Life Together

Homemade Pizza

2012-01-08T18:46:00.002-06:00

Due to a request from my sister-in-law, Sara, I thought I would post the pizza recipe I used to create today's lunch. This productivity thing is going well so far this year! I can't believe how motivated I have been to get stuff done this last week. Anyway, this recipe was given to me as a shower gift from my AMAZING wedding planner Cris. It is delicious and a hit every time.

Homemade Pizza Dough:

Dissolve 1t. sugar in 1 1/3 C warm water. Then add 2t yeast and let stand for 10 minutes
Then add: 4 T oil, 1 t salt, 3 C flour (you can use 1 C wheat flour is you would like)
Mix with a wooden spoon then knead it until it is a nice, non-sticky texture.

I mixed this all together with my kitchen add dough hook and it worked beautifully! (A lot less sticky than mixing it and kneading it by hand!)

Let Rise 30 minutes.
Roll out--pizza roller (gift from Cris) makes this process super easy!
Bake the crust at 425 for 10 minutes untopped
Add desired toppings.
Bake topped for 10-12 minutes at 425

Note: Pizza stones cook a perfect pizza!

With a stand mixer this is a cinch! It is not too bad to do by hand either.

Enjoy!

In the Year of 2012

2012-01-01T22:06:00.000-06:00

So, we are 1 day into 2012, and I can already tell that it is going to be an excellent year. On our car ride home from Dallas, Stinson and I were discussing what we would like to accomplish in 2012. We were in awe of Sara & Kennedy's daily productivity while they hosted all of the Dean's for Christmas. Together, we decided this is something that we would like to be better at. This year the word that will drive our daily lives is productivity. Instead of putting off folding the laundry, or loading the dishwasher, we are just going to do it! A little bit here and there really goes a long way. I'll keep you posted on how it actually ends up going!

Today I was off the races putting away the Christmas decorations, doing the laundry from vacation, cleaning the house, making the bed, and planning out the next two weeks of meals. We even had time for a movie! I have this app on my phone called out of milk. With this app you can create shopping lists or to-do lists. I used this handy little app to make a to-do list on it for the next few days. I was able to cross off all of the items on the list for today!!! It was such a good feeling.

I think that there will be some exciting changes in Stinson and I's future this year. We are seriously considering relocating closer to my job (amazing!!!!). So, 6 months from now I could be blogging all about a new home, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

I really think that the word productivity is going to be a great one for us. I had considered several other phrases and words, but I like this one because it is something we're both committed to, and I think that it will bring a lot of fruit from our labors. God has called us to live and to thrive in Him. I really feel like productivity will help me do just that! Until next time, go and be productive!

Blissful Blogger

2011-09-18T20:39:00.000-05:00

My sweet sister-in-law, Bailey, tag me for this a few weeks ago and I thought it was about time I posted on it! It is always nice to receive an award. I know that I don't blog often enough, but this was a good excuse to get me around to doing it!

The rules of this award are to share 7 facts about yourself and then tag 7 other bloggers. I will see if I can come up with 7 other bloggers to tag, but at least the ones I know will get to join in the fun with this little award!

Here goes, 7 things I am sure you've been dying to know about me:

1.) Stinson and I are finally getting a chance to enjoyed trued married life. This may sound a little funny, but for the first two and a half years of our marriage our time together has been different than most traditional marriages. The most time we got to spend together prior to his new job with Forest was 3-4 hours on Sunday if we were lucky. With Stinson coaching football, both of us going to grad school, and my first few years of teaching our time together at night was very sporadic and short. Now we get to enjoy dinner together most nights and all of our weekends! We are loving doing many more things together, like spending Sundays watching football together.

2.) I LOVE football! I have since I was little and it may be from all the Husky games my dad and I got to go to when I was little that fueled the love. I remember when I was in high school and my Uncle Brian called one Saturday while I was home alone. He was surprised by my response as to what I was doing that fine Saturday afternoon when I responded, "Watching football." I guess it's a good thing that I married a football coach! I love going to my students little league football games too! Lesson planning during all of the Sunday games is one of my favorite things.

3.) I have known since I was in 3rd grade that I would be a teacher. The past 3 years have been the best years of my life. Waking up everyday to do something I love is truly a blessing. I feel like God is using my career as a teacher to not only impact the lives of my students, but also to teach me so much about Himself and his love for me.

4.) This next one may be a weird fact, but something that most people are surprised about, especially when they don't know my family. At 5'10" I am the shortest person in my family. I feel like I am of average height, but being around people outside of my family reminds me that I am not of average height. I have always wished I was just a little taller, 6' would have been nice, guess I have heels to make up for it!

5.) I love coffee and most mornings it is the highlight of my dive to work. It helps me start my day out right! I have made up my new favorite drink at Starbucks. If you'd like to try here is what you tell your local Barista: tall americano with an inch of steamed breve (half and half) and 2 pumps of pumpkin spice. Trust me, it's to die for! Just don't spill it on your shirt because it will leave a nice stain, especially if it's white. ;)

6.) Just like my mom and sister-in-law, I am a Colorado girl. There is nothing that I love more than the sight of the mountains. Their majesty always takes my breath away. Stinson and I would love to move back if that is what the future holds. Along these lines, I am also super proud to be a Wyoming Cowboy. I talk up UW all the time and would go back to Laramie in heart beat. There is something really special about the people and sense of community in Wyoming.

7.) I am super excited to be an Aunt this January. Sara and Kennedy will be expecting a baby boy then. I am looking forward to loving on my little nephew and spoiling him rotten. I've already bought several things (Sara I'll get around to sending them at some point), and know that there will be many more purchases ahead. Lots of friends are starting to expand their families, so I am hoping that I can get Stinson on board with trying for one of our own this spring/summer.

Well, that's enough for now. Here are the blogs I am tagging:

It's that Time of Year

2011-08-04T10:41:00.000-05:00

I always know the school year is approaching because I start having back to school nightmares. Students are showing up when my classroom isn't ready or I have a meeting that keeps me from picking my kids up from specials and they have been unsupervised for the last hour and I walk in to find utter chaos, I am sure you all have these dreams too! These dreams never fail to wake me up in a panic only to realize that there is still 4 weeks until school starts.

I am excited for the school year to begin and get to know a new awesome bunch of students. I know that this year is going to hold lots of new and exciting things, and that my students are going to accomplish some great things. At the start of a new year, and especially this year, I miss my students from the year before. I miss knowing their interests and the great relationships we have. I think that this year will be especially hard because I had a special class last year that made a deep impact on me as a person and a teacher. I will look forward to hearing all about their 5th grade adventures!

I have some big plans in store for this school year and I am hoping that I can make them all come to be. Sometimes it is hard to figure out where everything is going to fit and what things are going to get tossed, but in the end it usually all gets done. Yesterday I was at a math workshop, sounds boring I know, but it was one of the best workshops I have been to. The author who gave the workshop, Greg Tang, was amazing and gave me so many great ideas about how to improve my math instruction. It got me pumped up to be back at school.

I thought I would end this post with some highlights from my latest trip out to Colorado. Each time I am out there I am reminded of how much I love it. I really hope that one day Stinson and I are able to call it home, especially since the heat and humidity are about to kill me. One of my dearest friends married the love of her life a couple weeks ago. The wedding and events leading up to it were so beautiful. It was one of those weddings that was so filled with love that you felt tears in your eyes at just about every moment. Kristen of course was stunning, and Adam looked great too. Everything was so perfect and so Kristen. I know that God is going to pour out lots of blessings on their marriage. There is no one more deserving of love and happiness than Kristen.

After the wedding I headed up to Cheyenne for my first every Cheyenne Frontier Days. It was so fun to spend the day with my college roommates relaxing at John & Angie's gorgeous house just outside of Cheyenne. The concert was also great and rekindled the country girl in me. Before I headed back home for a little more time with Grandma, I met up with my dear friend Chrissie for a cup of coffee. I love reconnecting face to face with good friends, I always seem to leave feeling refreshed.

I will leave you with a few of the many pictures from the wedding weekend!

Rachel & her precious baby Em, Court, Kristen & I on the Kristen's last day as a DenBoer

The gorgeous historic church that they got married in.

The bride and I...don't worry I didn't wear this to the wedding!

Some more great friends and I. Loved reconnecting with Amber and Erin

The Bride and Groom- Can't you tell how in love they are?!

Me Dancing it up--there is a much more embarrassing one that I spare you

Chrissie and I enjoying the nice Laramie Summer Day!

Bit by Bit

2011-07-17T18:57:00.000-05:00

The past few weekends have been dedicated to making the yard look nice. All of our sweat is starting to pay off. Our progress is not lightening fast, but it's coming along. The front of the house is the first finished project. It now has curb appeal! Next spring we'll do some planting to fill it in, but that'll be cake.
Here are some pictures of the front.

Before:

Here are some of the after photos

We did some work in the back yard, but I will post pictures of a more finished look. Stinson has turned into quite the fan of doing yard work, this weekend was too hot for me to get into it. Oh well, there's always next time!

Jenna is Married & Other Dean Family Happenings

2011-07-03T15:19:00.000-05:00

Hi- it's been a while, in fact it's been so long that it would take forever to fill you in on everything, so let's just talk about what is happening right now!

First piece of exciting news is Stinson has a new job. He is now a pharmaceutical sales rep for Forest. He officially started talking with doctors this week, and today is his first day out on his own. He had a about 5 weeks of training, 2 at home and 3 in New York, and he is loving every minute of his new job. It has been such a blessing. It is wonderful to see him walk through the door with a huge smile on his face and hear all about his day. Plus, he looks so handsome all dressed up in his suits!

This last Sunday my baby sister Jenna got married. The wedding was so beautiful and so Jenna. She has loved everything orange since she was a little girl and she fell in love with a pair of orange sunglasses. It was no surprise to any of us when she chose orange as one of her wedding colors. She paired it perfectly with bright pink, and it was a wedding as bright as Jenna's bubbly personality.

The whole day was a beautiful tribute to Jenna and Brady's relationship, as well as to the love that God has given to us. Everything was so Christ centered, and I know that He was glorified through their day. Their ceremony was perfect, as was there reception. It was so fun to be with all of the people who know and love Jenna and Brady, as well as to hear their funny stories.

Jenna and Brady chose to get married on my parent's anniversary. So while Jenna & Brady were celebrating the beginning of their marriage, my parents were celebrating their 29th wedding anniversary. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful parents. Their marriage has been the best example for all of us kids of what a strong, Christ-centered marriage looks like. It is so fun to see my parents still so in love and enjoying each other's company.

Enough with all the talking....let's get to some pictures. Some of these were stolen from facebook because after the first part of the morning I was so busy enjoying the day with my sister that I didn't take too many pictures. I will share some from the rehearsal dinner too!

Here is the whole Foster family all together at the rehearsal dinner- taken from the perspective of a 6 year old, so excuse the awkward angle

Here is Stinson and I with Grandma & Grandpa Foster

Dressed and ready to see her groom--one gorgeous bride!

Here is the bride and groom after their first look, off to take some pictures

Their rings on Jenna's gorgeous bouquet!

The adorable flower girl, Mari, who stunned the wedding goers with her perfect step-together down the isle!

Getting some chocolate sponged out of her dress, no big deal!

Beautiful and delicious wedding cake

Close up of the dress--pre-wedding picture trying out the whole look

Trying to decide if they'll be nice, or smash the cake into each other's face

Smashing won...cleaning up

Ryan and I

My sweet sister-in-law and fellow bride's maid

One of my best friends Courtney and I

While in Colorado I got to attend Kristen's shower... her wedding will be here in 19 days, I can't wait!

To Paint or Not to Paint

2011-03-17T21:53:00.000-05:00

Stinson and I have been trying to decide what colors to pain the house. We have talked about lots of different options for our house, but I am not quite sure what to do. Things always seem like a great idea in my head, and then once I act on them they never quite turn out like I hoped. So, I am going to ask some advice and opinions of those who wish to give them.

My initial thoughts on painting our house were to do the base color of the house a light shade of grey, pain the scallops that are under the eves of the house white, and paint the front trim black because we have a black iron fence on the porch and our screen door frame is black too. We would top it all off with a red front door.

I think the black trim is a little risky, but I thought it might frame the house nicely. Another thought for the trim is to do a darker shade of grey so the contrast isn't quite so drastic. Here is a mock up of what it could end up looking like. I think it would give you a better feel if the garage door were closed (which is white). The garage is nearly identical to what the house would be. We plan to do a test run on half of the garage before we fully commit ourselves!

This is a rough sketch of what it will look like from the Sherman Williams Site

Grey and Dreary Day

2011-02-27T16:24:00.001-06:00

I am right on schedule for my once a month post. Another month has almost passed, and I am crossing my fingers that the upcoming month will bring with it some nicer weather! We had a few days in the middle of the month that got up into the 60's and 70's just to tease us, but the reality of winter came crawling back quickly. This weekend has been nothing but grey skies. Right now it is raining and hailing some. I think I will just look at these to bring some sunnier thoughts into my day.

