Live, Laugh, Love

Wedding Angel

2010-11-09T18:52:00.000-06:00

So... we had quite a 'slight' problem with our photographer for our wedding. We were extremely upset by the work of our photorgraphers (Portique) and were at a loss. My mom called me one day in tears and said that her friend Stella had just called her. Stella works with a lady named AnnMarie who is a photographer and a nurse. Well, AnnMarie was shooting her twin girls for a shoe advertisment and needed a bride. Stella called my mom as she was at our wedding 2 weeks prior and wondered if we would be interesting in posing for her. Basically - she was an angel for us!! She said she would take a few pictures of us for helping her becuase of our situation. WOW ~ She WAY outdid herself! She took the most beautiful pictures for about 2 hours after the show pictures... She will never know how much that meant for us :-)

Okay... For Real This Time (maybe)

2010-10-30T09:38:00.005-05:00

A LOT has happened since my last blog post....

1. Ended my first year of teaching

2. Planed a Wedding
3. Got MARRIED
4. Moved into our home
5. Started my second year of teaching

6. Tried to train Bella

7. Went to many UofM and MSU football games (on the same day)

8. Cooked in our freezing cold house

9. Carved Pumpkins

10. Enjoyed life :) (while watching football - Go GREEN!)

Back

2010-04-07T20:42:00.001-05:00

So, after my 5 month hiatus, I may be back! Nothing really exciting is happening... besides wedding planning and teaching... and of course painting - but I will try to keep this blog updated a little better :-)

Happy Spring

10/11/09

2009-10-11T19:05:00.004-05:00

Today, Adam and I were watching Sunday Morning (an old man news station where the guy wears a bow tie) and I was down about it being Sunday and the weekend coming to an end.  Adam walked out and went into the kitchen.  I thought he was getting water, but nope!  He walked back into the family room and asked me to marry him!!!!  He got me THE MOST beautiful diamond ring!!  I was so stinking surprised!  He came over early on Friday and asked my dad, which I didn't know either!! I hate not knowing things!! So, when he asked me, it was so surreal, I thought it was a joke, or a trick, or something!! Anyways, I said yes and now, we are engaged :-)

Here are some of the photos we have ... thus far:

Baiji Class 2009-2010

2009-09-09T19:47:00.003-05:00

Aren't they cute?! This is my first class :-) It was very exciting having Open House all day on Tuesday and a full day of school today. The students are all so cute and eager to learn (I hope!!!) Their personalities are all so different, it makes a great blend =) Looking forward to a great year!!!

It Is ALL Mine Now

2009-08-15T20:32:00.002-05:00

So... Mom got this adorable Vera Bradley lunch bag that we both loved!! I begged her all summer to have it and she always said "No" :-( I caught her in a weak moment and she said, "If you get a job this year, you can have it." I honestly wasn't putting too much 'hope' into getting my Hope Garden VB lunch bag, but I sure was wishing!

Well, guess who has to use their old lunch bag this year?!

Clue: Not me!!

Thanks Mom :-)

Stuck

2009-08-15T20:28:00.002-05:00

Dad took Bella up to his room and put her in their basket. At first, she was curious about her location (top left) then... she became curious (top right) followed by a look of "HELP PLEASE" (bottom left) and then... "I'm Free - - - so I will eat this!!"

She is getting her big girl teeth in and is so funny about eating ANYTHING and EVERYTHING :-)

Love her

Bella the Ballerina

2009-08-15T20:20:00.003-05:00

Last week, I went and visited Adam at his new apartment. We made a wonderful batch of Chex Mix - - - so, I had to bring some home! Bella rang the bell to go potty and instead of giving her one of her treats, I gave her a piece of Chex Mix!! You would have thought I gave her a Porterhouse steak!

That is Bella doing her "Sit up pretty / Dance" move to get her treat - - - isn't she sweet?!

Adam Moves!

2009-08-10T16:38:00.003-05:00

Adam moved from his apartment in East Lansing to his new apartment in Okemos on Friday! His dad and mom drove the Penske truck and we drove the car - - - the whole 3 mile drive. Bella found a nice box with a blanket in it and made that her home for the day of moving. She snuggled up with her bear and ball and slept the day away. He has a cute little kitchen table with a runner and lamp and then his family room is right there with 2 love seats and a chair (with his new slip covers and decorative pillows)! He is so excited about them!! He has a lovely kitchen with decorative towels on his oven that he will not let anyone use!! He has other matching ones for use! His bedroom is his favorite room - - -The GREAT DIVIDE! Michigan State by his bead, Michigan by his desk! It is very cool, actually! He is so proud of his new home. . . he ought to be. . . it is very cute! It's his home sweet home :-)

Baby's 1st Haircut

2009-08-05T14:53:00.003-05:00

Little Baby Bella had her 1st haircut today! She was getting so shaggy and so knotted, but did NOT enjoy her new experience!! She barked and cried the whole time. . . she does look cute though! She was soooo sleepy after, she came home, went potty, and slept!!

Too bad the groomer thought Bella liked red... not pink!!

Ovariohysterectomy

2009-07-21T09:38:00.002-05:00

Poor little Bella Baby had her ovariohysterectomy yesterday morning... she has 4 little stitches on her baby belly and is just taking it easy. She is laying and resting on her new pillow and being oh so sweet! She is such a good girl and is such a blessing!!

SURPIRSE!!

2009-07-21T09:24:00.002-05:00

This boy is amazing! He surprised me with tickets to see Brad Paisley at DTE with Dierks and Jimmy Wayne!! It was such a blast - - - it was my first concert since I saw N'Sync on my 11th birthday!! That is embarrassing! We went with another couple and just had a great time listening to great music - - - what a great surprise!! =D

4th of July

2009-07-21T09:17:00.002-05:00

For the 4th of July, Adam, Bella, and I went to East Tawas with his family. We left on Wednesday morning and just had a few days of relaxing and enjoying the beautiful lake.

Happy Independence Day!!

Hands Down

2009-06-21T10:51:00.003-05:00

She is HANDS DOWN the cutest thing ever!! Look at her sweet face! I love how when you say her name, she cocks her head and looks up. She is trying so hard to be a good girl (she just turned 3 months old) - - - I can't get enough of her!

This is Bella getting ready to support Adam on 'Game Days' - - - he is already looking forward to football season, going to all the Michigan games (although he goes to MSU). We decided Bella MIGHT grow into this by the time the season starts - - - dont you LOVE her bow?

And again, but this time pink bow and ruffle dress! She honestly could not have an ounce more cuteness in her! She loves her dress and is being such a good girl!

TIGERS

2009-06-21T10:46:00.003-05:00

A few weeks ago, Adam and I decided to drive to Detroit and watch the Tigers! I think we picked the most uneventful game to attend - - - NOTHING happened until the 9th inning! We had a blast though!!

We had REALLY good seats, right in left field . . . but we were looking DIRECTLY into the sun. We were thrilled when it set under the stadium walls :-)

This is us (sideways) in front of the famous tiger!! (Moms request)

Chicago

2009-05-14T19:56:00.003-05:00

This is how Bella spent most of her time in Chicago! She was SO good in the bag!! She never had an accident in there! We would let her out periodically and she would do her business, but NEVER while we held her or while she was in the bag!! Isn't she a good girl?! (Let's just say she doesn't have a problem going inside our house though!)

Adam and I enjoying and celebrating together! I was so glad he was able to come and take a break from his studies to celebrate! We will always remember this weekend :-)

Bella loved playing and rolling in the grass at the Millenium Park! She is becoming quite a funny puppy!!Our WHOLE family together in the beautiful "Windy City" enjoying each others company!

My soon to be Sister - In - Law and my puppy!! We had a great time together, making lifetime memories!

College Graduate

2009-05-14T19:38:00.002-05:00

Friday, May 8th it all began! I had a half day of school and as soon as I was out, we packed our things (including Bella) and heading to the great university of Olivet Nazarene!! We got there just in time for Baccalaureate service. We left Bella alone in the hotel that did NOT allow dogs, but how much damage can a 7 1/2 week adorable puppy do? Adam, Jonathan, and Sarah arrived a little later and rescued our sweet puppy. Mom, dad, and I got back from the service and enjoyed the company of our family!
Saturday morning, we all got up and around. We headed to Olivet to get seats and for me to line up. It was (and still is) so surreal to me! It was a cold, windy, and cloudy day . . . all the graduates and family had coats and layers . . . except me, who was wearing a spaghetti strap dress!! Of course they did it in alphabetical order, so I was just about last and all the way in the back! It was still fun to see everyone and ONU again!

Adam and I, with my graduation gift right after I was handed that VERY expensive piece of paper! Adam, Jonathan, and Dad all brought the SAME color shirt to wear with slightly different colored pants! It was a hoot!

