but one of my favorite things is giving people gifts!
3. Giving James his gifts. I got him a guitar for Christmas! He's been asking for one for ages (he watches us play guitar hero) so I thought, why not? Maybe he's a guitar prodigy... ;)
4. Seeing Isabella's first Christmas! She is so cute and fun. I can't wait to watch her reaction to all the festivities. It's going to be great!
5. Dinner!!! I'll be helping to make and eating dinner at my parents' house first and then heading to my in-laws'. I love holiday dinners. It's such a good time to get together and converse and be thankful for everything we've been blessed with.
6. Fellowship. I love just sitting around with the family on Christmas and enjoying each other's company. Everyone is happy and smiling and we forget all of our stress and problems for the day. I wish everyday was Christmas!

Tomorrow I'll be cleaning my house, doing laundry, and wrapping the final presents to put under the tree! Then, the hubby and I will watch "A Muppet Christmas Carol" and go to bed. I love starting new traditions!

If I don't get to post again before Christmas, I hope everyone has a good one!

Winterizing the Puppies

I have two doxies, Oliver and Dudley, and I treat them like my children. I'm one of those dog lovers that you look at and think are insane. But, in my defense, I've only pulled out shirts and sweaters on holidays. This year though, after bringing Dudley inside from going potty in the snow, I realized that his belly was REALLY cold.

I decided to call the vet and ask what she thinks about coats for them. Is it possibly a good idea? The vet says yes! Dudley and Oliver don't have any hair on their bellies and since they are so low to the ground, they are really susceptible to frostbite.

So, I decided to make them coats. Here's the breakdown:

• $2 for a pattern for a dog coat
• $2 for a clip for each coat
• $4 for "strapping"
• $2 for "d" rings
• $0 for fleece (we used a couple of old fleece blankets!)
• $0 for Velcro and other notions I had laying around

Total cost: $10 for two dog coats!

My big thing was making the coats cover their bellies and that I could hook them up to them like they were harnesses. I have success! I originally was going to put the "d" rings on the clips in the middle of their backs, but that didn't work so I put a piece of the strapping up by their necks on the ribbon (I used that to keep the fleece from stretching) and attached the "d" ring to that. I also had to add about 6 inches to the pattern to make them long enough. Overall, I'm happy and I think they are too!

What do you think?

A few more...

I've got a few more album pages. I'm a little obsessed. That's a good thing though, I've been meaning to do this for some time. I'm a little disappointed at my last post though. One comment?! (Thanks mom! I love you!) I NEED feedback. Seriously. I have a thing about seeing things from another's perspective. So tell me what you think, mmmkay? It'll make this a little less stressful (even bad thoughts!). I just want to make sure they look okay before forking out that kind of money to get it printed.

So here's another batch for critiquing. I'm expecting a better turnout this time... (hint, hint, wink, wink).

On a more humorous note, Oliver discovered the mouse today. The computer mouse, that is. Oliver and Dudley are my computer buddies. They lay on either side of me while I'm working and annoy me by sticking their noses under my hands and subtly informing me that they want attention. Well, today Oliver was very intently watching the screen. This is very unusual. Then I noticed that he was following my mouse. So I started playing with him. Until he attacked the screen. Don't tell Rob.

Designer's Block

I'm having a bit of a block with my wedding album. I was making great progress for a little while. Then, I got to the set of pictures I have of Rob and I in the woods behind my church and realized just how many good pictures I have! I want to use as many of them as possible, so the problem isn't choosing, it's putting them in some sort of layout. So, I think I'm going to call it quits for tonight.

I realized as I was writing this post that I never told my wedding story here. Going through all the pictures has definitely brought the memories back to the surface of my mind, so I'll put that on my list of things to do over Christmas break. Along with finishing the album, figuring out how to edit video so I can put it on my blog, and catching up on some other topics I've been neglecting. I really was a bad blogger, wasn't I?

I hope I haven't disappointed my readers too much!