Today at Costco I also discovered that they sell Starbucks' tazo chai tea mix, which means that I no longer have to go to Starbucks to get my soy chai tea latte, I can just steam them at home! Stinson was very excited when I shared the news with him. I promptly googled how to fix my espresso machine upon returning home, and after it was fixed I steamed my first homemade soy chai tea latte! I will probably make another after I am done posting to warm me back up! On a random side note, I am super proud of myself for only buying what I NEEDED at Costco today. Normally I walk out of the store with 2-3 things that I didn't need, but were such a great deal I just couldn't pass them up.

Training for my first half marathon is going fairly well. I started out really strong and was doing great with keeping my eating habits in balance. But about 4 weeks in I got shin splints pretty bad and had to take a week off. My strong commitment to eating healthy has been hit and miss since. I am working at getting back to being committed because the results I saw in the first 3 weeks were awesome! I have kept off what I lost, I just haven't lost any more. :( I am really enjoying running regularly, and have enjoyed the new friendship that has developed between my training partner and I. I cannot wait for the race to get here and to move on to our next fitness event of the year!

The highlight of the month was a visit from two of my very best friends Kristen and Courtney. Since living in the Kansas City area for nearly 3 years now, they are they very first friends to come visit. It was so fun to be able to take them around to some of our favorite places in the area and to just spend time together catching up in person. I feel so very blessed to have both of them in my life and to have had such an awesome friendship with both of them for over ten years. I am so glad that my sister's wedding and Kristen's this summer will allow us more opportunities to get together this year. I didn't take any pictures from our weekend because we let Courtney be our photographer. So if you want to see a few check out her post about the trip.

God has been doing a lot of rearranging in my hear lately, but I will write more about that later, hopefully before March is over!

What's Your Word

2011-01-30T20:27:00.000-06:00

So the last week or so I have found myself listening to KLOVE on my way to and from school because my favorite local personalities have been out of town. Lisa and Eric are on in the morning and they have been talking about finding your word for the year. At first I thought, na I have my fitness goals and that is enough for me. I loved the idea and just thought that I would do it next year. But, of course, God had other plans. On Thursday I was driving home from coffee with a friend and a word popped into my mind. It was a word that spoke to my heart and something that I think I was unconciosuly working towards already.

What's the word?! My word for this year is balanced. I really feel that it is something I often struggle with. I think that all too often I let my life get out of balance. I feel it is a word that will carry into every area of my life. I am going to live life balanced in my work, my work ethic for grad school, eating, exercising, my walk with God, time for others, time for my husband, time for myself, etc.

I know that it is going to be a challenge, but I think that I am already off to a great start. I will keep you posted.

Thoughts on Running

2011-01-18T15:59:00.000-06:00

I know that you are probably shocked to see another post from before at least a month has passed, but due to school being canceled again today because of "in-climate weather" here I am posting again.

I have been thinking a lot about running lately, probably because of my lofty goals that I have set to achieve this year. It has been really hard the first two weeks to get myself motivated to run. I have been following my training schedule, but grudgingly, and if I didn't have my sister or Cammie doing it with me, I probably would have been a lot less committed. In my mind I know that it is not so bad, but once you get out of the habit, it seems like a very daunting task. Often over the last two weeks my legs were sore and tired, and I just didn't know if I would make it through that day's workout.

Then on Sunday at church something the associate pastor said struck a chord with me. He was talking about how he gave our lead pastor some advice about running in the snow, and how after his run our lead pastor shared with him what a great time with God his run had been. During the message I felt like God was saying to me that committing my time to running can be a part of my daily time with Him. It is a time for me to reflect, pray, or just be. God has created our body to be a temple from himself to reside in, so this week as I thought about each run, I have looked forward to it because I have shifted my mindset to making it an act of worship and taking God out with for the miles I have to go. I want to take good care of my body because it is something God created to be healthy and discipline, not something to indulge in its every desire or craving.

Yesterday after my run I felt so refreshed. My heart felt lighter, and I looked forward to what the rest of the day had in store. I can honestly say that I am excited to continue training and building up my miles to achieve the goals that I have set, and I am looking forward to seeing how God uses this time in my day to refocus and teach me.

It's a MIRACLE

2011-01-09T20:22:00.000-06:00

No I did not win the lottery or find $100 and NO I am not pregnant, or anything close to a real miracle, I just thought I would get more of your attention with that title, did it work?! I have been gone way to long to write about everything that has happened over the last few months, and I know that you really don't want to read about it all. I will post some pictures of things happening around here over the last few months to catch you up.

I thought I would start my return to blogging by telling you about what I hope 2011 holds for me and some highlights that re to come. Here are a few things that I hope to complete by the end of 2011.

Run the Olathe Wickedly Fast 1/2 Marathon in April (just started training, let's just say I wasn't as horribly out of shape as I orginally thought)
Run the Hospital Hill 1/2 Marathon in June
Train and compete in my first triathlon in July
Run the Kansas City full marathon in October
Eat healthy throughout the year to keep my body well fueled for all of this training
Help my baby sister have the wedding of her dreams
Be better at reconnecting with old friends
Be open to the ways in which God will begin directing Stinson and I's path and future
Finish my masters degree
Continue to find new ways to connect with my students as well was way to support them
Cherish time spent with family throughout the year
Get back to blogging at least a couple of times a month

Well, I think that is enough writing for now. I will let you enjoy some pictures! If you still read this thing, thanks!

My mom came to Kansas City for my birthday and go me my first pair of Uggs! Love them both, but obviously I love my mom more.

At the beginning of December I headed to Detroit for a weekend to see my dear friend and college roommate Angie and her husband John. Here is Ang and I in Ann Arbor in front of the University of Michigan student union

We spent Christmas in Seattle with my family. Jennifer came to spend some time with the Fosters and enjoy the Nutcracker in downtown Seattle.

We spent New Year's Eve in downtown Seattle with my family. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner with a view of the Space Needle and got to enjoy the fireworks show that they set off. Here were are ready to start the new year. We had a blast in Seattle. I have tons more pictures, but you'll have to check my facebook to see them!

I promise from here on out to put more effort into this blog and keeping you up to date! I am off to snuggle with the dogs!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?!

2010-09-19T20:46:00.000-05:00

Well, school has begun and so has football. Needless to say life in this Dean household is whirlwind. This has been my first football season experience the full extent of what it means to be a football widow. I think for Stinson and I it is even worse because of our classes and other things that we are involved in. Time together has to be intential and unfortunately most of the time we spend together is spent catching a few zzzz's.

So far after a few kinks thrown into the starting line up a week before the first game, MNU is 3-0. They are looking great and Stinson's running backs look awesome! He is loving every moment of coaching. His guys are lucky to have him as their coach. MNU faces the #2 team in the coutnry next week, Lindenwood, at home. It will be a great test of hwere they are at. Here are me and some of MNU friends hanging out at the game. Oh yeah, I dyed my hair brown, just in case you can't tell which one I am.

Janae and I

All of the Girls

Last weekend I spent my entire day watching football. I went to all three boys games and had such a blast. I just love these precious things. They all played so well. I got to have dinner/lunch with them on Sunday too. I don't have the words to describe how much I love them! Enjoy these pictures! (This day was 100% football. I went to 3 little league games and 1 MNU game, it was quite the day!)

Andy's Game Face

My Bud Andy and I

The Really Cool 7th Grader and I

Adorable Carson!

So with all of me "extra time" I have been leading my mother-in-laws bible study Live a Praying Life. We are two weeks in, and already it has been amazing. She really puts a whole new perspective on prayer. One of my favorite things she written so far comes from the end of week one's study. She is talking about finding a new purpose of prayer when she shares this verse and says, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws." (Ezkiel 36:26-27) Before I desired such a thing, God had make it available. He had already promised to reproduce His heart in me, shaping my desires to match His. He promised to take my self-centered heart and fasten it on Him. And He who worked in my until I desired to reciece what he desired to give."

My heart fills with joy just typing those words. It is so awesome to know that God has already arranged everything so that I can have this. That He would take my heart of stone and soften it and fill it with Himself. I am already excited about the changes in my attitude towards prayer and the way I have been praying. I will keep you updated on how things are going.

The dogs are doing great. I am so glad that I have them to keep me company and to keep me enterained on all my nights home alone. They are so much fun and Mia is so entertaining. She loved to play and I could watch her bounce around for hours. Jake is huge, but so cute! He has the sweetest face that melts your heart and make you want to give him everythign he wants! Maggie is doing good and is always waiting at the door to great you when you come home. She love to have her belly rubbed first thing! Here is how I found Maggie and Mia one morning.

School is going awesome. I love my class. There are a few challenges, but in general, I think that they are my best class yet. I know that I am better as a teacher this year and I am so excited to try a few things out this year that I started last year. Friday and Saturday I was at workshop called Picture Perfect Science. It was such a wonderful two days and I cannot wait to go back and beef up my science instruction. It was exactly what I was looking for!

I think that is all for now. If you live near by or need to come visit, I would love some company. I have lots of alone time, so don't feel like you're imposing!

Part of the Family

2010-08-08T22:17:00.000-05:00

Many of you probably remember me talking about the boys I watched last summer, well this summer was no different. It was a summer jam-packed of good 'ol fashion fun and lots of testosterone! These boys have become very dear to me and even though they like to push their limits, they are wonderful! This summer was full of trips to the neighborhood pool, pools around town that have awesome things like high dives and water slides, a trip to the blueberry farm, and lots of friends.

Not only do I love these three rascals, but I also adore their parents. They have welcomed Stinson and I into their family with open arms, and we love spending time with them. We would definitely call them dear friends, and they are even somewhat like parents to us with ours being so far away. I am always excited to go back to school, but sad to have to leave these precious faces too.

I know that many of you have been waiting to see pictures from our North Carolina Trip, but there won't be any of my pictures, probably just ones that I steal from other people because I lost my camera our last day there. :( I know you are probably just as sad as I am, but my wonderful nanny family surprised me with a new camera! (They're amazing and did way too much I know! I am one lucky girl!) So now I can continue to take thousands of pictures of my dogs and my new students! Here are some pictures of our dinner with my new camera. Enjoy!

The oldest, and the one who tried my "parenting skills" with his ever changing mood swings!

The youngest and middle boys. How could you not fall in love with those smiles?!

I am so thankful to be a part of this wonderful family and am looking forward to our get togethers until next summer.

Classroom Gone Wild

2010-07-24T16:13:00.000-05:00

This coming school year I will be in a new room, in a new addition to our school building. As a result, I decided that I need to find a theme for my room. Last year I bought these name tags and fell in love with them.

Now my whole room is based off of them. Here are some pictures of my sewing projects and how my classroom is coming together so far. Enjoy!

I thought the space above the whiteboards needed some color!

Area behind my desk. Still needs a boarder around it.

Reading Corner #1

Library/Reading Corner #2

Zebra Curtains (I only sewed the zebra onto the bottom)/Reading Corner #3 and I sewed the big pillows!

Cafe Table

Artsy Cafe Table Picture

Home made valence

I can't wait to be here everyday! I think my students will like it too!

Whew.....I survived!

2010-07-02T11:25:00.001-05:00

I am sure that you are wondering what exciting and dangerous adventure I have been on lately, and I am sorry to tell you that it is not nearly as exciting as what you are probably thinking. It has to do with a wedding that I helped plan/run where the bride struggled to be organized, despite my best efforts, and some how wound up with a list of 100 things that still needed to be done one day before the wedding!

One of my loves in life is weddings. I decided after our wedding that I might enjoy doing some wedding planning/coordinating on the side of teaching. I won't be one of those people you see on TLC who is able to design everything, but I enjoy helping the selection and organization process of it all. My friend Janae was kind enough to let me test my skills at her wedding and rehearsal, and things went well. So, when a friend asked if I would be interested in helping from the start with a cousin's wedding, I was excited, and said I would do it for free (crazy I know) since it was my first one from the start. Little did I know she would change her mind a thousand times and end up being so unorganized.

Some of you are probably bored, so let me just get to the day before the wedding. Keep in mind that she and I had already met and planned for 20+ hours over the last 6 months. I show up Thursday to begin the set up process for the reception expecting to see some strong young men, boxes that were labeled and organized, and possibly more than five people, including myself, but that expectation ended up being unrealistic. Despite the unorganized state of the set up and the overwhelming list of to-dos we got it knocked out. I was very frustrated because I checked in with her frequently to see if she had questions or needed anything from me, and she repeatedly told me no. Some of our set backs Thursday could have been prevented has she told me she needed help, and I would have gladly taken care of them.

Trying to move this post along because I can sense your bordom, let me just tell you to envision anything that could go wrong before a wedding, and it probably did. Including things like having to buy flowers at 8:00p.m. the night before the wedding, the groom getting so drunk the night before his big day that he doesn't remember how he got the huge scratches on his face, half of the wedding guests showing up 15 minutes into the ceremony, finding out 30 minutes before the wedding that the bride decided she needed to run to Wal-Mart, discovering the groomsmen and groom drinking IN THE CHURCH before the wedding, and the list could go on, but I think you get the point. In the end they were married and things turned out nicely. Here are a few pictures of things I helped do at the reception. If you want more details feel free to ask.