Isn't she the most precious graduate!? I thought she should have walked across the stage instead of me!! While mom was trying to take my picture IN FRONT OF EVERYONE...a large gust of wind came and swooped my cap right off my head! I had to walk 23 rows back trying and stumbling to get my cap back on! Embarrassing!! :-)

Bella did such a great job in the car and all weekend! She is growing so fast and gaining such a personality... a bossy one at that!! Love her!!

Introducing . . .

2009-05-07T15:59:00.005-05:00

BELLA

Isn't she the cutest thing you have EVER seen?! I got her for a graduation gift on Tuesday - - - the day she turned 7 weeks! She was born on St. Patty's Day and was the runt of her litter. She is PERFECT :-) She weighs, currently, less than 1 pound and is about 1/2 the length of my forearm.

She loves to cuddle and even gets rocked to sleep! Mom wasn't totally in favor of this idea for a gift, but as soon as she laid eyes on Bella, she was sold! Adam came over as soon as I told him we got her!!

We went to the Pet Store and got her ALL sorts of PRINCESS things!! A pink cage, pink bows, pink rhinestone collar, pink leash, pink princess food and water bowls, etc!! She is totally spoiled!!

For being so small, she sure is fun!! Her legs are about the length of a blade of grass. When we go outside, she chases us but sometimes she bottoms out! Her belly gets caught in the grass and she ends up on her back. If you rub her belly, she goes nuts!! It must really tickle her. She brings her front and back paws up to your hand and just plays away! Potty training her is interesting!! She is actually REALLY good about it! Yesterday, she had 2 accidents ALL day and today, only 1! She can do no wrong and . . .

SHE IS PERFECT

892 Miles Later . . .

2009-04-22T09:34:00.002-05:00

My last day of student teaching was Friday, April 10th!! Wow did time fly by! It was sad saying goodbye to 21 of the most adorable 5th graders, but I was excited to come back to America's High Five. I left balling girls and sad guys, but I was going to pick Adam up from the Airport, so it made everything okay! Adam was supposed to be in at 3:02 pm, but his flight from Flint to WI left late and so he missed his connecting flight. So, I picked Adam up at 8:00 pm instead! We went out to eat and then came back to FAK's house to finish packing! We woke up early Saturday morning and got on the road! 892 miles later . . . we arrived in the great state of MICHIGAN! Sunday was Easter and then Friday, I had an interview for a long term 2nd grade subbing position! I start that May 6th, unless the baby comes early!! :-) Adam and I took advantage of the warm nights and we went outside and watched the stars. We had church on Sunday and then Tuesday, I had another interview! Let me tell you . . . interviews are absolutely the scariest thing ever! Its so nice to be home! :-)

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-03-27T18:12:00.002-05:00

Wednesday was my Big 2-1 Birthday! On Tuesday, my adorable class threw a Surprise Birthday Party for me! Aren't they adorable?! We had a musical performance (Happy Birthday) by Jocilyn and Antonio, brownies and punch, and games galore! I brought in candy bars for the students and they brought in lovely 'teacher pins', 'necklaces', etc! My teacher got me a lovely Polo t-shirt and a bag of teacher goodies! We played Heads Up 5 Up and had an extra recess and everything! What a sweet class I have - - - they have been so much fun!

After school, FAK, FUD, Jord and I all went out to eat at Panzons. It was delicious! Jord had the house decorated when I got home from school which was cute! My mom sent a birthday gift to open the day of my birthday and it was a BEAUTIFUL Pandora bracelet! I was SO excited!! It had a dangle heart charm, a present charm and a charm with tiny hearts all around. I LOVE it!! FAK got me an adorable cross dangle charm! It is SO cute!!

What a fantastic birthday I had!! I am glad its only one day a year though!! :-)

Conjunctivitis and Pink Eye

2009-03-10T12:48:00.004-05:00

Last Thursday, I had a sweet little girl in my class, Mallory, come to school with the highly contagious pink eye. She was so sad that she had to go home, and I am sure she was embarrassed . . . was fighting back the tears with her chin whimpering, so I gave her a hug, got her work, and sent her out. I then cleaned her desk and chair and everything she touched. She wasn't at school on Friday becuase it hadn't been 24 hours since her antibiotic. I picked Adam up from the airport after school - - - he is out here on his spring break!! We have had so much fun this past weekend . . . enjoying each others company! Saturday was beautiful, so we went to the mall and got some things then to the outdoor mall to enjoy the weather. We had a lovely time outside in shorts and t-shirts :-) On Sunday, we went to Central Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa, KS and then to shop some more! After shopping, we both felt a little sick in our belly. I went to school Monday and Adam went around town with Uncle Dean. He picked me up from school and then we enjoyed the evening together. At night, we noticed my eye was discharging a little bit of yellow puss (gross, I know) and we put eye drops in it to make it feel better and wash it out. I woke up in the middle of the night (actually, I have no idea what time it was) and my eyes were crusted shut. I laid there for a long time (I wish I could tell you how long, but I couldn't look at a clock!) trying to force them open. Finally, my alarm went off and I felt my way into Adam's room. I opened the door and said, "Adam, wake up, I need your help." He asked with what. . . I replied, "I can't open my eyes!!" What a dummy I sound like!! Anyways, there was about 1/4 of an inch of crust closing my eyes together . .. yep, it hurt really bad when Adam pulled them apart!! So my right eye looks like I went through 13 rounds of a boxing match and my left eye is just red and with lots of puss! I called my teacher and told her I would be there after I went to the doc, if I could. I stopped into my school to tell/show them and then off to WalGreens to the 'Take Care Clinic' (very convienient). I was diagnosed with Conjunctivitis and Pink Eye. At least I have the day off and can enjoy Adam!! Isn't that a good look for me?!

Trip to Kansas

2009-02-07T09:18:00.003-06:00

This past weekend, Adam flew out to visit me in KS!! He flew in about 10 pm on Friday night and stayed until Tuesday morning. It was absolutely fabulous having him here and seeing him again - - - it was a long 30 days without him! We had such a wonderful time shopping, eating, and relaxing! I cant wait to see him next!! :-D

Finally...

2009-01-19T10:48:00.003-06:00

So, this break, I decided I wanted a nice jewelry box to store all my pretties!! I was looking at Kohls and found a few that I really liked, but each one had a flaw... like a chip, or missing handle!! I tell you... we went to EVERY Kohls, Macy's, any store that MAY have a jewelry box! Part of the reason it was so hard is becuase I knew EXACTLY what I wanted and I wasn't going to settle! It was a joke all break that Adam and I couldnt win in Euchre or Hand in Foot becuase my mind was looking and wishing for a jewelry box... Well, one day, G-Dog comes home with a 3 foot tall, beautiful wood, hand carved, gorgeous jewelry box!! That night - - - Adam and I won!!! Isn't G-Dog the best?! Merry Christmas to me!

G-Dog gave Adam a job to fill it!!! I dont think this 'jewelry walk in closet' will ever be full!! Doesnt hurt to try :-)

Miss Vargo

2009-01-18T11:51:00.003-06:00

Well, I absolutely hated saying goodbye to my family, especially Adam, but it is time that I do my student teaching in Lenexa, Kansas. I am sad to be away from home and my family (and Adam, of course), but I am looking forward to my 4 months of teaching these sweet little 5th graders! I am now called 'Miss Vargo' 100000000 times a day as their eager arms stretch to be called on. I have such a sweet class, so adorable and smart!! Teaching them is showing to be such a joy!!

What A Trip

2009-01-18T11:38:00.001-06:00

Oh boy... what a trip!! Adam and I started our fun journey to Kansas the day after Christmas at 5:30 in the morning. We had the car packed, but woke up, got ready, and headed out. As soon as we got to East Lansing (an hour into the 12 hour trip), it started to rain... and freeze. We drove on a road completely covered with (literally) 2 inches thick of ice the until 1 hour past Chicago. We realized the roads were so horrible when we were in a stand still and Adam opened the door and put his foot outside and slipped! We absolutely could not believe it! During that 9 hours, our maximum speed was 34 mph. <-- That little trip from Lansing to Chicago is supposed to take 4 hours max! We saw over 100 cars in the ditch, 15 semi-trucks in the ditch, 4 rollovers, and 3 semi trucks that were jack knifed. We stopped at McDonalds for breakfast and a break from our ice and could barely walk to get inside the ice was so thick! I don't know how Adam kept us on the road, but he did a fantastic job! We were SO glad to be out of that horrific driving condition. As soon as we sped up and starting going a normal rate of speed, Adam and I were SO excited, it felt so fast and thrilling!! We drove about 1/2 hour in ideal driving conditions... with our luck, that was short lived. We started driving in the worst and thickest fog. We could not see out of our car 10 feet. There we were, slowing down again! We drove through fog for another 4 hours and FINALLY got into Missouri. The last 4 hours of our trip were good! We didn't want to stop because we finally were going the speed limit! Needless to say, we were pretty thrilled to make our 12 hour trip in 17 hours, alive, in one piece! What a trip!