I'll leave you with the progress on the wedding album. Any suggestions/criticism/praise are more that welcome! PLEASE let me know what you think! This is my wedding album, I want it to look beautiful and be something pleasing to look at! Its really hard to see something from an outsider's point of view when you're the one who created it. Does that make sense? I guess I just see the layers, cropping, etc. that makes up each page, not the actual page. So, seriously, let me know what you think! Rob says it looks great, but he's a little biased, I think!

Here goes...

By the way, you can click on them to make them bigger!

The first page of my wedding album...

Here it is! Okay, it's not the FIRST page (I'm still working on that one) but it's one of the first pages...

Regardless, I'm excited!

Christmas Cards...

Check!!! Woo-hoo! They're done! Now onto the wedding album... this is going to be fun!

Some Saturday...

:::SIGH::: This was quite a Saturday. I've been caring for my sick husband all day. :(

We're still not sure if it was the Chinese food last night, or a stomach bug, but -without going into detail - it wasn't pretty. I got quite a bit done though. My motives? The looming possibility that I might get sick... please, Lord, I don't want to get sick. When I wasn't caring for Rob today, I was getting caught up on housework all the while thinking about what wouldn't get done around the house that needed to if I get sick. I have so little faith, don't I? Maybe it's just the men in my life, but it always seems that when they get sick, everything stops for them (I'm not complaining about caring for Rob!). But when we get sick, it just keeps right on going. I think it's one of those rules of nature.

Though I didn't make it to the to the store today (for groceries anyway), I did manage to get a lot of my Christmas cards done. I'm doing two different groups, family and non-family. The non-family cards are some nice ones I bought at Target since I didn't think those at my church really cared to have a picture of Rob and I with the dogs staring at them. For the family, however, I made a little card in Photoshop that I'll be picking up tomorrow at Costco. Check it out:

I'm pretty happy with it. It took Rob and I several tries to get a decent picture in front of the tree with the boys. Oliver, for once, actually looks pretty good. I think Dudley, on the other hand, was too busy trying to eat Rob's hand... :) What do you think? Any suggestions for next time?

Next on my list, COOKIES!!!

We're also expecting some snow on Sunday night and Monday. Snow day? Mmmm... I hope so... :). I could do stuff I've been wanting to do for ages!! Can you tell I'm still basking in the glory of being done with school for the semester? I'm loving it!

Wow.

Yesterday was um, err... eventful. I took off work because I had my last final (woo-hoo!) and needed to get the paperwork signed for the class I tested out of. I also had to deep clean my house for the cookie exchange I hosted last night. So I got up and started taking care of the clutter (it kind of builds up when you don't clean it every once in a while, you know?). I hadn't really cleaned my house in a few weeks because I was up to my eyeballs with school work. I then wandered over to Lindenwood to take my final and take care of some last minute things. Afterward, I came home and finished cleaning (it really felt good!) and got ready for the party.

Well, at about 10:30 am yesterday, I got the following text from Rob at work: "Something is going down today at work... XXX said it isn't good. I'll know in about an hour. Try not to worry it may be nothing bad and I trust God to get us through whatever it may be. Love u!"

What???!!! Okay, here's the back story: Rob works for company X. Company X got bought by company Y (making company XY) who says they won't be doing major job cuts (right....). Now company XY is outsourcing all of their techinical support to the Philippines!!! HAHAHAHAhahaha! Ho. Ha. Ahem. Um, what? Are they morons? 

So, in one year my hubby is getting laid off. Yeah, it could definitely be worse considering some companies only give a day or two notice (:::cough::: A-B) but still, who likes to hear that their job is in jeopardy? Rob has a GOOD job. It pays decent and the benefits are great (okay, not great, but definitely above average). 

I can't say that Rob is disappointed. He isn't really fond of his job. You see, he supports a piece of software stock brokers use in trading. When it doesn't work right they get a little frustrated. Then they call Rob and he gets to fix their problem. It's slightly stressful work. I mean these people could be losing mucho money when the software doesn't work right, so he's under a lot of pressure. But it's a good job! 

Ugh... now the pressure is on for me to get a teaching position next year and Rob has to find something else. In this job market, I'm a little scared. Maybe by next year, things will be better. 