One of the center pieces I made

Close up of the other center piece I made.

Candy Favor Table

Delicious Fruit Table

Guest Book Table

And that is the end of my pictures, I was too busy doing other things to snap any more.

The first part of this week was spent with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law in St. Louis for the ICRS convention. (click ICRS to learn more about it). Sara and I were there to help Jennifer out with whatever she needed. It was so much fun to spend time together, and it reminded me just how blessed I am to have such wonderful in-laws. God gave me one of the huge desires of my heart when He gave me Stinson's family! Anyway, Sara and I met lots of authors, picked up way too many books, and even got ourselves into a little trouble with the ICRS police! I think you may recognize the people in the picture with us.

Well, I am off to work my way through my piles of new acquired books!

Longest Blogging Vacation Ever

2010-06-20T15:28:00.000-05:00

I am sure that by now many of you have given up on me and my blog, but I am vowing to make a come back starting TODAY! I finally found the will power to sit down and write about what is going on around the Dean household. I am going to try my hardest not to lull you to sleep with the things in our lives, but I have to warn you, your eyes may be overwhelmed with pictures.

The reason I have been away for so long is wrapping up the school year takes a lot of energy, it takes even more energy when you started two summer school classes for a graduate degree on top of it. Then it takes about two weeks of sleep to have a fully recovered brain that is ready to put into words what has been going on.

We are making progress with the house. While ripping out the mountain of ivy in the backyard we discovered a cement patio slab. We both shouted with glee when we made this discovery because this was something that we were going to put in, hurray for saving time and money! Also, we uncovered a small bomb shelter underneath. Stin made me climb down there to check it out. Nothing but nasty spiders and lots of wet dirt. Stin was disappointed not to find any hidden treasure in it. Here are a few pictures of the progress we have made out front.

Stinson and I are both hard at work with grad school classes. Over the duration of the summer I will be working on completing four classes. I had forgotten how much reading and work goes into college classes. I am enjoying my classes a lot and learning some interesting things. I have already found a few things that I will be able to take back to my class in the fall. Stinson is into his first MBA class, and he is loving it. In addition to going to class he has been busy running football camps up at MidAmerica. He is enjoying taking ownership of running some of the camps, and loves working with the players. He is also helping run summer work out for the MNU players. The dogs and I enjoy heading up to campus to walk around the track while he does his coaching thing. The summer is flying by!

Our biggest news is that we have another dog! Stinson has been wanting a big dog, so at the end of May we ventured over to Wayside Waifs to find a dog. We fell in love with one, and now he and Mia are the best of friends. Our new dog's name is Jake, and he is big. He is about 80 pounds. We think he is a lab, German Shepard, Rottweiler mix. He has the personality of a lab, and is so sweet. I think I will end this post with some pictures of the dogs. I know there is a lot more I could put in here, but I am sure you are ready to be done reading! More to come in the next few days! FYI we have turned into those people who talk about their dogs ALL THE TIME!

Newest Family Member Jake

Jake loves Maggie and Mia, especially Mia

How do you not fall in love with this face?

Maggie enjoying some sun in the laundry room

And of course Miss Mia, don't you want to just kiss her cute face?!

Hope all is well with you. I vow to be a much better blogger, at least for the summer!

Slightly Absent

2010-04-18T17:01:00.001-05:00

I apologize for not being around lately. Spring is here and when spring comes things seem to really pick up. The last two weeks I have been overing over my students shoulders as they take their state assessment, kicking and screaming on the inside at a few of their answers, and the fact that I can't believe they missed that question because it is something we have talked about the whole year! But now that is behind me and it is on to keeping them focused on the fact that we will be in school until June 2. They about pushed me off the cliff to join the teachers who have lost their mind, but thankfully the bell rang and they went home for the weekend! I left them with some serious consequences should things not improve by Monday at 4p.m., we'll see how they respond.

Last weekend was like an episode of Tool Time around our house. Adrian and Stinson were busy learning how to put up new gutters and assembly a work bench. While they boys were hard at work with tools, I was busy ripping out all of the ivy in front of the house. After two hours and three yard wast bags I felt like I had made some progress. Then I looked at all of the stuff we have to dig out before I can put in all of the flowers I want. The back yard will be our major project this summer. Enjoy some pictures from our home inprovement weekend.

Oh, I forgot to metion that last weekend, Stinson achieved one of his life long goals, holding a wild snake. In the middle of ripping out ivy this little guy slithered by and scared me half to death. Of course I screamed, the boys came running, and decided they needed to pick it up! Yuck!

Our Little Friend

Stinson and the Snake

Gutters

The Gutter Men

Stinson really is Tim the Tool Man Taylor!

My weekend project before I started

After

All of the stuff I ripped waiting to be picked up by the yard waste people

Work Bench

Praying for Grace

2010-03-28T20:13:00.000-05:00

So recently God has called me to help co-lead a bible study at church...... at first I was excited, then I was nervous, and now I praying for huge amount of grace and courage. The last few month I have had the opportunity to grow in the Lord with some amazing women, and I have seen God begin to really work on the deeper issues of my heart. The leader of my study recently approached me and said she felt that God was prompting her to ask me about co-leading the study with her. After several weeks of prayer, I felt the Lord calling me out of my comfort zone to step up to the challenge.

We will be working through Max Lucado's Fearless study. After meeting tonight I am excited, but also nervous. I know that in embracing the co-leader role I am going to be stepping out meeting more people and really opening myself up. I know that God will give me the grace I need to fulfill what He has called me to do, but the anticipation of it beginning seems to be pressing on my shoulders.

Through this study I can feel that God is going to bless me with new friendships, as well as to take my relationship with him to a new level. If you think of me, would you say a few prayers that I am open to God's voice and His plan for this study?! I know I am going to need all of the prayers I can get.

Spring Break Adventures

2010-03-21T15:32:00.001-05:00

Spring break was pretty exciting. I wish I could have come back with a tan, but the Florida weather wasn't in the mood to cooperate. I had a wonderful visit with Ryan and Bailey. I loved seeing how they have settled in as newlyweds and being able to explore the Clearwater area.

The sun greeted me the day I arrived, so we took advantage of the day and layed by the pool for a bit, then headed down to John's Pass to walk around and grab a bite to eat. John's Pass is a cozy little walk with fun colored buildings and every kind of tourist shop you could imagine. Only in Florida could you paint building like this and get away with it.

John's Pass

Out on the board walk headed to dinner. I always feel so short around my extremely tall brother! :)

Bailey and I. I couldn't have asked for a better sister-in-law!

The 3 of us.

The restaurant we ate at. I love the fresh seafood!

Due to the rainy weathe Bailey and I took a day trip down to the Tampa Aquarium, we weren't the only ones who had this idea. They had some great exhibits and this litte guy was our favorite.

Before heading home I checked out where Ryan works and the plane that he works on. Oh my gosh, it is one of the biggest things I have ever seen! His plane is huge. I am amazed that something this big can actually lift off the ground.

Talk about feeling short!

The seat Ryan sits in during flights. You should see/hear about some of the other stuff that he has to do....I don't think you could pay me enough to do them.

One of the rescue helicopters.

Don't think they'd actually let me do this.... I probably wouldn't make it out to rescue anyone.

Aren't they cute?

I fell in love with this little guy too! He was a lot of fun.

In other news, last Sunday Stinson and I brought home Mia. She has been such a wonderful addition to our family. We both love her to death, and Maggie is adjusting well to having another dog around. Stinson took her to Dallas with him to visit Sara and Kennedy, and she and Elvis became best friends. Maggie has definitely missed her. She brings me her toy that they like to play tug-of-war with her because her new friend isn't here to play with her. Here are a few pictures of our new little pup.

Mia in her little red dress!

Here they are playing their new favorite game.

I am sorry if I bored you to death with pictures and my not so exciting life, maybe next time I write there will be more exciting things to write I about!

Expanding

2010-03-09T18:13:00.001-06:00

Expanding, adding, growing, etc. And no I don't mean my waistline or pant size ( I am working hard to shrink that right now!) I think that is what we will be doing in our humble family of two, well three with Maggie, to four. While many of you wish the word I am going to say next is baby, it is not, it is a puppy! We orginally thought that we would be a loan family, but the opportunity has presented itself to be the proud parents of this precious one!

Meet Mica Don't you just love her?!

We are going to go meet her next Sunday. She is a 9 month old miniature dachshund whose orginal owner no longer has time for. She is from the same breeder of the puppies. Want to know the best part?! She is already potty trained, crate trained, well socialized, and on her way to learning tricks! Stinson is excited to not have to do the puppy thing, and to be honest, so am I.

Sunday will be the first time we meet her, but I have a feeling that we are going to fall in love with her and bring her right on home. You just have to look at her sweet face, and then you want her to be cuddled up with you! I'll be sure to let you know what we decide. I think it is safe to say that she will be ours very soon!

Finishing Touches

2010-03-08T17:05:00.000-06:00

I was hoping to post the pictures of the finishing touches of the house decorating sooner, but I never brought myself to sit down and just write or post pictures. My last post I left you hanging. I know you have been losinng sleep over the reveal of my snow day project #2. Without further ado here it is!

Snow Day Project #2

Don't you just love it?! I sure do. I have envisioned this in my head, and as I was slaving away over it I was praying it would turn out as awesome as I had dreamed. The whole project cost less than $25. Here is what I did:

1. Went to Goodwill and purchased thses 8 frames for a grand total of $11.

2. Went and purchased 3 different spools of ribbon and 3 cans of spray pait (with gloss finish) for $12.

3. I arranged the frames on the floor how I thought I wanted to hang them. I took out the glass in each frame and wiped them off with a damp cloth. Then I decided witch color each one would be.

4. I coated each frame with several layers of spray paint, then let them dry over night.

5. I cut ribbon, (I just estimated, if you are a perfectionist you could measure) varring witch kind went on the various frames.

6. To attach the ribbons I just used hot glue, it may be more secure to use a staple gun, but I don't own one and the hot glue has worked perfectly.

7. I used pin head nails to hang them on the wall. I love how it turned out and it really adds some fun and color to the empty space on the wall.

Last week one of the teachers on my team helped me sew drapes for the kitchen window and valences for the laundry room. Both rooms feel finished and look exactly how I imagined them.

Kitchen Window

Kitchen Wall

Laundry Room Valences

In other news, it is spring break. It could not have come at a more perfect time. I think I was in desperate need of some time away from the classroom. With our state test coming closer each day, the pressure of things to get in and review continues to build. For those of you who are teachers, you know what I am talking about and all of the pressure that comes with state tests. I am doing my best to not let it get the best of me, but I so desperately want to push my studnets thinking and ensure that I am preparing them for not only the test, but for the challenges that will come throughout the rest of their academic careers.

In order to fully enjoy my week off I am going to be heading to Florida on Wednesday to visit my brother Ryan and his wife Bailey. I am so excited not only to go to warm place, but also to see them. I have not seen them since July when they passed through on their way to Florida. Ryan is planning things for us to. Hopefully the weather will change its mind a bit and the sun will shine so I can get just a little bit of color to my pale skin! :)

Stinson and I will be adding to our family this May! No not a child adding, but adding a puppy! We will be an loan adoption family for a local miniature dachshund breeder. The litter of puppies was born on Sunday. We will picking out our puppy very soon. Our puppy will be breed by the breeder 2-3 times, and then it will be forever ours. It is a really neat program and her dogs are wonderful! Here is a link to the litter if you are interested in checking them out. I will be sure to keep you updated about which one we pick, names, etc.

Snow Day....No It's a Project Day!

2010-02-22T19:56:00.000-06:00

Today marked the sixth snow day of the year, some of you may think I am lucky until I tell you that we now get out six days later than planned. Instead of wasting my day, I decided it was time to complete some "art" projects to help spice up some walls in the house.

I headed out the door on a mission to collect my supplies, and for once I ame home with everything I needed!

The first project is one that I got from my clever siter-in-law Sara. If you don't already, you should check out her blog because she is always up to some nifty home-improvement project. Anyway back to my project. To start you need some foam board, and scrapbooking paper. I used 12"x12" and 8.5"x11" (which I cut into 8.5" squares for the 8.5"x11"), acrylic paint and a glue stick.

For more detailed how to insturctions visit Sara's blog.

Here is the foam bord ready to be beautified!

Here is the paper I selected

Then I glued the paper to the foam board and just like that they were breath-taking. Then I used those sticky wall hanging strips to hang them. I love the red board, I think it really makes the paper pop!

I made these to help spruce up the laundry room. This Wednesday, I will be sewing curtains for the kitchen and valences for the laundry room that will really set these little beauties off. I know the anticipation is going to kill you! :)

Here is the finished product!

