Tuesday, January 18, 2011

2011

I have never been one of those people who becomes super motivated to make New Year's Resolutions and all of that.  However, for some reason, this new year I am feeling motivated. 

As we were sitting in testimony meeting a couple of weeks ago, many people referenced the fact that they love the Christmas season because of the focus on Christ and the awesome Spirit (don't we all?!).  As I sat there listening, I started thinking about the new year and the change or resolutions that are normally associated with it.  It occurred to me that while we have the chance to focus on the birth of Christ at Christmas, I could used the new year to focus on His atonement and how I could better use that in my life.  In other words, I needed to use the opportunity to make changes in my life using the His atonement that will allow me to be a better person this year than I was the last.

Since then, I have been thinking a lot about that Sunday.  I feel so blessed: I have a testimony of the gospel, I have a wonderful husband that I absolutely adore, we have jobs (at a time when that is becoming increasingly rare), we have a home of our own, a cute little puppy, we're close to family, we have great friends, and the list goes on...

As we know, where much is given, much is required.  I feel like I seriously lacking on my end!  That being said, I am excited for the start of a new year.  I am anxious to make positive changes in my life so I can become the person that His Atonement makes possible.


Monday, December 27, 2010

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

because we certainly had one!


Reasons we loved our 2010 Christmas:

* Even thought Robert had to work all day, we still managed to spend a lot of time together
* We got to talk to our missionaries - Brett and Natalie.  They are both doing great!
* Lots of family time...including our family from out of town
* Christmas caroling at a nursing home with our cute little Cub Scouts, so fun!
* Temple Christmas lights (same as our first sort of date)
* This perfect necklace from my love: http://www.dogeared.com/whispers-heart-gold-dipped-necklace
* The start of a new tradition - a Christmas Eve Eve party with our friends
* Actually surprising Robert with the big gift he was hoping for (found it on sale at Costco 2 days before!)
* Our cute little puppy wearing a Christmas dress from my mom
* The gorgeous weather - and the SNOW!!!
* Finally taking that huge family picture that Gma has been wanting...can't wait to see it
* Christmas movies
* Eating way too much and lots of leftover food
* And of course, the incredible Spirit that we get to feel as we focus on our Savior

"As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always. We shall learn to forget ourselves. We shall turn our thoughts to the greater benefit of others" 
- Thomas S. Monson
 

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Meet Lisbon

She is our completely adorable new puppy!

 Don't you love her?
We do...she is seriously awesome and must have come pre-trained or something.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Oh Grandmother, what big teeth you have!

Our first Halloween together (last year), we were both wishing we had a reason to dress up.  But the holiday came and went without any fun costumes.  This year we were definitely excited when our friends decided to have a Halloween party.

Normally, I get a little bit stressed trying to come up with an idea.  So we are lucky to have family who supplied most of the look!  Robert got to wear gma's duster and my mom's reading glasses!  (My mom even made a nightcap to complete the look!)  And my wonderful aunt loaned us the awesome red hood(?) and basket! 



We had so much fun at the party and even ended up winning the "Best Pair" award for our costumes!  And my big, bad wolf actually made two little kids cry! (The mask had to stay off for most of the night).


Hope you had a festive Halloween!  Don't you just love the holiday season?! 

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Elder Skinner

Well, since it's my little brother's birthday and I cannot tell him in person, I need to say it somewhere!


Happy Birthday, Elder Skinner!

Thursday

Thursday was pretty much a perfect day!  Here's what happened (do you know what that phrase is from?):
  • We woke up to the sound of rain
  • My students were really productive
  • School ended at 12:25
  • That was followed by 8 hours of parent teacher conferences (I am one of the very few teacher who actually enjoys conferences)
  • Conferences were interrupted by my incredibly thoughtful husband showing up to say hi and tell     me he loves me (the parent thought it was sweet...SO DID I!)
  • Our wonderful PTSO brought us dinner.  And while I was so booked I did not have time to eat, I did have a chance to grab a roll...oh my stars!  I am now in LOVE with Texas Roadhouse Rolls!!!
  • All of my parents were super great and really supportive.  Unfortunately, that is a rare occurrence nowadays.  Explains why my class is wonderful this year!
  • The pumpkin chocolate chip cookies I made for the parents and kids were just about gone by the end of the night
  • I talked and laughed with the other 4th grades teachers for a good hour after conferences.
  • I came home to a very cool house with doors and windows open - I LOVE FALL!
  • My previously mentioned thoughtful husband made us grilled cheese sandwiches with hot chocolate (what I always crave on cold, rainy days) to enjoy while we sat in bed and watched Seinfeld. 


Monday, October 11, 2010

LOVE

I feel like I have not had much to blog about lately.  So as I was looking at other blogs and enjoying the afternoon - school got out at 12:25, and I was thinking about how much I absolutely LOVE that we get a Fall Break!  (While I really do have a nice group of kids, the first quarter is always a little bit chaotic).  So then I decided that I could post about the things I love; pretty random train of thought, I know!

1 - the gospel


2 - my really incredible husband, and really just marriage in general


3 - familia

 

 4 - adorable nieces


5 - Nash


6 - fall break and fall weather

It was 73 degrees in our house this morning...with no AC!
7 -Target


8 - orange


9 - Murder, She Wrote


10 - Hannah Swensen Murder Mysteries

If you are looking for something to read, this is the first book of the series... 
they are so fun and full of tons of recipes!

11 - Mexican food


12 - Christmas music


some of my very favorites!

13 - the number, 13