Tis the Season

2009-01-18T11:09:00.005-06:00

I got home from school on Tuesday, December 16th and was so excited about seeing Adam and Christmas!! Adam and I decided that we thought we should have our Christmas right that second, so there we were!! Only 9 days early! I got the most beautiful pair of diamond earrings from Adam that sparkle so pretty! I got Adam an IPod, some jeans, a button up, a sweater, and two belts becuase he needed ones that fit!! Doesn't he look cute?! Then, on Friday, Adam and I were the coat people for mom and dad's small group Christmas party. Sunday, Adams parents had a fancy brunch that we went to, which was delicious. Monday we had our family Christmas and celebrated with Jonathan and Sarah. We were all spoiled rotten!! We had a fabulous meal and enjoyed each others company!! The rest of the week was just going from house to house, party to party celebrating the season! What a wonderful break. . . I am sad it had to come to an end :-(

Turkey Day

2008-12-01T12:06:00.003-06:00

This week was a wonderful break from school! I got home on Tuesday and had a nice dinner at Applebee's with Adam and then watched Family Stone. My mom got home from conferences and dad got home and we all just hung out and relaxed! Wednesday, mom and I went shopping and got a lot of Christmas gifts bought! I came back home and hung out with Adam. Then, Thursday morning, Diet Coke 2 Liters were on sale at Meijers, so Adam and I were sent out at 6am to save 70 cents[top left picture]!!! Then, Adam and I left to go to his house for Thanksgiving. My parents headed out shortly after to join us. We had a lovely meal with Adam's parents, G-ma Schlusler, and my family. We stayed and just talked and relaxed for the evening. I spent the night there and then went to Somerset with Adam and his mom. We left after the mad rush and just shopped and 'peope watched'!! After we got home, we finished with the Christmas decorations at his house, then went back to my house for another Thanksgiving meal!! We ate a delicious meal and then hung out!! Saturday, Adam and I hung out and went shopping, yes again, with my parents - - - got more presents!! Then, we drove back to Lapeer to spend the night there. We went to Adam's church (where my parents were married) and then had a nice lunch! We hung out at his house, and then back to mine. Early this morning, Michelle and I headed back out to come back to school :-\ . It was such a wonderful break from school . . . I didnt do ANY of my homework. . . oops! I cant wait til Christmas vacation =) I hope you all enjoyed the holiday as much as I did!!!

Random Weekend

2008-11-16T20:45:00.002-06:00

This weekend, rather spur of the moment, I made the decision to come home!! Adam's dad could not go to the last home Michigan game, so he invited me! I had to work my BUTT off this week to get all my work done, but I made it!! I came home Friday after classes (with curly hair) and just hung out. Saturday, Adam and I left fairly early to get to the game. I wore

2 under armors,
2 tshirts,
a sweatshirt,
my North Face,
rain jacket,
2 pair of socks,
leggings,
jeans,
hat, and
gloves

...and was STILL freezing!! We got to the game and it was freezing rain, then started to snow, then back to hailing!! We decided, since Michigan is having a rather 'off' season that we would leave!! As we were leaving, it started to rain harder!! I dont think I have ever walked a mile so fast!! We were SOAKING wet and full out ran at least 5 blocks! So heavy because we were soaked down to the lowest layer!! We went out to eat and then back to my house to warm up!! Sunday, we woke up and went to see the Childrens Orphanage Choir (soo cute) then it was about time to head back. It was sad with winter starting and everything!! The next 9 days til Turkey Day Break will fly =)

Home for the Weekend!

2008-11-12T22:31:00.003-06:00

I know it seems as though I never have class, but on Friday, classes were canceled so Michelle and I decided to come home Thursday after classes! Trust me. . . I do have classes, and plenty of them, but I take advantage of the times I don't! I was dropping Michelle off and met Adam at the same spot. He told me he had something for me, so I went to get in his car. He gave me a box wrapped in silver paper with a pink bow on top. I was anxious to see what it was! I got it open and it was a beautiful heart shaped necklace with diamonds outlining it! It is SO gorgeous! I LOVE IT [didn't he do fantastic?!]!! We got to my house and hung out for the night, while my mom, dad, and Adam heard me ask nearly 1000 times, "Did you guys know I got a new necklace?!" I went to school with mom on Friday and then hung out with Adam for the weekend! We went to Lapeer on Saturday to hang out with his family and then they came over for dinner. Sunday, we went to Bedside Baptist and relaxed all afternoon. Such a lovely weekend!! I cherish the times I am able to come home (in a few months, I wont be able to come home whenever I want :( ). I cant wait to be able to go home next and show off my necklace some more!!!

Weekend at Home

2008-10-28T20:48:00.004-05:00

This past weekend, my friend Michelle and I decided to go home because we didn't have classes on Friday. We left Thursday about 1 when I got out of class and were home by 6pm!! It was so nice!! Adam picked me up and we went straight to my house to get in the Jeep with my parents and head to dinner with Sharon. We got home just in time for Greys (thankfully) and then hung out for the night. Adam woke up early in the morning to go to class and then I got back in bed and watched tv with my mom! We woke up and got ready and then took an online test then headed out for the day. We ran a few errands, went to a few appointments, but started the day off with lunch at the new Sonic. It was such a fun afternoon. When Adam was out of class, he headed over for the weekend. On Friday, Adam was so excited to go to the opening night of High School Musical 3, so I decided I should probably go along with him (hahahahaha, right!). I loved it!! We ran into a bit of a dilema at the theatre, going to West at 10pm on the weekend = not good idea!! There was a HUGE fight... 10 state trooper, township, and county cars all loaded with teens going to jail! Adam and I were SO scared!! The whole drive home, we saw more and more cop cars going to the theatre to take more to the bars. Just crazy!! The whole time we were watching the movie there were kids taking pictures, running in and out, talking, calling people on their cell phones, throwing candy, etc. I still loved the movie!! Then, Saturday, Adam and I met his mom and dad to go to Ann Arbor. We got down there and ate at Zingerman's Deli for a delicious lunch!! Adam and his dad went to the U of M vs. MSU game and his mom and I went shopping all afternoon! We headed home after a loss for one of Adams teams and a victory for the other! Sunday, after church mom made a delicious lunch and then we just hung out and did homework. It was such a relaxing weekend - - - I am so blessed to be able to come home and enjoy the time with my family and friends!!

SOLD

2008-10-16T21:16:00.003-05:00

I thought I would be sad when I found out that my Sunfire sold, but really, the day has come and I am happy to let some other person enjoy it as much as I did!! It was such a great car, excellent gas milegae, and pretty good driving, not top of the line, but did me good!! Hope the next person loves it as much as I did :-)

Fall Break

2008-10-16T14:28:00.005-05:00

Friday Night:
I got dropped off in East Lansing about 8pm. Adam picked me up and we went to my house for the weekend. When we got home, my mom and dad had a fire ready outside, so we sat outside and talked with them for quite some time. It was such a beautiful night!! We came inside and had wonderful cheesy potato soup. Shortly after, we all went to bed to get a good nights rest for our big day on Saturday.
Saturday:
Adam and I woke up and found mom and dad had made a splendid breakfast. We had pancakes, sausage, eggs . . . the whole nine yards! After breakfast, we had a nice little photo shoot {see above} before we headed off to the U of M game. We drove down to Ann Arbor, watched U of M stink it up but had a blast! It was so much fun!! I had never been there, and of course Adam had, so he showed me around and answered all 81 questions. After the game, we went to Buffalo Wild Wings and ate yummy chicken! We met mom and dad at the movie theater to watch Fireproof. That was a cute movie!! After the movie, we went back to my house and hung out and then went to bed.
Sunday:
We all woke up and got ready for church. We went to first service, then while mom and dad were in Sunday school, Adam and I went to the mall to waste time. There, we ran into Mr and Mrs. Rockwell! That was a nice surprise - - - Adam talked law with Mr. Rockwell and I helped Mrs. Rockwell pick out new jewelry. We went back to church for a leader appreciation lunch. Wasn't that a blast?! After lunch, we had another photo shoot {see below}!! We came inside and started to do homework, but I got sick! I had a fever, stomach ache, head ache, the whole deal. I rested all day while Adam did his homework! Sunday night, we watched our usual shows and then went to sleep.
Monday:
Mom and dad went to work and Adam left shortly after to make it back in time for class. I woke up and felt horrible!! I looked and my tonsils were touching in the back of my throat! Then, I went downstairs and started my homework. I did homework ALL day and then went to East Lansing to pick Adam up from his first Law Midterm. I got soooo lost around that campus . . . lets just say its no Olivet Naz!! After I picked Adam up, we went to his apartment and hung out with Amy for a while. We ordered pizza and just relaxed!! It was such a fun night just hanging out! About midnight, I drove back home and went to sleep!
Tuesday:
I woke up and did more homework. Then, I packed and got ready to head out. Mom came home from school early and we talked for a while. We left about 5:30 and got to school about 9 (IL time) and settled back in here. I miss being at home and with everyone! Cant wait until the next time :-)

Michigan, On A Whim

2008-10-06T21:38:00.005-05:00

This weekend, spur of the moment, my roommate Marisa and I decided to come home! We had been trying to make plans all week about going to MI, but they kept falling through. Marisa plays softball here at Olivet and when she got out of practice at 6pm, she came home and we went to McDonalds for dinner. There, we decided to go back to our apartment, shower and get on the road for our 5 hour trip to MI! We got on the road about 7pm and got to East Lansing to pick up Adam about midnight! From there, we drove to my house and met Eric and hung out for the weekend! We had such a blast hanging out, relaxing, not sleeping, watching movies, etc! Honestly, this is what college is about!! :-)

While we were home, my dad and I took my little red Sunfire up to Bedell's Car Lot to sell it. It was sort of sad dropping it off, but when I was driving the old gilappy[sp?], it reminded me how much I LOVE my new car!!