These are the 12" squares

And the 8.5" Squares

The whole project was complete for a cost of $12 dollars! Sara did hers for less but I had to buy paint and foam board. Still pretty cheap though!

On to project number two. This project unfortunately was not completed today due to the layers of spray paint not being completely dry. I will show you the before picture, and let you use your imagination for the after picture until its revealed later this week!

You should know the whole thing costs me less than $20!

Recently I decided that I need to learn how to sew. So, the first step in doing so is buying a sewing machine. Last night I found the perfect one on Craig's List! Of course it was a steal of a deal, and no it is not fancy or brand new, but it works and is in good condition. So, tonight to top off my very crafty day I went to pick up and pay for this little beauty:

Of course I will be using this a ton!

Well, that is all of my crafts and deals for today. I promise to reveal project number two and the new window treatmens ASAP! Until then....

I'M BACK!

2010-02-21T12:56:00.000-06:00

Lately I have gotten into this habit of disappearing for a while, but this should change now that we have internet at our new house! I am so excited to keep you all up to date on the home projects and life in general! The bummer thing about not blogging for so long is there is so much to tell. The long-winded girl is going to try to bullet point life the last two months.

We are moved in. We have rearranged furniture and decorations 1,000 times we finally found the ideal look.
The plumber probably hates us because he has had to come back 3 times to fix our kitchen sink, but it seems that everything has been fixed, fingers crossed.
The new house has enjoyed having lots of friends over for meals and hang out time. Our limit is about 4 people at a time! :)
Stinson is full time in the football office now. He comes home on cloud nine every night, we get to go to church together and eat dinner together!!!!
I will be learning how to sew on Wednesday. One of the teachers I teach with is helping make drapes for the kitchen window and the laundry room windows. Be looking for pictures at the end of next week.
Owning a house has given me the desire to own my own sewing machine. Craig's list will be my new best friend until I find the best buy. I am sure that I will be finding lots of projects for the house and my classroom as soon as I have a sewing machine in my possession.
I am currently doing the Esther bible study by Beth Moore. God is speaking to my heart in some amazing ways. Some of the words she writes seem like they were written just for my heart. The book of Esther holds truths that I never took the time to look closely for, and God is knocking my socks off with the things He is revealing.

Yesterday, I got my first truly fancy cell phone. Thanks to the mom of the boys I watched last summer, and will watch again this summer, Stinson and I were able to change to an incredible cell phone plan where we pay for both of us what we would have paid for one. (Hurray for saving money!) The plan includes internet access and a world of widgets I never could have imagined!

My darling sister is coming to visit Brady (and me) next weekend! I can't wait to see her and do a few wedding things. She will be our first out of town visitor to stay at the house.
Spring break is quickly approaching......need I say more?!
We are doing a biggest loser competition at school and I am excited. I am looking forward to shedding the extra pounds and inches I managed to put on this winter......

I think that is all for now. Sorry if you're totally bored, I promise to have a much more exciting, project oriented post later this week!

Our 1st Place

2010-01-28T16:21:00.000-06:00

I know that so many of you have been waiting so long for these. So here they are FINALLY!!!! I don't have time to type or update much because I have to run off to boot camp in about 30 minutes, so the pictures will do the talking. I promise one day when we get internet or I have a connection longer than 30 seconds to write about our incredibly exciting lives!

Here is the final unvailing of our first house. We love it and are so enjoying call it home.

Living Room

Master Bedroom

Guest Room

Bathroom

Kitchen

There may be more to come later. Thanks to Sara for my new look! Hope you like it too.

Snow Day Galore!

2010-01-07T14:05:00.000-06:00

This week I am a very fortunate employee of a school district where school was canceled for the entire week. While some may find me very lucky (and at moments I agree), in reality it is not nearly as awesome as it sounds. The reason being, is every snow day must be made up at the end of the year. We are now up to 5 days added to the end of the school year....oh well at least we are not into June yet!

You are probably thinking that I have been very productive this week, and I wish I could tell you that is true. I have found a way to get a few things done around the house, including shoveling the snow (my workout for the day!)

In preparation for the move we have taken apart a few beds and moved some more boxes. It still seems like there is a lot to do. Stinson will have some time to help me move some bigger things tomorrow.

Home ownership is quickly upon us. I can't believe how close it is. I know you are eagerly awaiting the pictures, they will be up before you know it.

The first few days of the new year are going well. I have managed to do a lot better about what I am eating, and can tell the difference in my energy level! This week I started a new bible study at my church. It is a Beth Moore study about the book of Esther. I can so excited to learn more about being a woman and realizing what it looks like for my walk with Him.

Hopefully we'll have school next week! I would really love to get back to teaching. I am beginning to miss my students and their sweet faces!

A Much Needed Update

2010-01-03T17:08:00.002-06:00

Hi! Yes, I know it has been a while since I posted any exciting news about my life, but don't worry I'm back! Thankfully moving in to the new house is drawing closer every day. Our goal is to be moving in this coming Saturday! Despite my bad attitude, I managed to pack a lot of our stuff up into boxes. This week as I jump back into the school life I know I will be enternally greatful that I did muster up some motivation to pack.

Stinson and his friend Adrian started making a platform for our washer and dryer. I can't wait for it be finished. I haven't taken any pictures yet, but I promise that I will.

With a new year already begun, my mind has been busy thinking of a few things I would like to achieve in 2010. 1.) Maintain a healthy lifestyle. ( I am really good at gettig fit, but then I slack off again. This year I want to keep that healthy mindset and actions going all year) 2.) Find a way to support and meet each of my students' needs. 3.) Try out some new recipes and host more dinners with close friends. 4.) Continue to get involved in our church and meet more people. I think that should be plenty to keep me busy this year!

I know this post is gettin long, but I guess tha tis what happens when you are absent for a couple of weeks. I promise to wrap it up soon.

Christmas was wonderful! We flew out to New Jersey, where Stinson's brother Brantley and his wife Caroline live. As soon as we landed it was nothing but laughs and tons of fun. Brantley and Caroline cooked up some amazing meals, including a 5 course Christmas Eve dinner. I think we all starved our first few days back home without our world-class chefs fixing meals for us.

While we were they we were able to expierence New York City. I would love to go back when it is a tad warmer to shop and explore the other side of the city. My mother-in-law, Jennifer, treated us all to the Lion King. Words cannot describe how amazing this show is. The stage alone was incredible. I never knew that a stage was capable of doing so many technical things! The costumes were breath-taking. Overall, it was quite the experience. I would highly reccomend seeing the Lion King in New York City!

I will let the pictures do the rest of the talking. Hope that the first few days of the new year have been good to you!

Here is the front of Macy's (you could spend a day in here and still not see everything!)

30-Rock

Huge Christmas Tree in the Rockefeller Plaza

The Metropolitian Museum of Art ( it was incredible!)

Stinson and I inside the Met

The Dean Brothers in Central Park

The Dean Sistes in Central Park

Hanging out in Time Square, practicing our kiss for NYE ;)

Hanging out on the subway

One las thing before I let you go. I forgot to mention that I am growing out my hair, so if you see pictures with ugly hair you know why. It has only been a month and I am already ready to cut it back to the way it was, but I am determined to make it!!!!

P.S. Check out Courtney's blog for a blog design giveaway. Her sister Jenn does such an amaing job!

The joys of moving

2009-12-20T16:00:00.000-06:00

I have forgotten how much fun it is to pack boxes.......NOT! Myabe it is just my attitude today, but I can't stand the thought of packing another box right now. We did pack most of the boxes last weekend, so it really shouldn't be that bad, but for some reason the thought of it today is. As of right now I have packed two full boxes, put things that need to be carefully wrapped in another, and am currently contemplating packing one to two more before calling it a day. It is so exciting to have a house to be moving to, but some of the pains that come along with it are starting to catch up with me.

Yesterday the rest of our major appliances were delivered. I cannot wait to have them all in there places and put to good use. In addition to appliances we went to pick up our new couch and my Christmas present, a Snuggie! I never thought I would want one until I tried out my friend Amber's. I became a Snuggie convert within minutes of putting it on. I am so happy to have one of my own now! It is one of the warmest things that I own and I know I will use it for many, many years!

This week we have found ourselves a bit frustrated in the whole remodel process. It seems that things we were told we be done, have not yet been completed. While we know this is normal, we still feel frustrated because we just want to get into the house. The delays have only pushed moving in back a week or so, but to us it is a week too long! This being our first house together, we are marking off the days until we can move in.

Inspite of the frustration. it was amazing to see our colors up on the walls! The pictures don't quite capture the fullness of the colors, but maybe one day you will make a trip to see and get to expierence them in person!

Our Bedroom Walls- The blue is the same color as the bathroom

Guest Bedroom

Laundry room

Me with my blue wall! I love it!

Stinson with the tile he picked out to match the backsplash in the kitchen. The kitchen wall color is behind him

In the aniticipation of moving we packed a million boxes last weekend. This past week when I was going to make dinenr and treats for my class, I realized we may have been a little over zealous because many things I need were already boxed up and waiting to be unpacked in the garage of the new house. It is nice to glace around the house and see the barren walls and empty places that mean we are embraking on new part of our journey as a married couple. We both know it is one that has been given to us by our Heavenly Father, one that we are greatful for, and one we know will bring much joy!

Tuesday we will be taking off for New Jersey to spend Christmas with Stinson's family. We are looking forward to spening time with them at Brantley and Caroline's home as well as some time in the city. Neither of us have been to New York City before and we are both looking forwar to all of the things the Big Apple is known for. We are excited to get a glimpse into Brantley and Caroline's lives and home.

I am not sure when I will be back to blog again, but I am wishing all of you a Christmas season full of Christ, family, love, peace and joy!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2009-12-09T14:37:00.004-06:00

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here now that it finally snowed! I cannot believe how quickly the Christmas season has come. For some reason this year it hasn't felt as much like Christmas this year like it has in years past! I think due to busyness with the house the usual holiday things have gotten lost in the mix. We are busy packing instead of decorating, and that could be part of it too.

I have like a million pictures to put up. I am just going to put them up and share a few thoughts that go along with each. Hope you enjoy this long post!

I almost forgot to tell you something amazing! My sister-in-law Sara designed this new layout for me! Isn't it adorable?! I love it and just have to brag about her a little bit. She is becoming quite the web-page designing queen!!!

House Update

Here are just a few pictures of what has gone on in the house lately. A little more tearing out, new windows, and new dry wall!

Wall in the "Master" Bedroom with the new window and fresh dry wall

The Laundry with no more wood paneling!

The Kitchen wall with its new face lift!

My husband and his beard, which I don't think is going anywhere anytime soon! I think he is the best part of the new house! He has been quite the bargain shopper for the things we need for the house!

Our first piece of art! This will hang somewhere in the living room once the house is finished. I love this picture and it reminds me of one of my favorite places, and all of the wonderful memories I have of Seattle and my family! The colors are a lot brighter, but I had to turn my flash off to get a good picture, so you can't get the full affect of it.

Thanksgiving Pictures--Finally!

The yummy apple pie we made! It was finger-lickin' good!

The Thanksgiving table, silverware and napkin styling inspired by a picture I found in a Pottery Barn book.

We had a fun afternoon in downtown Seattle. Each time I am down there I remember just how much I love it! We took a tour of the Smith Tower. This is one of the views from the observation deck.

Here is the view with the Spaceneedle in it!

My adorable parents!!!!

The four of us, just missing Ryan and our significant others. We love each other and have so much fun together. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful, loving and supportive family! I treasure each of the memories we have and I cannot wait for the memories to come!

I am convinced that one of God's greatest gifts to us are sisters! I love that as we grow older my sister and I seem to become better and better friends! If only we lived closer so that we could spend more time together! Here we are helping this nutcracker out!

We are happy to be spending time together!

The crazy things that happen in fourth grade!

We got a little carried away this year in fourth grade. We love our master piece! The students love it and it has brought home the holidays to our 4th grade hallway!

The sign hanging above the fireplace

The crowning center piece that will hang, framed, above the fireplace. You would not believe how much fun we had taking this photo. Let me tell you, we had a very difficult time NOT laughing! I think the children have turned us a little crazy!

As the holiday season comes into full swing I am reminded of the gift that truly matters the most, the birth of my savior! He was born to bring me salvation. He was born a tiny, vulnerable babe, just like me, and through Him God brought hope, love, peace, and grace. This season I am going to do my best to keep my eyes fixed on Him, and the splendor that He brings to the season.

I have been blessed beyond measure with friends, family, and opportunities. I hope that this season I can be a blessing to those around me in the small ways! Until next time, stay warm, and I pray God finds a way to bring many blessings to you this holiday season!

Holiday Recipe Exchange

2009-12-06T14:56:00.001-06:00

My best friend Courtney and her sisters are having a holidy recipe exchange, so I thought I should be a good friend and share a recipe I love! This recipe is one that I learned at a cooking class Stinson took me to last spring. The recipe is long, and I promise that it is not as hard as it sounds. Mine turned out the first time, which means that anyone can do it! I hope you enjoy and thinking about trying out this tasty treat!