I'll tell you though, this economy isn't being nice to us. My dad's on temp. disability for his heart, my brother got laid off, my sister-in-law got laid off, my brother-in-law might get laid off, as well as my aunt and Rob's cousin. It sucks. I guess this is one moment I'm thankful to be a teacher - a little job security! If I can get a job.

I guess I'm just a little annoyed. Annoyed that these higher-ups in companies want to ship US jobs to the Philippines. Annoyed that our economy sucks. Annoyed that I'm not a millionaire and can give away all my money to people who need it (hey, a girl can dream, right?). 

Okay, vent over. I'm still working on my Christmas video, by the way. Stay tuned!

Christmas Pre-lims

I was planning on making a big Christmas post with video and everything, but my computer is wheezing as I type this. It just can't handle much anymore and until my darling Hubby lets me have the new laptop, I'm stuck... :o)

So until then, I have a picture from our Christmas decorating extravaganza. We spent an entire Saturday watching movies, listening to Christmas music and spending some great time together decorating the house for the first time. It was so awesome to start thinking about our own traditions as a new family. I'm content. :)

Here's Rob and I hanging "Our First Christmas" ornament on our first Christmas tree in our first house as a newly married couple... life is good.

Another happy bit of news, I have one more final tomorrow and I will officially be finished with general undergrad classes! I passed my college algebra exam (I tested out of the course) and I student teach next semester! I am SO nervous! I have my placement at a middle school close by my house and my cooperating teacher seems really nice. But that doesn't cover the fact that I'm envisioning vomit and hives (TMI... sorry) the few days before it starts in January. I just keep praying that God will be with me and everything will be perfect.

I'm so afraid I'm going to get there and hate it. That I'm going to go through my student teaching thinking to myself, " Why did I do this? Why did I decide to be a teacher?" Am I going to be a good teacher? Will I be able to find a job? Ugh... I'm just so nervous. Someone tell me it will all be okay. Are my fears completely unfounded? Oh well, I've reached the point of no return. Suck it up, Stephanie. Suck. It. Up.

Christmas is 14 days away!!!

Made Some Changes

My previous e-mail address contained my maiden name, so in tune with my transition to wife-hood, I've created a new e-mail address with my new last name. Here's the deal, I've been swithching all of my online accounts to my new e-mail address, including my blogger account. So, I'm posting this from my new account. If you can see this on your Google reader let me know! I just wanted to make sure everything went through right!

Thanks!

I know, I know...

Okay, I've been extremely busy. I know I said I'd post more often, but honestly, I just haven't had that much time. Here's the shortened version of the long story. I've been going through that little period at the end of the semester involving projects. I swear I've written 60-70 pages of reports in the past week. I'm done though!!! Except for studying for my College Algebra exam (I'm trying to test out of it... wish me luck). Aside from that I've been playing the role of supportive wife to my husband and his new business.

:::Begin shameless plug:::

Rob and his business partners - Matt (the idea maker), Andy (my brother), and Greg (our good friend) are starting a business called The Gamer Lounge. To start this business off they have teamed up with the Mid Rivers Best Buy (all you St. Charles folk know what I'm talking about) to host a Guitar Hero World Tour tournament. Let me tell you, it's gonna be awesome!! They've been working hard to prepare for this by making three of these babies:

Consisting of four 42" Plasma TV's and four XBOX 360's they are The. Bomb. That's right, we dropped a little under 13K one day on the electronics for these. Best Buy loves us.

So, that said, The Gamer Lounge will be hosting a Guitar Hero World Tour tournament on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at the Mid Rivers Best Buy. The entry fee is $20 for a chance to win your choice of a Wii bundle, a PS3 bundle, or a $400 gift card to Best Buy. We will also be raffling a Wii Fit. Come on out check it out! If you want to enter you can go here and pay through PayPal. Or you can enter the day of (if there's space available!). I hope to see you there!!!

Okay, I've done my wifely duty and placed an advertisement on my blog. ;o)

But seriously though, I'm super excited about this and so is Rob. Come support our new adventure!

P.S. If you can't make this one, we're planning another for December 28, details to come soon!