Chicago

2008-09-02T11:29:00.002-05:00

This past weekend, Mom and Dad came down to Bourbonnais to see my new apartment and see me! They were both working the day I moved in, so I just loaded my car and drove myself down here! They wanted to get a picture of where I was living, so since they had a long weekend, they came down! It was so nice to see them and we enjoyed our time together so much. Friday night they arrived and we got a pizza and ate that while hanging out in their hotel room. Then, we went and sat in the hot tub and gave my dad a lesson or two on correct strokes! Saturday morning, we woke up and headed to Monee to catch the train into Chicago. We went to the city for the day and just shopped and looked around. We were pooped, but kept missing the train!! Sunday, Dad went to the National Speed Boat competition while Mom and I ran errands and got groceries. It was so nice having them in town. I will sure miss them this semester!

Teacher Bag

2008-08-27T18:04:00.002-05:00

Isn't this cute?! While I was in Kansas, my water spilled ALL over the inside of my bag. I was so sad and although it wasn't ruined, I was determined to get this bag I have always wanted!! I feel as though I am now "official"!!

Old Oak 619 #2

2008-08-27T12:18:00.003-05:00

This is our study! We have all four desks in one room as well as all four of our dressers. Andrea and Brittany have their closets in this room. It is where we will all spend most of our time!!

This is our bedroom. We have all four beds bunked, 2 and 2. I am on the top bunk on the right side. Marisa has her closet in this room! I have a feeling we wont be in there too long!

This is our family room, kitchen, and dining room. We have a nice sized kitchen/dining room this year which will be nice for those who cook! Our family room is HUGE!! We have a great big tv with a great big wrap around couch! It is a lovely place to go and relax!

This is our bathroom. It is at least twice the size of last years!! The shower head is REALLY low though, its for little people!!

Finally, this is our pantry. It is right when you walk in the door to our apartment. It is a HUGE walk in closet... also the closet for my clothes!! (Its the benefit of moving in last!!) Its okay, I could live out of my car for 3 months if i had to!

It looks as if it is going to be a fun year! All my roommates are very nice and seem pretty easy going!! It should be a great last semester here at Olivet (even with my 27 credit hours!!)

Carry On Bag

2008-08-18T11:37:00.002-05:00

I had 10 boxes of 10 markers (yes, that is 100 markers), 10 packs of 6 erasers (yep, 60 erasers), and 2 8-pocket nylon card storer (?)... When I was going through security, they scanned my bag 6 times thinking "Why in the world does this kid have 100 markers?!" Yes, my bag was VERY heavy!! :-) What I do for my mom!!

Dawson's Dynamos

2008-08-18T11:32:00.003-05:00

{Left to right, top to bottom}

{{Jimmy, Sydney, Chance, Nina, Sam, Sarah, Savannah, Sean, Mitch, Megan, Mallory, Jocilyn, Jensen, Jennifer, Emma, Derke, Caitlyn, Brian, Ben, and Antonio}}

This is my class I will be student teaching with!! Aren't they adorable!? I am SO excited :-)

Teacher and Class

2008-08-18T11:22:00.004-05:00

This is my host teacher, Mrs. Dawson! I am so excited to work with her! She has been teaching for 31 years and has lots of great ideas! She is very fun and does lots of interactive activities with the students. I cant wait to learn from her!

This is my class! I will be working with these 21 adorable students for 16 weeks starting in January! I am so excited to get to know these kids and help prepare them for 6th grade!!

Ms. Dawson's Classroom

2008-08-18T11:15:00.004-05:00

This is the classroom I will be spending many hours come January! Over this past week, I have already spend many hours helping set up this wonderful classroom! So excited!! :-)

Christa McAuliffe Elementary School

2008-08-18T11:04:00.001-05:00

Christa McAuliffe Elementary School is where I will be doing my Student Teaching starting in January! It is such a beautiful school. It is about 20 years old, but you would NEVER know! They have a 'pod' set up to accommodate all the teachers with a supply room in the middle. They have ALL of the technology you could imagine in every single classroom!! Outside, they have 4 different playground sets along with huge fields for kickball, soccer, baseball, etc. The kids love it! On the perimeter of one side, they have gardens that the students take care of. They have the Principals garden (grow his favorite things), pizza garden (grow pizza toppings), etc. It is such a great way to teach children responsibility, plant life, etc!

Their theme is "Reach for the Stars" because of the Astronaut, Christa McAuliffe

Kansas

2008-08-18T11:03:00.001-05:00

To whoever thinks that Kansas is flat with corn fields everywhere... 4 different roads in Kansas that are CLEARLY not flat with corn!! :-)

Maggie

2008-08-18T11:00:00.004-05:00

This is little Maggie Moo, Aunt Kay and Uncle Deans dog. She is so sweet!! It is so fun to be around a dog again! I forgot how much life they bring to a house! Maggie gets so hyper and just laps the house, until you get in her way!! Also, Maggie hates to have her paws touched, so I would grab them and just hold on and she would go nuts!! She would try to bite me and when I didn't let go, she bit herself!! She is funny!

Crate and Barrel

2008-08-18T10:56:00.003-05:00

Aunt Kay works at Crate and Barrel in Kansas and works with the design team. She got to do two displays which turned out BEAUTIFUL!! She is so talented!! She even wrote the sign above the little round table display! We will have tons of fun come December!!

Peach Pie

2008-08-18T10:32:00.001-05:00

Mom and I had an idea to make a Peach custard pie . . . this is how it turned out! You'll just have to trust me when I say it tasted WAY better than it looked! While we were eating pie, Dad decided to make some coffee. Lets just say that didn't turn out well either! The platter in front of the coffee stuff didn't survive the move. Mom was very sad! She just looked at it . . . After the grieving session was over, we went to Tropical Smoothie Cafe for a wonderful summer treat! That made her feel better! While I was in Kansas, Aunt Kay and I looked high and low for a replacement platter . . . no such luck!

Mamma Mia

2008-08-04T01:10:00.004-05:00

For my moms birthday, I got her tickets to our favorite Broadway show. . . Mamma Mia! Gay got Aunt Kathy tickets for Mothers Day and we got Mrs. Rockwell to join us! Mamma Mia came to Grand Rapids during the week, so we decided to go Saturday, Aug 2. It was SUCH a great time! Mrs. Rockwell, mom and I met Aunt Kathy and Gay in Lansing at the outdoor mall and ate a wonderful lunch at Bravo! It was delicious!! We then continued our drive to Grand Rapids just in time to get in our seats take a few pictures then enjoy the play. It was such a FANTASTIC cast! It was the best production of Mamma Mia I have seen... and trust me, I have seen it enough to know!! After the play came to an end ( :-( ) we all went to the bathroom and took pictures. We were about the last people in the theatre when Mrs. Rockwell said, "Thats Pepper" (a character in the play)! We were SO excited and made Mrs. Rockwell go ask him. . . when he said it was him, she asked him to come talk to us! He was such a nice guy . . .so normal and kind! I felt like I was meeting a superstar!! The same cast is going to Chicago in September, so we are planning on going again!! After the play, we went to an authentic Mexican place for dinner and then headed home for the night, of course jamming to the soundtrack (which is about wore out!!)

Happy Birthday, Mom!!

Cedar Point

2008-08-04T01:04:00.004-05:00

Finally arriving to Cedar Point!! Adam and I left my house at 8am to arrive at Cedar Point by 11! We were both so excited to ride all the rides and enjoy the beautiful day in Sandusky, Ohio.

Adam, our tickets, our food ( :-) ), and us getting ready to head out!

#1- Magnum

We decided to start our day with something small, but thrilling. . . lots of fun and got us warmed up!