Chocolate Carmel Tarts with Sea Salt

Ingredients for tart dough:
1/2 C. unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
1/2 C. plus 1 Tbsp. confectioners' sugar
3/4 t. vanilla extract
1-1/4 C. all purpose flour
1/4 C. unsweetened cocoa powder

Ingredients for Carmel:
1/2 C. water
2 C. sugar
1/4 C. light corn syrup
1/2 C. (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 C. heavy cream
2 T sour cream

Ingredients for the Chocolate Ganache:
1/2 C. heavy cream
3-1/2 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped well
Sea Salt to serve

How to make them:

To prepare the tart dough, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachement, cream the butter and confectioners' sugar until combined, about 1 minute.
Add the egg yolk and vanilla and beat until smooth.
Sift in the flour and cocoa powder and beat on low speed until just combined.
Scrape the dough onto a sheet of plastice wrap and form it into a disk. Wrap and chill until firm, about 1 hour, or up to 3 days.
Preheat oven to 325.
On a lightly floured surface, roll the tart dough out. Using a small round cutter ( I use the top of a small toothpick dispenser), cut out dough.
Press into a mini-muffin pan. Push the edges of the dough up about 1/4 of an inch.
Chill the tart shells for 20 minutes.
Bake until set (will loose their shine), about 20 minutes. Let cool.
Place water in a large sauce pan. Add the sugar and corn syrup and cook mixture over medium-high heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until you have a dark amber carmel, about 10 minutes.
Carefully whisk in the butter, cream, and sour cream (the mixture will hiss and bubble up, so stand back.), whisking until smooth.
Divide carmel among the tart shells while still warm. Let them sit utnil carmel is set, about 45 minutes.
To make ganache glaze, in a saucepan, bring the cream to a boil.
Place chocolate in a bowl. Pour hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
Pour some of the glaze over each of the tarts while still warm.
Let the glaze set at room temperature for at least 2 hours before serving.
Sprinkle with sea salt before serving

I know it looks like a lot. It does take a bit of time, but you can do some of it ahead of time. I will make the tarts one night, the carmel the next, and then put them all together the day I make the chocolate ganache. After you make them once you will be hooked because they melt in your mouth!

I promise to write about my truip to Seattle and give some house updates later this week. I left my camera chord at school, making uploading picutres tough!

The before/beginning stages of our little beauty

2009-11-22T16:22:00.000-06:00

I know that many of you have been dying to see pictures of our little beauty! The flipping part of the house purchase began this week. Some of the pictures are pre-flip, and some are from today. So far the cabinets are out, the central air is in.

As the remodel goes on we have been bargun hunting for appliances. We have found managed to snatch up an oven, dishwasher, fridge. The exciting purchase of the week was our washer and dryer! I am so excited to actually be able to do laundry whenever I want. Who would have thought being able to do laundry would be a blessing?!!! I will let the pictures do the rest of the talking. Remember, it will be quite a gem when it is all done, but right now you may not believe me!

Living Room Before

What it looks like 1 week later!

View from the front door into the kitchen and back to the mud room.

All of the stuff that has been ripped out so far!

And here it is now:

The Bathroom

The Mud Room- right off the deck where the washer and dryer will go

The bedrooms

Thermostat! We have central air and heat!

In this crazy life

2009-11-16T19:34:00.000-06:00

Some of you may recognize this post title because they are some lyrics from a Michael Buble song (one of my favorite artists!), but they fit my life so perfectly right now. Life has been crazy buying a house, making decisions about remodel stuff for the house, and teaching on top of it all. In the midst of life's rushing around, I managed to celebrate my birthday. I am one year older, maybe wiser, and slightly more insane!!

I am one of the lucky people who every few years celebrates a birthday on Friday the 13th! ( I turned 13 on Friday the 13th. That is about as freaky as you can get!)   Unfortunately, nothing too freaky happened. I don't know why, but I have always loved my birhtday.   Okay, that is a lie, I know why I love it. I adore my birthday because it is all about me!!!! I love being appreciated and knowing that I am thought of, so my birthday is a day that I feel those things ten-fold. Yes I know you may be thinking that this is very self-centered and childish, but I don't care because it is simply true!

I could not have asked for a better birthday. My day began with a message left at school for me by my husband wishing me a happy birthday. He knew that I would appreciate a memo from him wishing me a happy day! Then my students showered me in their love and a few presents. I can't believe how thoughtful their gifts and notes were, each one made me feel like I am making a positive impact in their lives. The teachers on my team treated me to a fabulous birthday lunch, complete with a table decorated in pink. I was reminded of how lucky I am to be a part of their team.

Upon arriving home we signed the closing papers on the house! (I don't think I could have asked for a better present!)   As soon as the papers were signed Stinson presented me with a adorable pink, black and grey coat, complete with a fur hood!! I love that he has such a great sense of style. After doning my new coat it was off to dinner at a secret location. We pulled up to a quaint little Italian restaurant. The first thing that came into view as we approached our table were these flowers!!! Seriously, my husband is awesome! He sure does know me. To top off the evening we enjoyed a Christmas Carol in IMAX 3-D, which was an experience in and of itself.

My Beautiful Birthday flowers!

Me and my flowers

Whew..... what a birthday! I feel so lucky to have been showered in so much love. The house stuff will begin soon. I know you are looking forward to the before pictures that will hopefully be posted by the end of the week!

Sweet 3-D Glasses (check out my new coat too!)

My Hunky Hubby

I don't know what to say about this one!

One more of the pretty flowers

You did what?!!

2009-11-08T17:39:00.001-06:00

We bought a house this weekend! Holy cow, it all happened so quick, but we are so excited! It all must have been God's timing because we weren't really looking (at least I had no idea that we were interested in looking), this house came across a friend's list of houses to "flip", it fit what we could afford, and a few days later, we are home owners!!

We will not be moving in until the end of December due to some of the work that needs to be done. The excitement of talking about where to arrange things, what colors to paint, and what "things" to buy has monopolized most of our conversation lately. The house is not what you would call a mansion, but it fits us and our needs for now. It is cute, and will be even cuter when we are done fixing it up. Here are some pictures of the outside of it. Sometime in the near future I will post pictures of the before, in between, and the after.

Close up of the front

Cute little mail box!

Ready to get moved in!

Garage

Back yard

Deck

It's the Simple Things

2009-11-01T16:32:00.000-06:00

Today my mind has been focused on the simple things in life. Things like a refreshing morning at church where you feel warm, welcomed, and like you're home. Simple things like the power of God is wrapping around you as hundreds of people lift their voice together in song. Or the words of a pastor ringing true in your heart, so much so you think he wrote that sermon just for you.

It's simple things like sipping a homemade eggnog latte after finishing lesson plans with the sound of football announcers in the background.

It can be a kiss from a loving husband on his way out the door, or a hug just because he loves you!

Today has been simple, which I am learning is not a bad thing. Here is to a simply wonderful day!

Absolutely Nothing

2009-10-30T15:29:00.000-05:00

Today I have done absolutely nothing. Well nothing too productive that is. There is a list of things I could be doing that is probably a mile long, but I feel that reading, blogging, facebooking, playing around with my new phone and contemplating when to shower and run an errand or two, a much better way to spend the day.

Did I mention that I made an eggnog latte? They are one of my favorites. I know that it is a little too early for eggnog, but I saw it in the stores and just had to have it. It will be coming to a Starbucks near you soon. But if you can't wait, come on over and I'll make you one!

Here is to a day spent relaxing (much needed after talking to parents for like 12 hours yesterday!)

Yummy!

2009-10-27T20:18:00.000-05:00

Just thought I should make your mouths drool a little bit about some yummy treats I've made lately. I meant to post these muffins a long time ago, but I am not just getting around to it. These bring back memories of picking blueberries on the blueberry farm back in Washington!

Before Baking

After Baking!

The Recipe for: The Best Blueberry Muffins

1/2 C Butter @ room temp

1 C granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 t vanilla extract

2 t baking powder

1/4 t salt

2 1/2 C blueberries (mash 1/2 C with fork)

2 C all-purpose flour

1/2 C milk

1 T sugar mixed with 1/4 t ground nutmeg

Heat the oven to 375. Greese 12 regular muffin cups, including the area between each cup, or use foil baking cups.

In a medium size bowl, beat butter until creamy. Beat in the sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Beat in vanilla, baking powder and salt.

Mixe mashed berries into batter.

Fold half the flour in with a spatula, then half the milk. Add remaining blueberries.

Scoop batter into muffin cups. Sprinkle with nutmeg sugar.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Let muffins cool at least 30 minutes in pan before removing. (I like to eat them warm!)

The next batch of treats I made were ones that I found on Bakerella. When I have time I like to try out her creations, mine never look quite as good, but I am enjoying getting better at decorating things. My class devoured these!

Before Baking

Fresh out of the oven

Decorated and ready to be eaten

Happy Eating!

A freezing homecoming

2009-10-25T16:34:00.002-05:00

I thought it was about time to write a post about my trip to Wyoming for homecoming.

Before heading off to Colorado and Wyoming my sweet husband sent flowers to school to let me know that he would miss me and to say have a great time. They were so beautiful and filled my room with wonderful smells!

I think the weather wanted to give me a reason not to miss Laramie, so it snowed! Not just a little bit of snow, 6 inches of fluffy, white, freezing flakes. But do you think I let that stop me from going to a football game?! Oh no! Here are some pictures from the game. Jamie and I left at the end of the third quarter because we were winning and we could no longer feel our toes.

Here is Pistol Pete working the crowd!

Of course I had a wonderful time catching up with friends and some of the basketball coaches. I truly miss all of them and feel so thankful that I was able to go. Enjoy the pictures of my friends! I am getting tired of writing today, so maybe tomorrow I will be more creative with my posts!

Amber and I hanging out in her awesome house with her hubby and adorable puppy!

Night out in Laramie after the big win!

I love these girls! I am so happy that I got to see them!

This is what happens when you get stuck in the car for 3 hours in bad weather....you take random pictures. Oh how I don't miss the road closures!

I hope you enjoyed the pictures. Like I said, there is a more interesting post to follow tomorrow! (I hope!)

I think I've lost my mind!

2009-10-17T20:28:00.000-05:00

This morning I decided to do something a little crazy. Well, actually it was really crazy. I ran a half marathon without really training for it. My body is currently reaping all of the painful rewards. Originally I signed up for this half marathon thinking that it would motivate me to train and whip my butt into shape. I just knew I would follow my fancy training schedule because after all I did pay for this. I thought wrong! My life is too crazy for me to find the motivation to get running.

Despite knowing that I paid for the race, yesterday I debated whether or not I should run. "Maybe I'll just pick up my shirt and turn in my timing chip," was the thought running through my mind driving into Kansas City. I got there, and decided I couldn't quit before the race started. Then this morning of course I set the wrong alarm, but luckily woke up in time to still make it to the race. BUT I would be cutting it close to making it on time for the start.....SO I thought, "Maybe I will just stay in my nice warm bed and snuggle with my husband," BUT I knew I couldn't do that. I was already awake, and I knew I would feel like a quitter if I did not at least try to run.

The next excuse that came to mind was my ankle. My ankle has been bothering me off and on for the last few weeks, so I maybe it would be better for my ankle (and my untrained body) to not race. I was trying to avoid running in every way imaginable. Of course the thought that popped up next was running a little bit, but not necessarily finishing because of my bum ankle. Being the competitor that I am, I knew that I had to just run it ALL or else I wouldn't be able to live with myself.

After making a mad dash to the start line in the nick of time, I was off and running. While my body wasn't entirely thrilled with me, I ran. I ran all 13.1 miles! My goal was to finish in under 3 hours. I did just that and even better than I expected. The benefit of running was being able to taken in the Kansas City scenery. As I ran along I found myself admiring old buildings, homes, parks, fountains, new buildings as well as Kansas City life in general. This run has given me a new appreciation for the breath-taking beauty this city holds that I wouldn't usually make the time to see.

So, you might be wondering what is the moral of this post and why do I feel I have lost my mind.
Moral #1- My body can do more than I think it can, so as a result I should push it harder more often.
Moral #2- Running 13.1 miles without training for it was not the smartest thing and next time I need to train.
Moral #3- I love running in races, even if they are painful
Moral #4- Today's race (despite the pain) has awaken my desire to run another marathon. Now I need to make time to train and find a fun one to run!
Moral #5- Running long distance races makes you think you like running really far until you have to train for it, but you decide you should still do it despite the crazy affects on your body.....

Yes I know that I am crazy for running a half marathon when I only got my millage up to 3 miles!

Looking Forward

2009-10-12T20:10:00.000-05:00

I am looking forward to catching up on all the shows I missed while I was gone. I plan on not moving for the next two hours! First up Bones, then maybe Private Practice, followed by Glee. Don't worry there are still more to watch tomorrow night! I promise to write about my trip soon.

