New Mr. & Mrs. Pics

Phil and I a few weeks ago won a photography session at a Big Brothers, Big Sisters auction. Phil and I really wanted our pictures to be taken in the fall. Its both of our favorite seasons. So we had them taken in downtown Mishawaka, at the River Walk. This is also where Phil proposed to me. 

                                       

We really loved our photographer, and she did a great job.  Here are just a few pictures from our shoot. Our photographers name is Amy Bradburn or AB Photography. I highly suggest her, and does a great job!                                                      

Mental Break

And by mental break, I mean at least for 4 days. And, boy did I need it. At least some down time, with out having to wake up at 5:45 :) What I don't understand, is that I always greatly look forward to sleeping in, but it never happens.

So Thanksgiving came and went, nothing special happened. I did not spend it with my mom or the rest of the family, because of everything that has happened between us. So unfortunately she and I are no longer talking. I think its best at this point. I would rather have no parents at all, than 1 that doesn't care. We will leave it at that.

I have been going to see this really great guy for therapy. He's really awesome, and so relaxed. I think its helping a little bit, but I think most of all, when I talk he actually listens. He doesn't judge, interrupt, give his opinions, he just listens.

I guess so far, my life has been not even close to a normal, but day by day, I get through them. Especially with the help of Phil and my friends. The one frustrating point is that I always thought I could depend on family, and as it turns out I can really only depend on about half of them. But thank God for that half.

Today is Sunday, which means obviously tomorrow is Monday :/ But I am looking forward to seeing my kids and hearing all their goofy, but honest stories about their weekend. Thats the best part about have younger ones, they are still excited about school and their teacher, who happens to be Mrs. L :) And I am lucky to have such an amazing job that is so inspiring :)
Its one of the few things that keeps me going.

Another side...

Last night was the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Silent Auction. I think it went very well! I helped Meg out and decorated the night before. So Phil and I bid on a few things, and I actually won 2 items! I think I now know why I am not a gambler. I saw a whole other side of myself come out! So there was this really awesome hand painted plate I bid on. And you know me, I LOVE the artsy things! So when I saw that someone outbid me, man....did I get sassy. So I bid on it again. I then actually proceeded to stay by the table and keep an eye on it. I was like white on rice! No one, I mean no one was placing another bid on my plate. I was already convinced that it was mine. So when the table closed for bidding, I felt so proud. It was an exciting moment for me, sad…but true. (This is why EBay and I have a love/hate relationship.) I guess that maybe I got a little bit too competitive over a plate. But you have to remember the money was going for a good cause :)

The other item we won was a photography session. Phil and I never did engagement photos, and so we are excited to have some professional pictures taken. It will be nice to have some pictures of us. I told Phil that I think the cats should be included too, he laughed, not knowing how serious I actually was. I know, that it probably wont happen, but they are a huge part of our family!

In the end, I think it will be awhile until I attend another auction, because I get too competitive. I don't know why I never realized this before, or maybe I have been, and people are too afraid to tell me about it!

Almost too excited...

Phil and I lookin a little sweaty after some dancin!

Not Enough hours in the Day...

I am not really sure where the time has gone? In a few days it will already be October!



However, I am really glad fall is here, it is my favorite season. I just love this time of the year when the leaves turn all the different colors, and the sun isn't so hot any more. I also think that I am more ready for fall this year, because we didn't have much a summer. (This summer is bi-polar.) Fall also brings on the Notre Dame football season. For me, its not so much if they win or lose, but its the football parties, and hanging out with friends.



The weeks have flown by in school, and I can't believe we are going into our 6th week. I have a pretty great class. I couldn't ask for a better support team at school with some of the other first grade teachers. Some days I am just over-whelmed with how much I need to fit into our days. I often feel behind in something that were doing, and never would have imagined the work that goes into a classroom. There is always something. When the bell rings, and the kids leave, I often find myself sitting at my desk for 10 minutes. Thats because I never sit during the day! I just wish we had 1 more hour in the day so that I could feel more organized and prepared. I know that this is my first full year of teaching, and I am honestly doing the best I can to teach these little minds. But I want to be the best, and set my goals high as a teacher. So needless to say, I spend a lot of hours at school getting ready for the day. Let me just tell ya, when you see their faces in the morning and they are excited to see you, you know its going to be a good day.

Movin' On Up

Well, after several weeks of prepping my classroom with the most awesome help possible, its done! When I first walked into my room, I realized I had more on my plate than I had thought. I had quite a few things to haul out, before hauling my stuff in. So my mom helped me clean out the cabinets and wipe down the shelves. But we only made a dent in the heaps of my stuff. But it was a good start! The next day Aunt Marti came in and we dove in head first into my library, which looked like an F-5 hit it. Liz came in a few times as well to help me out in any way possible. Thank goodness for the help of my family or else I probably just would have packed a pillow and a sleeping bag and camped out in my room for a week. I just do not have a clue how I could thank them enough or repay them for all of their help and support. They are AWESOME!

So tomorrow is the day that I have planned for all summer. It's the first day of school! I am extremely excited, yet scared. I am very nervous, but a good nervous. I just keep telling myself, its sink or swim baby. With all of the hard work put into my room, I feel confident that my students are going to be able to learn in the best possible environment. I am sure that my room will grow over this school year, and I cant wait to decorate it with students work. Thats the best kind of art work. (I swear! ) Well, I will keep updating everyone on how school is going, and how I am surviving surrounded my first graders. ;)

Finally I can see my office floor :)

Day 1: Bulletin Boards finally are up

Such a mess!

My reading center.