#2- Top Thrill Dragster

Adam and I were in line for a while and started to get nervous (even though I had already been on it 4 times) but it was GREAT!! 17 seconds total. . . 0-120 mph in under 3 seconds and goes straight up and down 1/2 mile into the sky!

#3- Mean Streak

Very jerky, but no line!!

Cedar Point

2008-08-04T00:58:00.004-05:00

#4- Gemeni

Fun ride, real short line! Our blue car won the race, too!

#5- Millenium Force

Awesome ride! Just a great ride all in all

#6- Power Tower

Short line and just a time filler really!

#7- Raptor

Sweet ride . . . lots of fun kicking the sky!

#8- MaXair

Good lesson of faith. . . looking directly at the ground while very high in the air, held in by a strap!

Cedar Point

2008-08-04T00:49:00.003-05:00

#9 - Wicked Twister

Fun ride. . . short line!!

#10- Disaster Transport

Inside ride ~ wanted a break from the sun!

#11- Maverick

Brand new ride, long line but AWESOME

#12- Top Thrill Dragster

Had to do it again!

#13- Millenium Force

So fun at night, but when we got done, all the workers were laughing at us because we had gnats ALL over us. . . up our arms, hair, eyebrows, shirt, etc!!

What a F-A-N-T-A-S-T-I-C day!! So much fun :-)

Fun Summer Friday

2008-07-25T20:50:00.004-05:00

I was chatting online with my cousin Gay early this evening and just talking about what was going on and catching up. No later than 10 minutes into our conversation, we had set up to meet tonight and have dinner and whatnot!

Gay and Aunt Kathy (my bad!) came up from Detroit to meet mom, Mrs. Rockwell, and myself at Bar Louie!! We absolutely love that place... frequent goers! We knew all of the waiters and just laughed the entire night! We sat outside and ate appetizers for about 2 hours! We had such a fun time . . . but didn't want the night to end, so...

We went to the Banana Boat (the ice cream place)! They serve ridiculously huge servings of ice cream... like a junior (which we all got) is 3 monstrous scoops of ice cream! None of us finished ours because we had just eaten so much at Bar Louie, but enjoyed each others company.

I love last minute plans... almost as much as I love summer fun!! :-)

Fireflies

2008-07-21T12:37:00.007-05:00

Last night, Adam, mom, dad and I went to get ice cream at the Banana Boat. When we got home, mom wanted to have a fire, so dad got it all started up. We somehow got to talking about fireflies when I had mentioned that I had never caught one! Adam and I ran inside to get a Mason jar and out we went running and catching fireflies!! It was SO fun!! The first one I caught, well attempted to, I squished in the lid when I was closing the top!! Oops!! The second one, I successfully got in the container, but when I lifted the lid to give him some air, I squashed that one between the lid too!! At this point I was starting to lose faith in my firefly catching abilities!! So Adam, being the professional that he is, took the jar and caught me a firefly (and was successful all the way around!) After I had one living firefly, I was content! We sat around the fire for a while then called it a night!! Firefly catching isnt as easy as its cracked up to be!!

Golf

2008-07-21T12:37:00.006-05:00

For Fathers Day last year . . . and this year, I gave my golfing father a 'coupon' that said I would go golfing with him! He was so excited last year when he got it, but I never went with him - - - so I thought I would give it a try this year, telling him it expired in 364 days, so last years was exempt! So I thought I woulud actually give him his gift this year. . .

This morning

Me - "Whatcha doing today Dad?"

Dad- "Oh, I dont know, what are you doing?"

Me- "Going golfing with you?!"

Dad- {lights up} "REALLY?! I have to run a few errands, I will be right back. . . DONT CHANGE YOUR MIND!"

A few hours later, there we are. . . out on the golf course with my new clubs from Aunt Kathy!

I hope he enjoyed it!! :-)

Car

2008-07-21T12:36:00.008-05:00

Remember when I ran into a wire last October?? Well, you cant tell anymore!! My amazing Uncle Dean came into town for the Estate Sale and when he had a free minute, he fixed my car!! He did an AMAZING job!! You cant even tell there was a HUGE dent there!! He also fixed my passenger side lock because it wouldn't work with the clicker or the button . . . it had to be personally locked or unlocked! When he was finished, he called me outside (and at this point, I didn't even know he was working on my car) so I go out and there is my car. . . perfect!! The first thing I said was, "Thats impressive!!" I was - - - still am, so excited!!

Estate Sale

2008-07-21T12:36:00.006-05:00

G-Dog sold his house this summer when he was home and we had the huge job of cleaning it and selling everything in the house!! We worked like dogs getting ready for the garage sale which was the last weekend in June. We just got rid of junk at that sale. . . but after that was over, it was time to switch gears and get ready for the big Ken Daly Estate Sale! Aunt Kay and Uncle Dean came in to help with the sale which was a huge help and the Schluslers really helped by doing a little of everything! It was 3 days long and we put about 15 days into setting up, pricing, staging, etc! The sale was a success and was worth it to help out G-Dog! He already went back to AZ which made us all sad, but he is enjoying the HOT weather! We miss him already!

College Friends

2008-07-21T12:35:00.007-05:00

A few weeks ago, my friend Jennifer came to visit me from Chicago. I was so excited to see her since it had been about 2 months since we left school! She came up on a Wednesday night and stayed until Sunday afternoon! We had so much fun being crazy together! Thursday, we just hung out, relaxed a bit and had a fire with smores at night (see pictures above). Friday, we woke up and drove to Fenton to the lake. We stopped by Quiznos to get lunch and then off to lay in the sun!! Saturday, we went shopping and just hung out around good ole Flint Town!! Sunday, we woke up and went to church and then Jennifer had to leave and get back home for the Cubs game!! It was so nice to see her and hang out with her all weekend!! :-)

No Blogs

2008-07-21T12:35:00.005-05:00

Shortly after I got home from school, my wireless stopped connecting on my computer . . . hence the lack of blogs this summer!! I just let it sit for a while hoping my brother could fix it when he was home, but he didn't come home! I called Linksys about 2 weeks ago to have them fix it but after an hour on the phone with them, they told me to call Dell. I get on the phone and call Dell and speak with a very nice lady and she gives it her best shot for over 2 hours!!! She can't figure out the problem . . . so she transfers me! I am on the phone with another nice guy for over an hour when he finally finds the problem!! Phew, my internet works again!! I shut my computer off at night and in the morning when I went to turn it back on. . . it doesn't work again!! I let it sit for another week because I didn't want to call and talk to Dell for another 3 hours, but today, I figured it was about time!! I was only on the phone for 10 minutes and the wonderful woman got it to work!! I shut my computer off and it STILL works!!! YAY!!!

Officially Summer

2008-06-30T01:13:00.002-05:00

It is officially summertime!! With 3 jobs, classes at Mott and online classes consuming most of my free time, I was happy to see the classes come to an end! Thursday was my last day EVER at MCC which couldn't have made me any happier!! I rushed through my final in Statistics to get off that campus as soon as possible!! I may have set the record!! It is a good feeling being done with all those classes and now, time to enjoy summer!! Family is here this week, so it is a good start to a great summer!! :-)

August :-)

2008-06-18T13:41:00.002-05:00

Today I got my airplane ticket for August to go to . . .

Kansas City!! I am going out there for a week to meet my supervisor teacher for student teaching, work in the classroom and be there the first few days of school!

I will be doing my student teaching December - May at Christa McAuliffe School in a 5th grade classroom!! I am so excited to get started!! :-) It will be such a good experience. . . I hope!!

Around the house. . . we just dont talk about it yet. . . it has not be exactly accepted by my mother as you could only imagine!!! 13 hours away :-O

TSC

2008-06-10T09:55:00.004-05:00

So this summer, I got a new little job. . . not at the club (FSRC)!! I am working at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Flint and I have so much fun working there! I go to school in the morning and work in the afternoon. . . its great!! I first learned how to make their delicious smoothies and now I am learning food! I love working there because at the end of my shift, I make myself a DELIGHTFUL smoothie (50% off) and go home and share it with the fam - - - they love it too! It is more fun now that I am getting to know the employees and becoming more comfortable with the way to do things around there! Stop in and see me sometime!! :-)

Home Sweet Home

2008-05-03T09:17:00.003-05:00

I am home for the summer!! It is nice, although I spent the ENTIRE, I mean ENTIRE day unpacking my car. I should have taken a picture, but I wanted to get it unpacked as soon as possible!! I had to reorganize my closet, clean my new room, get everything to where it belongs and organize all that stuff! What a day!! It looks so pretty though! :-) I love my new room and bathroom (except I cant put anything on the counters!!) Very simplistic and cute!!:-D

Happy Summer!!! Rest and Relax a little!!! Although I will not be doing much of that because I start work on Monday and classes on Wednesday!!!! Oh well!!