I'm Freezing!

2009-10-09T11:42:00.000-05:00

I was welcomed back to the wonderful state of Colorado by a FREEZING gust of wind as I deplaned last night. I knew it would be colder here, I just didn't prepare myself mentally for snow and being chilled to the bone.

With that said, I did enjoy my first night of girl time with two of my oldest friends, Courtey and Kristen. It was so fun to catch up, swap stories, and hang out together.

This morning I type with my stomach filled with grandma's home cooked breakfast, waffels with fresh raspberries and homemand raspberry jam. Life couldn't get much better today.

It's off to Laramie this afternoon. I am sure that it will be snowing and that I will spend my homecoming weekend looking like a giant marshmallow! I may be an ice cube by the time I return home!

A Much Needed Girls Weekend

2009-10-07T20:33:00.002-05:00

I am going to sprinkle this post with some old photos of friends and some good 'ol Wyoming Cowboy Football!

I just wanted to share with you how excited I am to be headed back to my almamatter for homecoming. While I am not looking forward to spending Saturday afternoon freezing my behind off cheering for the Pokes, I am looking forward to catching up with some of my favorite people in the whole wide world. My heart feel like is headed back home, back to what is familiar, warm (ok, not literally warm, but you know what I mean) and comfortable. I would move back in a heart beat....I am just waiting for God to bring along the right moment.

All week I have been chatting with my girl friends about our plans for the weekend. I am anticipating late nights full of laughter, girl talk, and lots of "okay we seriously need to go to sleep" moments, but finding ourselves in another conversation. I am in desperate need of some girl moments. I know that I will leave this weekend with my heart full!

In honor of homecoming weekend I taught my students Rag Time Cowboy Joe. Tomorrow they will be performing it for our school's principal! They were over-joyed to take a break from all of learning to sing and shout. I over heard a few of them saying that they were like cheerleaders now!!! I wish I could post a video of them doing it. Their favorite part of the song is spelling out and chanting Cowboys. I think they would do it all day if I let them. ;) Anything to not do work!

I am not sure how much will be around while I am gone, but I will take lots of pictures and try to keep you up to date. Go WYO, beat those Lobos!

Unexpected Joys

2009-10-06T21:57:00.001-05:00

Sometimes things in life just sneak up behind you and surprise you. These are not the bad kind of surprises, but the good kind! Yesterday while getting my hair shampooed by my hair dresser, I realized just how much I look forward to getting my hair cut. I live for that 2 minute head massage, you know the one that puts you to sleep every time?! The joy in short hair I have realized is being privileged to these wonderfully relaxing head massages once a month! I never got my hair cut that much when it was long. I love going in and just having someone else take care or me (well really my hair) for an hour, don't you?!

Today my students brought me great joy. How did they do it you might be wondering. It was not by showering me with gifts, or hugs, or compliments about how wonderful I am. My heart melted when I saw how excited they got about our writing prompt. Instantly every single student shouted with glee at the rush of ideas that came to their little brains. I have never seen them get working so quickly or work so diligently on a list or web for a writing assignment. I felt great pride as a teacher as they were beaming with excitement and their pencils were racing across their pages.

The prompt they were so excited about is "I know the house on the corner is haunted because..." I loved hearing them describe to me the things I would hear, feel or see if I were in their haunted house. In their houses I would hear the floor creak beneath my feet, feel a spider race down my arm, smell dust as it filled my nose, and hear the eerie hoot of an owl. Oh did I mention that there may be some human soup, and that blood-sucking vampires warm these haunted houses? Of course I had to set the mood by playing some Halloween music. I can't wait to read their final copies.

Feel free to your thoughts on how you know the house on the corner is haunted!!!!

No Time Tonight

2009-10-05T20:36:00.007-05:00

So I fail day two of the challenge. I have a great post in mind, but not time to write it tonight. Maybe tomorrow!

When Life Happens

2009-10-04T10:07:00.000-05:00

Life always seems to throw a curve ball just when you think everything is going great. Our curve ball this week was Stinson's car. It started acting up and of course it will be a major repair..... So instead of spending close to what his car is worth we are in the process of finding a new car. You don't realize how dependent you are on the small things that make day to day life easier.

Stinson not having a car right now is going to make life interesting because I need my car to get to school, and due to the fact that I work 40 minutes away from home it won't work for him to drop me off and have the car for the rest of the day. We think we have found a good candidate for a replacement car, well really it is a truck. I think Stinson is over-joyed at the thought of having a truck (which of course is very much a man's vehicle) and is brainstorming all of the ways that it will come in handy.

In other news, this Friday was Special Friend's Day at school. This is a day where grandparents, parents, and other relatives can come spend part of the day at school to get a glimpse of what a day is like for the students. Of course this day is not remotely close to what an actual day is like. Our job is to plan 3 hours that keeps the adults and children entertained, which is much more difficult than you would imagine. The adults have a tendency to talk while you are talking or not follow directions very well. I guess they have forgotten that you do not talk while the teacher is talking! :) Overall it was a great day and I enjoyed meeting some of the people that are important to each of my students.

Stinson's life is still pretty crazy. He is going all the time and just passes in and out of the house. Yesterday the football team beat Benedictine to make the Pioneers 4-1. Stinson looks like a natural in his "coaches uniform," and comes home completely happy each night. I am finding ways to keep myself busy so I don't miss him too much!

This last week Jennifer (my mother-in-law) came for a quick visit. It was so wonderful to have her here. She was able to come in to talk to my class about being an author and writing. The students enjoyed asking her questions as well as coming up with details of a story. Stinson and I enjoyed spending time with her. Each time I spend time with her I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful mother-in-law that I respect and admire and get along with wonderfully. I have heard the mother-in-law horror stories and I am grateful to say that I do not have a single horror story to share.

Just an FYI that I am going to take Sara's blog every day in October, so hopefully you will be hearing more from me. I can't promise that it will be too exciting, but I will try to make it interesting ( like all those blogs that have tons of followers). Well it is time to dive into my bible study and enjoy a Sunday full of football and lesson plans!

My First Blogger Award!

2009-09-27T19:47:00.001-05:00

I am blessed to be nominated for this award by two of my favorite people! First, my amazing sister-in-law Bailey. Bailey has just recently joined the blogging world and I have loved keeping up with her life as a newly wed to my brother on their blog; she is a very gifted writer. Secondly, I was nominated by one of my oldest and dearest friends, Courtney. Her blog is also amazing and reveals what a wonderful woman she is. Thanks so much girls! Both you hold such a special place in my heart! Here are the rules:

1-Thank the person who nominated you for this award.

2-Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3-Link to the person who nominated you for this award.

4-Name 7 things about yourself that people may not know.

5-Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

6-Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7-Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they've been nominated.

Okay now it is time for 7 things about me that you might not know.

1. For the most part I do not enjoy being by myself. I am very much a people person, and feel content when I am surrounded by people I love. I do enjoy my "me moments" I just don't like them to be every day. This whole hardly ever seeing my husband thing is leaving me feeling lonely, but I am doing my best to keep a positive attitude.

2. I love reading children's books. A perk of being a teacher is that I have an excuse to read them all the time. This summer I read a book picked out from my classroom library by each of my students last year. Some of the books I read are now my favorites!

3. I am not as neat as I would like to be. Due to the craziness of life my house is messy and it is embarrassing!

4. I have to have the bed made each morning. If it is made I feel like my life is a little more together. If it is not made I feel a little crazy and like I am all over the place. It's crazy, I know.

5. I want to learn how to decorate cakes. I don't know when this will happen, but someday...

6. I have always wanted to open a bed and breakfast in an old Victorian home, in some quaint location. I think this would be a great post retirement activity that would keep me busy doing other things I love, entertaining, baking, and cooking.

7. I knew I was going to be a teacher when I was in 3rd grade, and did not change my mind once. And yes, I still want to be a teacher. There is nothing more rewarding. I was reminded of that this week when one of my buddy students made up a song for me and sung it beautifully out at recess. It was so sweet it made me tear up!

Okay...I now for the 7 nominations.....

Krysta at Krysta Nicole

Sara at the Dean Spot

and everyone else I would nominate already has this award.... so there you have it!

I promise to write more about our actual lives soon!

Do you ever...

2009-09-20T21:33:00.000-05:00

Do you ever say things like" This week I am going to work out every day." or "From now on I am going to eat healthy." or even something like "Wow, look at her. She looks so great, and she has everything together! I need to get my life together like that." These phrases are ones I find myself repeating nearly every week, yet nothing really ever changes. The first two are the ones that really frustrate me. I am not an "inactive" person, yet in the busyness of my life I have a hard time motivating myself to do these simple things. Every week I say these things, and every week when nothing has changed I feel frustrated at myself, and find myself asking why I couldn't have just done it!!!

Lately, I feel as though I have been so wrapped up in what those around me are doing and bring the judgment hammer down hard on myself. I know deep down this is not the right attitude, but it is the one I currently have. In the midst of learning how to believe God, I feel God also tugging at my heart that I need to believe in me too. I am trying to let go of the desire to do things right all the time, to embrace the life that God wants to offer me, a life that is free of worldly worries and full of grace. I am trying to get there, but still feel like I have a ways to go.

This week I am going to love me, love who God made me, do my very best to workout most days this week, to give the best of me to each of my students this week, be the wife Stinson needs me to be, and continue to seek the love of my Savior to lift these burdens I've been carrying.

Believing God with a Pumpkin Spice Latte in Hand

2009-09-10T19:40:00.002-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I shared that I was joining a women's bible study with the hopes of making new friends and drawing closer to God. I am stoked to say that both of those things are happening! So far, the "Believing God" study by Beth Moore has been so amazing! It is really opening my eyes to a new way of viewing my faith and what it is that delights God. My biggest revelation so far has been that what causes righteousness to be bestowed upon me. It is not the WORKS that I do, but the amount of FAITH I put in God. It is about believing God is who He says He is, that He can do what He says He can do, and that I am who He says I am. God has been showing me that my "good works" are not necessarily bad, but the fact is they will not change anything or do anything to draw me deeper into my walk unless I actually BELIEVING GOD! I am still in the process of fully wrapping my head around this one.

In addition to drawing me deeper in my walk, this study has enable me to begin building a few new relationships. Nothing major to report like a new close friends, but I can see some great relationships beginning to bud.

Now it is time for the pumpkin spice latte part of the post. I just know that God created this drink to comfort my soul! I love to drink one while diving into His word and my bible study, or to start my morning off on the way to fun-filled day of teaching. I know a pumpkin spice latte will also be my companion to many MNU football games this fall.

If you love pumpkin spice lattes, then I know you love blogs, and that means you may be looking for a new design, which means you need to check out one of my best friend Courtney's blog! She is giving away a blog design by her sister (who designed this blog). Check out Jenn's designs by clicking here.

Are you ready for some football?!

2009-09-07T11:33:00.001-05:00

The feeling of fall is in the air. The air is a bit crisper and the morning dew clings to the grass just a tad longer. Another sign that fall is here is football. Pioneer football kicked off the season Saturday night. Under the stadium lights you could see the sea of red and blue filling the seats and wrapping down around onto the track ready to cheer on their team to victory. The roar of crowd echoed from one side of the stadium to the other. The energy being emitted by the players was contagious and fueled the fans cheers. Touchdown after touchdown, I felt the familiar feeling of excitement returned. There is something about football that makes me love fall.

Maybe football makes it feel like fall because football has become a very big part of my life since my relationship with Stinson began. When you marry a football player and coach I think it might be against the law to not like football. Being married to a football player has opened my eyes to view football in a different light. I have a greater appreciation for what players go through and how hard they work to earn their spot on the starting roster. Also, being married to Stinson has provided me with the opportunity to learn more about the ins and outs of the game. Throughout our relationship he has taught me some of the coverages and routes that are standard parts of football. There have even been opportunities for me to show off my knowledge and even impress a few of the guys.

Football also represents a sort of family to me. There is a special bond between those who support and love a player on the team. This fall I am looking forward to forging new friendships with girlfriends, wives, and mothers of the players. One of the best parts of Saturdays is sitting in the stands with your football family around you, knowing that you understand each others joy and pain as well as share many of the same anxieties. I am still looking searching for partner to cheer on the Pioneers with this season, but I feel God leading me towards a few others that look like they are need of friend too!

This Saturday was much less stressful than Saturdays from the past four years. There was no worries about Stinson getting hurt, if he would play, how well he would play, or what people might be saying in the stands. While I would not trade his football journey for anything, it is a gift to get to enjoy the players doing what they do best without the wondering or stress. I do know being a coaches wife will bring new stresses as he moves up, but that is is the future. For now we are both enjoying the coaching side of the ball.

P.S. The Pioneers won 56 to 13! A great way to start the new season.

You know you're a teacher when...

2009-09-03T19:04:00.004-05:00

I know some of you may or may not have seen some of these lists about all the ways you know you are a teacher, but I thought I would add one of my own based on my day today.

