Cheers to 2013! Welcome 2014!

Wow, another year is about to pass.  Tomorrow we will make our annual pilgrimage to whatever city those boys from Athens are playing in to ring in this new year.  The other day I was told by The Husband that this would be our last year traveling to celebrate New Years with 3 sets of boogie-woogie music.  Needless-to-say, I was disappointed in his attitude.  We will revisit this debate in 365 days.

WHAT A YEAR!  I got suckered in to one of those Flipagram apps that puts music to your pictures and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  It may be the hormones, but the video gets me every time.  I can't believe that all of these wonderful things happened to me  in 2013.  From new babies to beautiful sunsets in beautiful places, I am thankful for every part of 2013.  If 2013 was this good, I can only imagine how fabulous my 2014 Flipagram will be. Cheers to you, 2013!  Thanks for all your good times!

I Am Thankful

Right now I am thankful for...
1. My family's laughter and constant love
2. Milk Duds
3. Belly Bands and Elastic
4. Being allowed 1 coke a day
5. My students' smiles
6. Thank you letters from my old students
7. The giggles of my nieces and nephews
8. My snuggling Cricket
9. My sweet old man Bailey
10. My silly wild man Jack
11. My husband's endless hugs
12. Our growing Peanut
13. My girlfriends who are more like sisters
14. Raspberry Sorbet
15. Sunrises when I'm late for work
16. Our freedom
17. Thanksgiving break...Oh, how I am so very thankful for you!

Baby E

I have thought about you for most of my life.  I’ve wondered what you would look like, what talents you would have, and what great things you would accomplish.  I’ve also wondered what type of mother I would be.  Of course, I still don’t know the answers to these.  What I do know, though, is that you are being born to two of the most devoted people who love each other immeasurably; and we already love you more than you will ever know.  We call you “Our Little Peanut” and we can’t stop thinking or talking about you.  We get emotional every time we see your little heart beat flutter or your hand open and close on an ultrasound.  We know what a miracle you are to us, and we are already so very thankful for you.

As if our love isn’t enough, you have the most caring and adoring grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins who can’t wait to get their hands on you.  Your cousins are already lining up to hold you when you arrive in May.  They have given you nicknames (Cinco and Cheffie) and have even made suggestions for names (ahem...Teapot).   They anxiously await news after every doctor’s appointment and are already discussing who you favor.  They are all loud and crazy at times; but one thing I know for sure is that you will never be shorted on love or affection.  You certainly are a lucky little peanut, and you are already bringing so much happiness to this family. 

Room 239

It's cute.  It's colorful.  It's neat.  It's organized.  And there are some really adorable children that fill it up each weekday.  Here's a peak inside my classroom...

See ya later, Summer.

In mid July, when I was feeling very artsy, I made a little to-do list.  The things I wanted to do before August 15th.  Today, I very timidly flipped to the list to check on my progress.  And there it is-- following a delicious lunch with The Husband today, my summer is officially d.o.n.e.

What I Make

I am an addict.  Yes, I am addicted to Pinterest.  The time I have spent pinning education ideas to my "Hot For Teacher" board should count towards my professional development hours.

While fueling my addiction today I came across this video.  Taylor Mali defends the passion for teaching in his poem "What Teachers Make."  It gave me a little tickle in my chest and I sat up a bit taller- a bit prouder.  Yes, teaching is my greatest option in life, because it is the only option I have ever wanted.  Teaching children has never been anything less than my first choice and I am proud of the "definitely beautiful" difference that I make.

Keeping 2012 Happy

Well, I wish I could say that I have spent the last 6-1/2 months traveling the world and was without internet access, but then again, I've never been a very good liar.  My last post on January 3rd was about my "Wall of Happy" which I have spent the last 6-1/2 months trying to fill.  I've done a pretty good job.
January
-We welcomed a new washer and dryer into our home!
February
 -We spent a weekend with my family in Edisto and saw Botany Bay for the first time- AMAZING.

   March
-We celebrated my Dad's 60th birthday and he handled it pretty well.
-My oldest friend and The Husband's cousin got engaged!  I couldn't be happier!
-Spent a (much needed) weekend with my girlfriends and one of them announced she's due in November.

 -The Husband and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary.

 April
-A friend and I were invited to spend an evening on the tour bus of one of our favorite bands...yes, I felt like a well-behaved Penny Lane.

May
-I graduated with my Masters in Literacy Education...WOOHOO!  My amazing sister threw the best Graduation Celebration at her home...Happy Cinco de Mayo!

-Matt came to visit all the way from Montana!
-We welcomed a new air conditioning unit into our home!  

June
-My first year at my new school ends as my summer starts creeping in.
-We spent a week vacation with my family in Edisto and I drove the boat for the first time.

Photo taken by Sister

Photo taken by Brother

 -We celebrated The Husband's 30th birthday.

Keeping 2012 happy.  Hope you are too.