Last Park Adventure

2008-04-30T16:07:00.002-05:00

Jen and I have had some pretty fun times this year. . . a lot of them being at the park! In the fall, we would go to the park every single night and get ice cream on the way. We really missed these events during our L-O-N-G winter, so today, our last day, we decided to make a last trip to the park. What fun we had!! It was so sunny, but windy (the North Face)!

Jen took this picture and I had no idea she was taking it and she had no idea what she was taking it of because of the sun! We thought it was a pretty cool picture though!! It kind of looks like I am flying!!!

Same with this one!! Pretty blue sky!! :-) Love summertime!

I love this picture!! Jen and I were going down the slides and she apparently got down before me and was making sure I got down alright! Such fun times!!

We are goofy and always have a good time!!

Carsten and Anna

2008-04-27T20:57:00.004-05:00

Carsten (7) and Anna (5) are two sweet little children that I have babysat all year. They are such fun kids, filled with energy and ideas! They get along so well and always (well, most of the time) have fun together!! Last night was the last time I will babysit them until next year which is kind of sad!! Anna found my camera in my coat pocket and decided it would be fun to take pictures . . . then Carsten heard the fun and he decided to as well!! I now have many pictures of their cat, the fridge, the family room, etc from him!

Carsten wanted to take this picture of Anna and Anna wanted me in the picture . . . so, here it is!! Centered and all!!!

Carsten was laying on the couch watching a movie that we recorded because he wasn't feeling up to par. He left school early on Friday because he got sick and so we took it easy and just hung out!

Anna and I were upstairs picking out a book to read when she said, "Julia, I really, really like your hair. {long pause} Can you do mine like yours please?" So I did!! Her hair is so fine and soft, it was rather hard, but I made it look as best as I could!! Good thing I am not going to school to be a hair dresser ;-)

And then . . . while Carsten was finishing his "scary" movie, Anna wanted me to paint her fingernails to look like mine!! The movie was not scary at all, but Anna wanted to play instead, so she kept saying she was toooooo scared!!! Funny!!

I will miss them over the summer, but have had such a good time babysitting them all year!!

Cupcake Disaster

2008-04-24T16:37:00.003-05:00

Here is the finished cupcakes of my night of disasters! Today was my last day ( :-( ) in my class and so I thought it would be a nice touch to bring in a little treat for my students. In my mind, cupcakes are easy and can be made cute, so that is what I decide to do. In my practicum class, there are 25 students plus the teacher, so I needed 26 cupcakes. I bought one box of Funfetti cake mix and frosting and go to make these things. Well, I need another box now because the serving size is only 24 . . . back to Kroger I go! I get another box and start making the cupcakes at Jens apt because our ovens stink here! I get over there and start to make the cupcakes fairly large because I have enough for 48! Well, the first 12 are a bust and are black on top and VERY undercooked in the middle ... I threw them right in the trash!! So, the next 12 are looking good!! Phew!! The next 8 were looking great {poet and didnt even know it!} until I got to fill #9-12... they were about 1/2 the size of the other ones!! Now I have 20 good ones and 4 small ones... STILL 2 SHORT with no more batter!! I am soooo irritated at this point that I about throw them ALL away and go buy a bag of oreos!! I go to observe the stars for one of my classes and then force myself BACK to Kroger to get, yet another, box of Funfetti cake mix! It is now 10pm and thank the LORD, they worked out!! I now went from 6 short to 26 good ones and 19 extras!! Jen and I frost them and then decorate them with Kissables to give them a little extra touch! They didnt turn out as cute as I had hoped, but at 1am . . . they were looking GREAT!! Anyways . . . I took them in today and the kids LOVED them!! It was so funny to see the different manners the kids had!! 2 kids did a dance for me and sang. . . some hugged me . . . most yelled Thank You . . . but they all are SO CUTE!

I will miss them - - - but. . . I must admit that I am going back tomorrow!! They have been working on a Social Studies drama for a while and they are presenting it many times tomorrow and they asked me to come, so of course I am!!

Order in the Court

2008-04-24T16:22:00.004-05:00

In my practicum classroom, the class was reading Summer of the Monkeys and it said, "Monkeys are as smart as people." Well my class just didnt know how they felt about that. . . so, I had them do a court room and had students debate if monkeys were as smart as people! It was so fun! The kids loved it!! Luke {picture 1} was the judge in our courtroom and did an EXCELLENT job!! I had written out the order for the court and he did so well!! I brought in a gavel and robe for him and he was into his role!

Here is the class getting ready to start the debate. We went to the team center and got it all set up and the jury, judge, pro side, con side and gallery all ready to roar! The kids were so excited about this experience!

This is Jaide giving her first piece of support for why monkeys are as smart as people. They came all prepared with questions, support, research, etc and did so well presenting their information.

In case you were wondering. . . according to Mrs. McBarnes 5th grade classroom - - - Monkeys are NOT as smart as people (Con side won)!!

Kappa Delta Pi

2008-04-22T16:23:00.004-05:00

{Kappa Delta Pi inductees - - - I am on the bottom left}

On Wednesday, April 16, the Education Department had inductions into the Nu Beta Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi. Kappa Delta Pi is the educational honor society that stands for "to teach" that our words inspire a will to learn , "to serve" that each day may enhance the growth of exploring minds, and "to live" that we may guide young and old to know the truth and love the right way. Kappa Delta Pi is dedicated to:

1. Scholarship and excellence in education

2. Worthy educational ideals and practices

3. Continuous professional growth and leadership of its diverse membership

4. Inquiry and reflection on significant educational issues

5. A high degree of professional fellowship

College

2008-04-21T16:57:00.009-05:00

So, on Saturday night- - - my friend Jen and I were pretty bored!! There isnt a WHOLE lot happening on campus the last few weekends, so we were just going over to a friends apartment to watch movies and hang out. But, he got out of late work . . . so while we were waiting, we got all ready!! We did have a lot of fun though!!

And she got me all dressed up and ready to go . . . NO WHERE!! At least we know its possible!

Then we took some pretty crazy pictures!! Makes us look even cuter ;-)

And she needed her back cracked. . . I didnt want to, but she made me and then I wanted support from the umbrella. . . so really I look like a grandma!!

Oh the fun times we have!!! :-)

Practicum

2008-04-21T16:50:00.004-05:00

This semester, as you have seen, I was in a 5th grade classroom that I LOVED!! It was such a great experience for me that is going to be very applicable in my student teaching! I loved all the students and the teacher was great! The kids are old enough to be independent, but still need and like their teacher. They are a great age! I made these flower pens for my teacher as a 'Thank- You' for helping me and teaching me all semester. So fun, I am sad to see it end!!

I was supposed to do 24 hours and 3 lessons. . . I have done 55 hours and 5 lessons!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!

2008-04-18T23:10:00.001-05:00

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Happy Birthday Brother :-)

2008-04-10T21:59:00.001-05:00

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

2008-04-10T21:38:00.001-05:00

Make a photobook - it's easy!

Happy Birthday Mom!!

2008-03-29T13:23:00.002-05:00

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

20 Years of Life

2008-03-25T23:06:00.003-05:00

Early this morning, a few years back, I had my first birthday! Here I am today . . . twenty years later! Today, was a good day, transitioning from teenage years to ... twenties! How fun!? I must say that the past 20 years have been so much fun . . . living, loving, laughing, and best of all - - - learning! Today was a fun day celebrating with my roommates and friends. Andrea, my roommate, works at Dairy Queen and brought me home a cookie dough blizzard that was absolutely delicious! We put a candle in it to give the birthday spirit!! Jennifer made me a double layer chocolate cake with chocolate frosting that was out of this world! She also got me August Rush (one of my favs) and my favorite, Wal-Mart popcorn! Caitie and Sarah (with Andrea there in spirit) decorated with lovely pink (what other color?!) streamers and made me a chocolate heart cake with chocolate frosting! That cake was very good as well!! My roommates got me a My Little Pony kite, bubbles, and a light up crown that was so fun!! I cant wait to go outside tomorrow. . . yes, it will be 60 degrees here in the Windy City. . . .great kite flying weather!! It was such a fun day hanging out and becoming a year older! I hope you all enjoyed the day as much as I did!!

Kansas City

2008-03-03T20:32:00.003-06:00

Watch out Johnson County, Kansas . . . here I come {and I am kind of a big deal!} Next spring, so December 2008, I will move out to Kansas and prepare to start my student teaching at Christa McAuliffe Elementary School in the Shawnee Mission School District. I have been working through this process since Thanksgiving and today, FINALLY I got the email giving me permission to student teach in Kansas!!! I am so VERY excited! I can't believe I was granted permission, and I am so thrilled that I was! I am looking SO forward to this great experience and adventure!!