You know you are a teacher when... you teach half the day with a fever, head that is killing you, nose that won't stop running, and when a student tells you they have a "headache" you say "Just tough it out and let your parents know when you get home." But what you really feeling like saying is "SUCK IT UP! Do you know how awful I feel right now?! You don't see me complaining or asking to go see the nurse!" Oh the joys of being a teacher, nurse, mom, counselor and principle all in one day.

Here is a list that was once sent to me I thought you might enjoy. If you are not a teacher, just know these are all true!

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU ARE A TEACHER?

1. You can hear 25 voices behind you and know exactly which one belongs to the child out of line.
2. You get a secret thrill out of laminating something.
3. You walk into a store and hear the words 'It's Mrs. Dean' and know you have been spotted.
4. You have 25 people that accidentally call you Mom/Dad at onetime or another.
5. You can eat a multi-course meal in under twenty-five minutes.
6. You've trained yourself to go to the bathroom at two distinct times of the day: lunch and planning period.
7. You start saving other people's trash, because most likely, you can use that toilet paper tube or plastic butter tub for something in the classroom.
8. You believe the teachers' lounge should be equipped with a margarita machine.
9. You want to slap the next person who says 'Must be nice to work 7 to 3 and have summers off.'
10. You believe chocolate is a food group.
11. You can tell if it's a full moon without ever looking outside.
12. You believe that unspeakable evils will befall you if anyone says 'Boy, the kids sure are mellow today.'
13. You feel the urge to talk to strange children and correct their behavior when you are out in public.
14. You think caffeine should be available in intravenous form.
15. You spend more money on school stuff than you do on yourself.
16. You can't pass the school supply aisle without getting at least five items!
17. You ask your friends if the left hand turn he just made was a 'good choice or a bad choice.'
18. You find true beauty in a can full of perfectly sharpened pencils.
19. You are secretly addicted to hand sanitizer and finally...
20. You understand instantaneously why a child behaves a certain way after meeting his or her parents

It's a good thing it is Friday tomorrow and it is a 3 day weekend, so I have plenty of time to recover from whatever is plaguing me.

2009-08-30T17:59:00.000-05:00

I keep meaning to sit down and write about all of the things running laps through my head, but at the end of the day I am just too exhausted. Since it has been a week, this will probably be long, so thank you ahead of time for you patience!

Where to start...... how about with school? This week my students' personalities have really begun to shine, and as they do I am discovering many new things about them. I am learning who loves to talk and be social, who is more quite and reserved, and who is really going to push me to be a better teacher. I have one student in particular that I feel God is going to use to show me how to really reach out in love and touch a life. I know this student is going to present many challenges this year and test the boundaries of my patience. As my pastor was preaching this morning I felt God tugging at my heart to pray for this student and my attitude towards them. This week I am going to go the extra mile for this student. I am looking forward to seeing how the Lord will work on my heart and reveal new ways for me to become a more effective teacher.

On Friday I felt as though I had a personal aid all day, and maybe that is because I did. Since my sister Jenna is here visiting this week I thought it would be fun for her to come in and meet my class. She was able to spend the entire day with me, and it made for a really special day! Jenna read a story to the kids and answered many questions during a Q & A session. The students loved meeting her and spending time with her. They were fascinated by how tall and beautiful she is. While I was teaching she was busy grading the papers I let pile up this week. I think she saved me about two hours worth of grading. Too bad I can't have her around everyday!

While my baby sister was here I wanted to take her wedding dress shopping. What a fun day it was. We started our day at a small local bridal salon called Mia's. Trying on wedding dresses is like a real-life princess experience, and every girls dream. We were ushered into a room full of beautiful wedding dresses to select the ones that Jenna would like to try. Each dress made her face light up and I could tell with every dress we slipped on her she felt more and more like a princesses. After trying on several gorgeous gowns, we may have found the dress for her. I would describe it as well as post pictures, but Brady might be reading this, and of course the dress has to stay a surprise. The wedding is still a ways away, so she will keep looking, but I am thrilled I was able to be a part of helping my baby sister find her dress.

Jenna and I out to lunch between wedding dress appointments!

My time this weekend with Jenna was super special, and it made me realize how much I cherish our friendship and spending girl time together. I also came to the realization that I did not take advantage of spending enough time with her while we were living in the same town. Sisters are special, and I feel so lucky to have one. This weekend was a reminder from God not to take advantage of our relationship. Even though we are family I am learning that I need to set aside time to work on continually building and strengthening my relationship my sister.

This week I am looking forward to a couple of things starting up this week. The first is Boot Camp! I know I might be crazy, but I love the intense workouts with fellow teachers in the outdoors. This will also help with preparing for the half-marathon I signed myself up for in October.

The second thing I am looking forward to starting a women's bible study on Tuesday. Since I have moved away from my friends and family I have been searching for a way to get plugged in and meet new people. My heart has been a little lonely for some girlfriends, and I am looking forward to meeting some new women to forge friendships with as well as diving into the Word.

All in all it should be a good week with lots of things to look forward to! I'll be back soon to let you know how it's all going.

A Few of My Favorite Things

2009-08-23T13:22:00.005-05:00

I thought to keep things interesting I would make a list of my favorite things while updating you on what is going on in our lives lately. Hope you enjoy it!

1.) Teaching. Going back to school this week has been wonderful. So far, I absolutely adore my new class. They each have such sweet personalities and bring so much to our room. My boys are especially adorable and little. My favorite quote from this week was on the first day made by one of my boys. "Mrs. Dean, I think my desk is too big for me." This statement is true because when most of my boy put their arms up on their desks their arms are almost at their chin!

2.) Football. I am so happy that football is back and I love having close friends to keep an eye out for. Each week we check up on how Kyle is doing, and it is fun to see how well the NFL is going for him so far. One of my favorite things is watching football while I do my lesson plans for the week! MNU kicked off the weekend with their first scrimmage. So far, they are looking pretty good.

3.) Coffee. Especially a homemade vanilla latte with extra foam. I think the picture says enough.

4.) Adorable coffee mugs. Just ask Stinson, I have way too many and have to rotate through them!

5.) Baking. Here is just a few of the 50+ apple cookies I made last weekend. Yes, they tasted delicious!

6.) My husband and spoiling him on his birthday. I am so lucky to have a husband who loves me so much and encourages me all the time. Although I haven't seen much of him lately due to both of our crazy schedules, I love sharing all about my day and kiddos with him as well as hearing about what is going on in his world of football.

These are just a few of my favorite things.... there are so many more, but I think I've said enough.

As the school bell rings

2009-08-15T16:29:00.008-05:00

One of my new favorite things is when I check my email every morning the first thing I see is K-LOVE's encouraging word. Each morning I hear God whispering a new truth, or maybe one that I have not thought about in a while, to my heart. The verse from Thursday really spoke to me and challenged me, so I would like to share it with you.
"Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6, NLT One of my favorite images of God is as the pursuer. The romantic in me feels at peace knowing that my Savior is willing to go to great lenghts to demonstrate His love for me, and that He will never stop pursuing me.

Soon the halls of my school will be filled with the sounds of students. I cannot wait for this new school year to begin. I feel I am more excited than I was last year, and I think it may be due to the fact that I know what to expect. I have had no first day of school nightmares haunting me at night, which is such a relief! A new year means a fresh start and a new group of students to find a special place in my heart.

Thursday was our Open House and Curriculum night. My new class came with their parents to find a home for all of their school supplies, and check out our room as well as meet me. I was able to meet all but two of my students, and each one of them is adorable! I am looking forward to learning so much more about each one of them. I have several students, both boys and girls, that love school and can't wait to start learning new things. This love for learning is so refreshing, and I hope that it will be a contageous attitude in my classroom this year.

My students come with wonderful parents, who are very supportive and eager to be involved in our room. I am looking forward to our partnership that will be crutical to their child's success in 4th grade. The Lord has truly blessed me by placing me where I am to begin my teaching career.

One of my favorite parts of Open House was seeing some of my students from last year. Oh how some of them have grown over the summer. Seeeing their faces brought back wonderful memories from last year. I realized after reuniting with them just how much I missed them. They all promised to come back and visit, and that they would not forget about me now that they are big, bad, 5th graders! As each one dropped by for a hug I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and pride in each of them and how they have matured over the summer. I love being a teacher becauase I have been given the gift of touching lives and being a part of something that is truly special, watching children blossum and grow into wonderful people.

Here are some pictures of my room. I am really loving it and cannot wait for it to be filled with 22 nine and ten year bodies that are eager to learn!

The calendar board when you first walk in the room. I promise I hung everything on the walls strait, but for some reason my camera made it look crooked.

My new cafe table! Isn't adorable? I can't wait to watch students enjoying thier favorite books, or maybe writing a great story at this table.

This is one of the areas that I like to do reading and writing lessons. It's also a spot where students can read and write. The purple chair is a favorite of the students.

My library and reading nook. I just love it! I recycled some old brown book boxes by adding a few coats of spray paint. Also, I am putting my new shelf to use, it really helped bring the room together!

My main bulliten board wall. This week students will be doing self portaits to put in the purple rectangle. I will show you the finished product later.

Their desk waiting to be filled!

I love my room, I would love to be a student in my room, and I am looking forward to all of the memories that will fill my room this year!

A Random Sampling of My Life Lately

2009-08-09T15:13:00.012-05:00

Well, summer is almost officially over, which means that it is back to school for me and life gets quite a bit busier. I am ready to go back, and super excited for this school year. I love the way my room looks and the welcoming atmosphere it has. I will be putting the finishing touches on it this week. I promise to post pictures of it so you can get an idea of what it is like to be a 4th grader in Mrs. Dean's room!

Well, it is time for phase 3 of P90X. We have decided to do the Fat Flush again as well as adding running to our workout plan in hopes of seeing even better results. Feel free to check in and see how I am doing because I think I am going to need some accountability partners. School is starting, so that means at least running and possibly the workouts, will have to happen before school. I know there will be many mornings I will not want to drag myself out of bed. Maybe, just maybe, if you ask how I am doing it will make me get out of bed in the morning! Look for pre and post P90X pictures in a month!

Friday was my last day as a summer nanny for the Simeroth boys. What a fun and action packed summer it was. I feel I really fine-tuned some of my parenting skills to use on our future children, especially if we have 3 boys. Jeff, Carson, and Andy kept me on my toes every day. We had lots of fun exploring Kansas City together and just hanging out at the pool and in the neighborhood.

A quick story about the boys that goes along with this picture. It was a hot day and we had just spent time playing at the park, so I thought it would be fun to take the boys for dip cone. Forgetting just how big these things are, I thought that a medium would be perfect. As it turns out a medium is more like a large at DQ, and let's just say it was a good thing we enjoyed these outside. Watching Andy attempt to eat his dip cone reminded me of my sister. When she was little she could never eat her dip cone before it began to melt like crazy, and she would always end up covered in ice cream. Of course this is what happened to Andy. Not two minutes into enjoying his ice cream, it started melting everywhere. At first I attempted to give him tips on how to eat it quickly and to keep it from dripping. As his hands continued to become coated in ice cream, I decided the best thing to do would be to get a cup and spoon to avoid any further mess. Guess what?! It worked!!!

I am going to miss spending time with these boys, and I hope to keep in touch with them and see them play a couple of football games.
Last week we took a trip to see Sara and Kennedy in Dallas. Originally we thought they would be in their new house, and that they would be showing it off to us. But, the whole short-sale on the house delayed the process of them getting the house. We were able to see it, and once they have put their touch on it, it will be quite a lovely home. I can't wait to go back and see it all fixed up.

Sara and Kennedy wanted to ensure that we got the full "Texas Experience" while we were there. Apparently what Texans like to do is drink, beer, smoke and float the river, all at the same time! Saturday we drove down to the Guadeloupe River to do what most people in Texas enjoy doing, floating the river. I did not know that the day would involve smoking a pack of cigarettes, or at least feeling like I did. The majority of people who float the river in Texas bring a cooler full of beer and a few packs of cigarettes. For those who choose not to participate in the drinking, those that do put on quite a show. Don't worry we were some of the few who choose the non-alcoholic version! I think maybe I am being just a tad harsh because we had a blast floating the river, and it made for a nice relaxing day. I feel like I got a good glimpse into Texas culture on our trip, and I am not sure that it is a place I am ready to live in, despite all of Sara's attempts to get us there.
Our trip was planned perfectly because while we were there so were Grandmother and Jennifer. We always enjoy spending time with them. Jennifer was busy meeting a deadline for her new book when we first arrived, but we were able to enjoy lots of time with her at the end of our stay. She gave us a snip-it of her book, and it is going to be fabulous. I can't remember what it is called, but it won't be out for a while. Speaking of her books, those of you that love her books, and those of you who have not read any of them, should check out her new book "Set Apart" coming out this month!

We're just missing Brantley and Caroline!

