Friday, September 28, 2007

Surprise, surprise...

Thursday morning we teachers left for the Great Lakes Christian Educator's Conference (Convention? I can't remember...) It was early and I was tired, but Katie, Karin, and Stacie rode with me in the Expedition so we had loads of fun. Our first meeting was a big group session with all the teachers at the conference. As we sat and waited, Karin said, "That's Beth and Melody." I about had a heart attack. "Beth" is Bethanie Wall, my best friend from college whom I have not seen in person since May 2005. Though we have kept in touch, I have not seen or hugged my best friend in over two years! Imagine the feelings of happiness in me....well, you can't really, it was too incredible. During the conference we passed each other and talked a bit, but today we sat together at the last workshop and spent a while talking afterwords. Walking the halls with our bags, standing around talking while we waited for the next session, stopping off at the bathroom on our way, made it feel like we were back in college. Two years is not enough to separate two friends who shared such a close bond during college. It was as though we had never been apart. Beth and I have our own lives in different places now, but she will always have her own special place reserved in my heart. Love you, Beth!!!

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Chicago!!!


























I wish I could tell you every little detail of my trip to Chicago with Amanda last weekend. But, that would take so long because every little detail was amazing! Our dinner out Friday night was incredible...from the valet parking to the complimentary desserts...it was quite an experience. Staying at Bethany's apartment made me want one of my own; and in the city wouldn't be too bad, I decided. I never knew Bethany before, so I made a new friend that weekend, too. Amanda and I decided to be brave and adventurous so we took the train from Bethany's to Chicago Ave. where we walked the few blocks to Michigan Ave. We spent all day Saturday shopping on Michigan Ave. The weather was fantastic. Dinner at Giordano's was the perfect end to the perfect day. This birthday weekend, with Amanda (and Bethany), was probably the best weekend of my life. So refreshing....my heart smiles to think of it.

Friday, September 14, 2007

Birthday


Yesterday morning my students insisted I sit in "my" chair (my favorite, ugly orange chair I bought for $5 at a garage sale last summer) and open the cards and gifts they brought me. Then for lunch they, along with my mom, surprised me with a pizza party. Patti Wallace made me a wonderful Four Seasons basket with yummy treats and cute teacher things. For dinner mom and I went to The Melting Pot. It was totally amazing! We started with a spinach and artichoke cheese fondue that came with veggies, pieces of Granny Smith apples, and a bread/tortilla chips bowl. We split an entree that consisted of pieces of steak, chicken, and white shrimp. With the entree came a dish of squash, potatoes, mushrooms, and broccoli. We also got 5 different sauces/dips for our meat and veggies once they were cooked. Our "cooking style" as they called it was the Court Bouillon. Everything was incredibly delicious. Unfortunately, we did not have time or room for any dessert fondue, so we will have to return and try the chocolate with strawberries, brownies, and other tasty morsels. The restaurant is a bit expensive, but the experience is definitely worth it. If you have a Melting Pot near you and have not tried it, I suggest making it a date with your spouse, significant other, or a group of good friends. After dinner mom accompanied me to my ballroom lesson. She said she enjoyed it and that my instructor is a good teacher. She should know, she's been teaching much longer than I've been around! Then she went home and I finished the night with a party at the Kentwood studio. My birthday was super fun, and now I am heading off to Chicago!

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

COOKIES!!!



I baked some cookies tonight after church to share with my class tomorrow. You must understand that I am not exactly an accomplished baker, but these cookies are absolutely fantastic! I can't believe how well they turned out. Unfortunately, I cannot post the real thing for you all to try. Really I am too tired to bake but I wanted a birthday treat to take to my class, what can I say, I love sweets! The cookies are full of chocolate chunks and m&m's. Oh so yummy...oh so warm and soft and yummy!

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Birthday Stuff and School: Week 2





Sunday I celebrated my 24th birthday with Amanda and Kendall and lots of other family. My birthday isn't actually until Thursday, Amanda's was Sunday, and Kendall's was last Friday. We had yummy ice cream sandwich cake. Lots of cards and a few little gifts. I really love celebrating with two of my closest cousins. It's alot more fun sharing the spotlight than having everyone looking at just me....no thank you! To really, really celebrate, Amanda and I are taking off Friday and heading down to Chicago for the weekend to shop. No, I'm not that excited. I mean, how fun could it possibly be to spend two whole days with one of my very best friends in a boring ol' town like Chicago?! Yeah, right. We plan to shop 'til we drop and eat at a nice restaurant Friday night where a friend of hers works. And we're going to Navy Pier - she's never been. I will definitely have some fun pictures to post after that trip!


So school....it is going better this week than I had anticipated after last week. For one thing, I am feeling loads better. For another thing, I am not having to fill time like I thought I would have to. And, the kids are actually having homework. I am not a huge fan of homework, but the other elementary teachers and the junior high teachers are complaining that my class is the only one without homework and my kids need a little practice before junior high and so forth and so on. Well it is working out fine because my students are simply not having enough time to get everything done that needs to be done in the day so I send it home. They should have one hour or less, which is about right. Actually, I loved homework - from elementary all the way through college - but I just don't want my students overloaded with school junk at home when they get it all day. Afternoons/evenings are for sports, music lessons, playing outside, reading, and family time. But anyway, my kids will have home work; everyone should be satisfied. After today and yesterday, this year is looking even better. And I have a feeling it is going to go by faster than I ever could imagine!

Thursday, September 6, 2007



My class and a bouquet of colorful permanent markers. =) Yes, I only have six students. They are super fun, great kids. My allergies have kept me exhausted and feeling absolutely lousy, so I honestly have not been that excited and cheery this week. Bummer! I so love school and I want to be excited about it. Once I get into the routine of things I should get caught up on sleep and my allergies will eventually subside. I am teaching Saxon math for the very first time this year. In some ways it is way better than A Beka but there are a few things that I don't like. Nothing major though, and I think overall I prefer Saxon. I am also going to be teaching my own PE this year, one day a week. Another day we will join the jr. high and Katie Schut and I will teach PE together that day. Fun, fun! Other stuff is new I am sure, but I am so tired I can't think straight! This is going to be a great year, I am sure. And I thank God for the opportunity to serve in Christian education