My 5th Grade Class

2008-02-18T10:21:00.002-06:00

This is my 5th grade class I am doing my field placement in this semester! They are SO cute!! They are all making sad faces because I have to do a writing book with them and they are writing about a Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day they have had {hence the sad faces}. I read them Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day and they are modeling the story to create their own . . . which I have to compile into a book . . . and turn in for my class!! I really like them . . . learning lots!

SuperBowl 42

2008-02-04T21:35:00.000-06:00

Today, for the SuperBowl 42, I went up to my friend Jens house for a little party! It was her brother Matt, his friend Matt, Jen, and myself. It was so fun! We had chips and snacks before the game then we had pizza during the game. It was fun to watch, mainly because we were all cheering for the same team... the winning team... the GIANTS! It was so fun just hanging out and watching the game! The whole time I was looking to see G-Dog doing his security job and I didnt see him, but at the end of the game, all the red jacket security guards had to go to the field and they showed them and he was down there!!!! It was a good time!! After the game, we got a GREAT idea to go....

SLEDDING!! It was sooooo fun!! Matt and I didnt have clothes, so we borrowed some from Jen and other Matt. I wore very thin running pants and a t-shirt and my north face. . . so cold but so very fun!! We had such a great time going down the hill every different way we could think of!! After we were frozen solid... literally, we decided to head back. When we got back to Jens, we warmed up and then Matt and I headed back to Olivet. What a great night!!

And Again!

2008-01-28T17:09:00.000-06:00

Today, I was leaving my building headed for class. It was raining outside, but a lot warmer today, so off I went. Wouldn't you know it. . . I slip on the same sheet of ice that was there yesterday, only I don't fall this time (thank goodness) but I go ice skating across the sidewalk like a elephant on ice. I am trying so hard to stay up and not splatter all over the place again so my arms and legs are flailing and then, I hit dry cement! I succeeded! I laughed at myself ALL the way to class. . . guess I need to learn from my mistakes!!

Ice

2008-01-27T22:59:00.001-06:00

So today, Jen and I are walking out of my apartment heading to dinner. We walked outside on this sunny day we had, and I said, "Whoa, all the ice is melted!" Before I could finish that statement, I was laying flat on my back on the ICY cement! We figured I slipped on the first step and my head hit the edge of the step, then I fell flat on the bottom! We laughed real hard when it happened, but I feel like an old lady (no offense!) My neck hurts, my head hurts, my butt hurts, my tail bone hurts, my back hurts.... dang, my teeth even hurt!! BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!!!!

Bear

2008-01-22T17:47:00.000-06:00

It was such a blessing to be able to go home this past weekend. It was so nice to be home and relax and just enjoy my house, family, and Bear. Jonathan and Sarah came home Sunday night so it was very nice to see them too!! It really turned out to be such a blessing because it was the last time we would get a chance to see Bear Girl. The last night we were there, she wasnt feeling so well, but mom and dad were just going to take her to the vet to get some meds. Well, mom came home to take her to the vet tonight and they had her all wrapped up in blankets and she took her last breath on the way there. Mom and dad both cried and called Jonathan and me shortly after. I dont think any of us have stopped crying yet. Bear was such a good pet and taught our family so many valuable lessons! We will miss her greatly.

Power of Prayer

2008-01-13T22:51:00.000-06:00

So, classes started again this past week, so I drove back to ONU intending on listening to my IPOD. As soon as I got in my car, I got it all hooked up and ready to go! I was pretty excited about this . . . until the adapter wouldnt work. I was pretty bummed at this point, so I unplugged my ipod and threw it in the passengers seat. I had quite the trip back and so when I was unloading my car, we were running back and forth with my bags because we were in a torrential down pour! I got in my car to move it to a parking spot and Jen got in the passenger seat. Somehow, my ipod got removed from my car and placed onto the ground. Our campus was flooded and at this point, I didnt know my ipod was swimming in the puddles. A few days later, I went to get my ipod out of my car and realize it is not where I had left it. I looked EVERYWHERE for this little thing. My car, ALL my suitcases, bags, boxes, storage containers. . . everywhere 3 times each. I was pretty discouraged and realized that even if by the grace of God someone had found it out doors, it probably wouldnt work seeing as they are not water proof. I had pretty much given up hope. . . that is until I got an email today from the RA in the building next to mine saying one of her girls had found my ipod and given it to her!! I ran over there to get it, still expecting it not to work to its full potential. As I was walking back, I tried to turn it on, but it wasnt working. . . reality! I get to my room and place it on my IHome thinking MAYBE, just MAYBE it will work. Well, the power of prayer is great!! That little sucker turned right on and started playing my music!! What a blessing!! I am (as you can tell) SO thrilled to have my ipod back and working!!

Christmas 2007 - Part II

2008-01-06T14:39:00.001-06:00

These were a few of my favorite things over break! It was so relaxing. . . and long! I had a great time in Arizona. I got to spend a lot of time hanging out with G-Dog and getting into trouble with him! He was working the Cardinals - Rams game and my dad and i actually got tickets to go to that game, so we walked around til we found Grandpa working security and went through his gate!! He was so official and serious in his little uniform! Another fun thing i did was hang out with Mark. He makes me laugh! Also, i got to hold my little doggie, Bear. . . aka Stinker! It was a very nice break . . . part of me is ready to go back to good ole Olivet, while the other half wants to stay here and enjoy MORE break!!

Christmas 2007 - Part I

2008-01-06T14:31:00.001-06:00

Christmas has come and gone and 2008 is here! It was a great vacation with my family and friends! Santa KNEW i was good this year because he brought me lots of good things! These three weeks have been crazy. . . lots of hanging out, traveling, celebrating, etc. Dad had a nice flight while he slept before we took off. . . Mom, looking lovely in the airport and G-Dog coming to get me when we FINALLY got to warm, sunny, green AZ! Grandpa had to work one day for the Fiesta Bowl, so we got his picture as he was leaving. . . we are so very proud of him!! While he was gone, mom and i had lots of fun!! We took down all his Christmas decorations inside and out. We had to untangle the strands of lights from the Cacti and the roof. The roof part got a little challenging at times, but it all worked out!! He was pleasantly surprised when he got home after a long day at work!! What a great time we had relaxing in Arizona!! Miss that nice sunny weather!

Christmas

2007-12-25T14:21:00.000-06:00

This year, we flew out to Arizona to celebrate this holiday season with G-Dog (we even made him a Facebook!). We got here last night, Christmas Eve and are staying until January 4th. It will be so nice to be out of the snowy Michigan/Illinois weather!! It was sure different this morning already having opened our presents and not having snow, but warm, wonderful, pleasant sunshine!! It was such a great holiday season this year. . . early Christmas and all!! I hope you all have a fantastic holiday season!! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!

Eventful Weekend!

2007-12-17T20:35:00.001-06:00

What a wonderful time this weekend was! Not only did I get done with all my finals and got to see my brother, but he graduated from college!! It was such a lovely service! Long, but nice!! Mom and dad got to Kalamazoo Saturday and then we grabbed a quick lunch. After lunch, we made it to graduation where we got really good seats!! We sat right up close and Jonathan walked RIGHT by us!! After gradutation, Sarah's family and our family went out to eat at the Radison. After dinner, we went to the Jevnikar's (Sarah's house) to have cake and cheese cake. As we were all serving out dessert, Jonathan PROPOSED!!! I was sooooo excited, after all, I have waited 20 years for a sister!! It was so nice and so fun to be there and witness Sarah actually saying "yes"!! So proud of my brother!

Finally Done with Finals!

2007-12-14T21:13:00.000-06:00

Today I finished up my last exams!! I had Children's Lit exam this morning and then Calculus right after that. After Calc, I loaded my car up and out I went. I got to Jonathan' s apartment about 7 Michigan time and we have had fun. Right now, he is a little upset because I am not watching his movie with him, but updating this thing!! When I got here, we went out and took $30 of pop cans back and then went to Kohl's to see Gina. She went on break and we went to Taco Bell together. After Taco Bell, Jonathan took me on a nice tour of Kalamazoo, Western, Downtown, etc. It was really fun! Tomorrow should be even more exciting! CANT WAIT!!!

The Turkey Has Clothes!!

2007-12-13T17:33:00.001-06:00

If you dont remember, in my second grade class, one of my lessons was to have the students make feathers for the lovely big blue eyed, red heart lips, chunky turkey! Well, finally, the Turkey has clothes!! He was getting pretty cold out there in the hallway with nothing on. The students finished up their feathers and their acrostic poems I had them do and there they are. Hanging so proudly in the hallway outside of their classroom. If you cant see, some students really took time to color everything nice and neat, inside the lines . . . some others took lots of time to color very dark over all their precious words! Oh, second grade!!