Before we hit the road to drive home, the DeMarques came over to BBQ and catch up on life. It is always special to see them. A special thing about Aunt Faye is that when she says something about someone getting married, etc it usually comes true within the year. Since Sara was busy all weekend coming up with a pros and cons list of why we should move to Dallas, she had Aunt Faye say that we would be moving to Dallas soon.

Who knows if it will come true. We are pretty sure that it will be at least 3 years while Stinson continues to coach for the Pioneers and start and finish grad school, but I guess you never know. I am still uncertain about my feelings towards living in Texas. I know that it would be fun because a ton of Stinson's family is there, but I can't fully wrap mind around it.

All in all, our Dallas trip was a success.

P.S. I don't really think Texas is as awful as I may have made it sound, I feel like our float trip need some dramatics to make it more interesting!

Show Us Your Life- Wedding Dress

2009-07-25T10:25:00.018-05:00

I saw this on my friend Courtney's blog and thought I would join the fun. This idea comes from Kelly's Corner Show Us Your Wedding Dress.

Stinson and I were married May 25, 2008. I always knew that I wanted a very traditional, very elegant wedding. I feel like our day was both of those things and more. I have always been drawn to anything black and white, so these were the colors I choose for our wedding, with a dash of red to keep things lively.

I had been dress shopping once before the day we found "The Dress". I thought I had found the dress that I loved at a small bridal shop in Windsor, but I decided to keep looking. The day I found my dress was perfect for me. I was out shopping with my mom, sister, and dad. We went in to a small bridal shop in Loveland called Swept Away. As I was selecting dresses to try on my mom thought I should try this one because it was different and not strapless. In the picture and on the hanger it looked like a dress an old lady might wear, but the moment I put it on I began to glow. It was an instant winner with everyone. My grandma and her sisters stopped by to give their stamp of approval!

The front of the dress has a sweet heart neck line with lots of beading and applique flowers that came to a point at my waist. Near the bottom there is also some flower and bead detail. One of my favorite parts of the dress is the 3/4 length lace sleeves. They remindend me of the olden days, which I loved.

I loved the back of the dress. I liked how it scooped and the long train. The train had the same flower and bead detail all down the back of it. Everything about it fit our day and all that I hoped it would be. The best pictures I could find were from my fitting, so excuse the informalness of them!

Random Bits & Pieces

2009-07-24T17:28:00.023-05:00

Due to the fact that it has been a while since the last time I blogged about life this one will likely be lengthy as well as full of bits and pieces of life lately. Feel free to read this in chunks so that you don't have to spend hours reading about my life! ;)

Now that I am the proud owner of a new pair of running shoes, I have been back out on the roads running. I had forgotten how refreshing running is. Every time I lace up my shoes and hit the pavement my mind instantly clears and all of the things that were weighing me down fly off with each step. Some of my greatest conversations with God occur while I am out running. I am going to do my best to keep running, and hopefully be in good enough shape to run a half marathon in October!

As the new school year approaches I am discovering that my desire to shop for things for both my home and classroom grows stronger every day. As I am out and about making my list of things I need, things I would like to have, and things that I will definitely have to wait a while for, I find myself in Hobby Lobby at least once a week. Don't worry, I do not buy something every time I am in there, although I wish I could. I have found a couple of deals that were too good to pass up.

The canisters below were 50% off and go perfectly with my dream kitchen. The shelf in the picture is going in my classroom, and will be the home of my student's book boxes. I am excited to find it a home in my classroom. One day when I am super rich (because we all know teachers make lots of $$$) I will buy to my hearts content from the isles of my new favorite place, Hobby Lobby!
I am officially convinced that Colorado is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Being back in the mountains for a week was amazing. As we hiked up in the Rockies I found myself snapping picture after picture, just like a tourist. I guess living away from the mountains makes me appreciate them so much more. My breath was sucked right out of me with each glance and new turn along our hiking trail. The mountains symbolize home for me. One day I hope to be back by them.

There is something about the mountains that testifies to God's greatness. The strong, rigid peaks remind my of His strength, a strength I can lean. Each rocky stream is a gentle reminder of God's gentleness and His tender love for me. The whole scene is a reminder of the depth of God's beauty and the beauty He has created in me. I could go on and on, but I am thankful for the chance to experience this part of God's creation again as well as for the reminder it provides of His character.

If you have never been to the Rocky Mountains, you must put it on your list of things to do. There is nothing like a hike in crisp, cool mountain air, with the bluest skies you've ever seen, and mountain peaks capped with snow, and trails lined with trees. I can't wait to pick out a few of my favorite pictures to frame and hang in my house to always remind me of home and God's majesty.
Now it is time to talk about friends! What a great joy it was to catch up with all of my wonderful friends. I really needed this time with them to rejuvenate me, and remind me that no matter where I am I will always have them. I was able to share lots of laughs, and catch up on their lives. Being with my friends brings back a rush of wonderful memories that we have shared, but also gave us a chance to create new memories in our now more adult lives. The distance between us has helped to strengthen the bonds between us. So, thank you girls for all the ways that you have been there for me, and I know that you will always be there for me when I need you most. I am always here for you too, any time you need me!

Friends Pictured Below: (bench) Courtney, Me, Kristen
(standing) Me, Chrissie, Jamie

Here are a few pictures from the Bridal Tea hosted by one of Bailey's family friends. It was a wonderful afternoon, and a great way to celebrate Bailey. In the picture is: Me. Bailey, Jordan (her sister), and Jenna.
Weddings always remind me of why I love Stinson. They bring back a rush of memories of our wedding day and how we have started our lives together. I love that I I still feel the sensation we first shared at the start of marriage. The excitement of seeing each other after a long day, wanting to be near each other, and finding ways to let each other know how much love there is for one another. I continue to learn more about Stinson the longer we are together. I feel like currently God is teaching me just how to respect Stinson in the ways that speak love to him as well as how vital it is to continuing building a strong marriage.

Stinson has been working so hard learning all kinds of new things. Working with our neighbor on his days off from Lowe's learning carpentry skills that will come in handy when we one day have a house of our own. Football season is quickly approaching, and he is getting excited for it to begin again. He has really found his groove coaching. I know that God is going to use him in so many ways on and off the field. I too am excited for football to start up again. Every Tuesday and Thursday I am out at 7 on 7 watching him coach, and believe it or not, I still enjoy it even though he is not playing. It is definitely a lot less stressful and I am not worried about if he will start, it is much better to be on the coaching side of the ball!

I love my brother and sister! It was so wonderful to be able to spend time with them throughout Ryan & Bailey's wedding week. Even though we are all older we are still close knit and enjoy being around each other. As the older sister, it has been such a joy to see how they have grown and matured as people. I am continually amazed at what a mature man my brother is. He has such a kind, generous, loving heart. Though you may not know it, he listens to and picks up on everything you say. He knows just what you need done, or just what to do to make you smile and feel special. I know that Ryan will always love, cherish, and care for Bailey. He would do anything for her happiness, and will continue to seek God to be the man that she needs him to be.

My baby sister is growing up before my eyes. It seems like just yesterday Jenna was a freshman in high school. Now she is out in New York trying out the modeling scene and becoming an independent woman. Jenna has so many wonderful things going for her and has a heart that loves people. Every person she comes into contact with instatnly loves her. God's grace and love radiates out from her warm smile and brightens every room she walks into. I know she is going to continue to grow into such an amazing woman, who goes on to do some incredible things for people and herself.

God has richly blessed me with wonderful siblings, including a new sister that I love like I have grown up with her. She is so perfect for Ryan and our family!

Here are a few family pictures from the wedding weekend. I will try to keep this one short. My family is everything to me. I love every moment I get to spend with them. God has blessed me with parents that have become best friends as I have grown into adulthood, and they will always be people I deeply admire. I know that every member of my family will always support me, and will always be there with words of wisdom when I need them. I will always treasure all of the ways they have each shaped my life as well as the examples of how to live life glorifying to God and the leagcy left by their marriages.

Post rehearsal dinner we ened up having a family photo shoot with one of our waitresses. We had lots of fun being silly and laughing together. I think that it will be something that all of us remember for the rest of our lives. So, now it is time for a few words about the new Mr. & Mrs. Foster! The wedding was absolutely beautiful and perfect for Ryan and Bailey. I cried, I wasn't sure if I would or not, when I saw the look on brother's face as he watched his wife walk down the isle towards him. I could see his love for Bailey in his eyes and smile as he watched her walk towards him. Bailey's eyes too spoke of her love and devotion to Ryan. As an older sister, it is just what I have always hoped for in a wife for my brother.

The Tapestry House, an old Victorian-Style home, was the perfect setting for their day, and the weather could not have been more perfect. The ceremony was held outside on the lawn under the gazebo. The ceremony was a tribute to their relationship and all the was it has brougth honor to God and each of their families.

So many friends and family members came out to show their support for Ryan and Bailey. I know that they will have a wonderful life together, and it is sure to be full of adventure. Bailey looked gorgeous, Ryan was handsome, and my parents looked great too! Beautiful is the word to describe their special day.

Stinson and I are off to Dallas next week to Visit Sara, Kennedy, and my wonderful mother-in-law, Jennifer. I am sure that in the coming weeks I will have m.ny more exciting things to put up on my online journal!

Becomig a health food nut!

2009-07-17T10:17:00.004-05:00

Just thought I would let everyone know that we are back from a wonderful time, and beautiful wedding in Colorado! I will post pictures and more details later this weekend.

Now that we are back home it means back to living the Fat Flush Life style and intense P90X workouts. I have decided today that I am going to commit to having a great attitude about it all because I think it will give me more of the results I desire. Some days it is hard to realize that you can't have as much of the things you love, but to be honest I have stopped missing bread and cheese. One things I will never stop loving is chocolate or things that are sweet. I am doing much better about having them in moderation however.

Living the lifestyle of a healthy person is not always easy, but I am beginning to see the benefits of it and find my self becoming a bit of health food nut! I would have never thought it was possible!

Today I recommit to taking excellent care of the body God gave me, and hope that in some small way I can bring glory to Him in a healthy self-image and healthy lifestyle!

Feeling Patriotic

2009-07-05T21:45:00.009-05:00

The beautiful firework display over Lake Tapawingo in Blue Springs.

Our 4th of July gang, and friends we like to spend time with L to R: Ben & Shelby, Stinson & I, Nick & Jordan, James & Megan.

Here are some pictures of the flag cake that I made in honor of our country's birthday!

The summer of the Boys!

2009-07-03T15:06:00.012-05:00

Being a summer is nanny is really sharpening my inner-mother, and teaching me many things about what I can look forward to as a mom. The 3 boys I nanny are taking me for a spin on the ride of the Life with Boys! Each day is constantly go, go, go. Boys are much different than girls. They like to hit, wrestle and speak at the top of their lungs all the time; girls like to play dolls, dress up, color, and have tea parties. Boys live for competition and action.

I am learning that if you want something done quickly the thing to say is, "I am going to time you to see how fast you can do it!" What may have started with moans, and complains, is now embraced with an eager, ready to do it at the speed of light attitude.

I am really enjoying my trip to boy land and all the things that little boys like to do and the funny things they say. Jeff, Carson, and Andy keep me on my toes and active all day long. I am the designated pitcher for baseball, the person who throws the ball while they jump in the pool and catch it as well as the human jungle gym!

They boys and I have done several fun things this summer and here are a few pictures of the boys I spend 3 days a week with. We made surprise cookies for their mom's birthday, headed out to Science City, and just this week went to the Royals game.

I used to think I wanted 3 boys.....ask me again at the end of the summer if I still do!

Stinson braved the Royals game with me and the boys!

Me with Andy and Carson enjoying the not-so-good Royals!

Aren't they precious?! Carson and Andy showing their brotherly love.

During a big rainstorm one evening Stinson discovered a rather large frog in our backyard. As soon as I laid eyes on it I knew I had to capture it to take to the boys the next morning. After a few failed attempts by me to catch the frog (mostly because I refused to touch it with my hands), Stinson successfully captured the frog! The boys loved the frog and set it free in their backyard.

A New Look

2009-07-02T10:38:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to say thanks to one of my dear friend Courtney's sister Jenn for the beautiful new layout! She is quite talented, and I absolutely love the new look! I hope that all of you enjoy it as well. I think it reflects my personality pretty well!

Baking Adventures Lately

2009-06-28T19:36:00.011-05:00

Due to the amount of spare time on my hands I find myself looking for reasons as well as things to make. Since first bite of "Emily's Pineapple Cheesecake", I have been in love. Instead of waiting for the next time I see Emily to have a slice, I decided that I could ask her for the recipe, and make it for myself! She willingly emailed the recipe and I immediately set out baking. Here is a little photo tribute to this light, fluffy, delicious dessert! Enjoy!

The Baking Supplies

The Recipe
Making the Crust
3lbs of cream cheese ready to be mixed!
An artsy view of the final product
Emily's Pineapple Cheesecake! And yes it tastes just as good as it looks!

The cheesecake was enjoyed last night with some friends. There are still a couple of slices left, if you come visit this week, I just might share some with you!