Roommate Christmas

2007-12-10T23:48:00.000-06:00

Tonight, we had our roommate Christmas. We all got each other little gifts and put them under our Charlie Brown Tree. Sarah got I Tunes gift card and a Nerf gun. . . right up her alley! Andrea got Bath and Body Works stuff and Pepsi, her favorite! Caitie got a shirt, a tote and a coffee mug. I got Forrest Gump the movie, Lola goes to the Library, and we all got cookie mix in a jar! It was so wonderful!! We had such a good time enjoying each other and celebrating Christmas in our cute decorated apartment!! Hope you all are enjoying this wonderful, cold winter season!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Crunch Time

2007-12-10T10:36:00.000-06:00

This semester has FLOWN by. FFFFSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH. . . done! I cant believe it is already time to take finals again! Last time I looked at the calendar, it was Novmeber 2, now its already December 10! Finals here at ONU start Friday and continue to Monday and Tuesday. I get to take all six of mine Thursday and Friday. I am taking them early so I am able to go to Jonathan's graduation! I am so happy for him! Until Friday, after my last exam, it will be crunch time. I will be busy studying my butt off!! Sounds fun, right!? Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers!

Roommate Bonding

2007-12-06T15:09:00.000-06:00

{top left to right: Andrea, Caitie, me, Sarah/ us with our stockings/ Andrea, Sarah, and I decorating our stockings.
middle row- left to right: working so hard/ put the camera on a timer and ran into position/
I am so focused on getting it just so.
bottom row- left to right: working hard again}

Last night, we decided to have roommate bonding time! We have our apartment all decorated for Christmas with lights, Christmas tree (1 foot), stockings, etc. We had such a good time as well all decorated our stockings and made them fit our personality. It was humorous because two of us had Type A stockings and two of us had Type B stockings. It is funny because the two type a had stockings were going to the left and the two type b were going to the right. It was just funny to see the differences in everyones stocking!! We played Christmas carols and had hot chocolate while we focused on our stockings! After we let them dry overnight, we hung them with care on our pretend mantle!!

Winter Time

2007-12-05T21:20:00.001-06:00

Bur. . . its getting cold outside! Tonight, its a bitter 15 degrees outside! Last night it snowed all through the night and was still snowing this morning when I woke up. It was a cold walk to class at 8am! It has been nice that the snow and cold weather has waited so long, but now i just cant get used to it!! I go outside thinking that it will be like November weather and I freeze my bottom end off!! I hope you all stay warm and bundle up when you go outside!!! Enjoy the beautiful white season!

Turkey Day in Flint Town

2007-11-25T19:34:00.000-06:00

My favorite thing about being home for Thanksgiving Break was being home with the family and most of all, my doggie, Bear. I love that dog. She is so stinking cute, but so stinking stinky! My mom and I made cute little Turkey candies and lots of food for Thanksgiving dinner. Since it was just the three of us, the Rockwell's invited us over for delicious dinner. It was a lot of fun and very good food! We ate our little hearts out, then came home to watch a wonderful episode of Greys!!! Black Friday = shopping. We got up and left about 10:30 to go shopping. We were really in no rush to get anything REALLY cool, so we just went out and enjoyed our day. On Saturday we went out to get a heavenly Halo Burger and saw a marvelous movie, August Rush. After the movie, mom and I just hung out at the house and made yet another Thanksgiving Dinner. Grandpa Bill and Sharon came over and ate with us, then helped us decorate our Christmas Tree. It was such a fantastic and fun weekend, sad its coming to an end!

Disney Lights Parade

2007-11-18T11:03:00.001-06:00

Let me tell you... this is the LIFE!! How many times have you had the opportunity to jump in a car and 45 minutes later be downtown Chicago on the busiest day of the year!? Well, it is FUN! Last night was the Disney Lights Parade and Jen and I went and met her parents there. It was SO crowded, it was ridiculous {first row, all the way to the left}! There were people EVERYWHERE! It was so cute though, first we saw Mickey, and Minnie, and all of those characters. Then came American Girls{top row, 3rd photo over} and the HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL cast{2nd row, first photo} = amazing!!! After them, there was a few smaller vendors and then proceeded by fireworks, Santa was here {3rd row, second photo}!! After the parade there was BEAUTIFUL fireworks! Then, we drove to the North side of Chicago and ate dinner at a little Italian place. It was yummy! After a fun night in Chicago, Jen and I drove back to good 'ole Olivet! We watched Forrest Gump for a little bit then we were out! It was so fun, wish you all could have been here for it!

Miss Vargo

2007-11-16T16:41:00.001-06:00

So, here it is . . . This is my future, Miss Vargo (as my second graders call me)! This week I had to teach three lessons in my practicum class, or as I call it, Little School. I am in a second grade classroom in Kankakee (similar to Flint for you back in Michigan :-/) I have really enjoyed my time in this classroom, all 55 hours! I have really grown to like these little sprouts, they are so cute! This week, I taught a lesson on the first Thanksgiving, Analogies (Thanksgiving), and Acrostic Poems (Thanksgiving). The kids really seemed to enjoy the activities, so that was good! We made "Tom the Turkey"{top right} cookies, a lovely paper turkey{bottom right} and they wrote what they were thankful for on their feathers. Alexis {Bottom left} was thankful for me, her teacher!! Ah, gotta love em! It has really been a learning experience for me, good and bad! It will be nice to have a little more time to do my homework and play now. . . I was there til 5:30 or 6 each night!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! :)

Day Light Savings = Life Saver!!!

2007-11-03T23:19:00.000-05:00

Tonight, I was called to babysit for a few families while their parents got together and hung out. They were all college friends and back in town for Olivet's Homecoming. There were 8 kids... 3 of which were younger than two!!! There was a 6 month, 12 month, 2yr old, 3 yr old, 3 yr old, 6 yr old, and a 19 yr old!! WHOA!!!!! I know, right!! They just kept coming!!! Moses who was the 6 month was so cute but did not want to fall asleep! Finally, after many many minutes of crying, he did... after he spit up on me a few (4) times!! Hudson, the 12 month was a CHUNKER!! Carrying him around made me sweat!! It was a workout, but he was very good!! Ezra, the 2 yr old was a cute little Chinese and white mixed little boy. . . quiet but very cute!! Sam was 3 and is Mosses brother. . WILD. . . LOUD. . . cute as a button, but loud as a (insert something loud!) Kate and Clair were the other ones, so of course they were good! It was a lot of fun, but to say the least, I am EXHAUSTED!! Thank goodness for "Falling Back" tonight!

P.S. And, tonight, I felt OLD for the first time!! I asked Clair when her birthday was and she replied, "June 4, 2001" and then I said Kate, when is your birthday? She said, "January 26, 2004!!" Clair said when is your birthday? I said "March 25th" She said 2000 and what? I said, "1988" HER FACE DROPPED and her poor jaw hit the ground!! I thought, whoa, I am getting old!!!

Rent- A- Mom

2007-11-02T00:29:00.001-05:00

{Top Center- Clair 6 yrs old, Bottom Left- Kate 3 yrs old}

So today I saw my future flash before my eyes. Let me explain! I had two children's car seats in my backseat, an embroidered gymnastics bag in my backseat, my teachers bag in my backseat, and to top it off, I had Parent Teacher Conferences this morning {Top Left picture}! I know, right!? I thought, this is what I have to look forward to!!!

Anyways, so, for those of you who remember my babysitter Amanda Asher - Mountain, well they just moved to Bourbonnais because Mark works for the President of Olivet. Well, they called for me to babysit their children, Kate and Clair. I was so excited, I jumped to the opportunity! I picked Kate and Clair up from Day Care at 4:15 and took them directly to their first day of Gymnastics. {See Blog below :-( } I watched them flip, twirl, twist, tumble, and just jump around. They were SO cute out there doing their thing and they were so excited to start!!! After gymnastics, we went to their house and made Mac and Cheese for dinner (yes, that is the only thing I can make!) After dinner, we played and played and played. We got ready for bed and read stories until their mom and dad got home. Clair read Kate and I two stories and then I read a few stories to them. Kate was so cute, she sucks her finger. . . not thumb and plays with my pinky finger trying SO hard to stay awake!! Amanda and Mark got home about 8:30 and back to my apartment I went to hang out with Jen, Tyler and Justina. It was a very fun night being a Rent-A-Mom!!

A WIRE!

2007-11-02T00:17:00.000-05:00

So, today, while I was being a Rent-A-Mom, I picked the girls up from Day Care and was taking them to their first day of Gymnastics! Exciting right?! Well, Clair knows her way around pretty well, so I was told to take her directions!! We pull into the parking lot of the gymnastics place and it is a bunch of warehouses kind of so it is just one HUGE parking lot to 10 different places. Clair said, "Turn here I think," so I turn. It was so sunny out, I didn't even see this wire. First of all, why would there be a wire in the middle of the parking lot... and second WHY WOULD THERE BE A WIRE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PARKING LOT?! I ran right into the wire that anchors the electrical wires into the ground. Totally killed my car! I felt like such a bad person... I have two precious children in my backseat that CLEARLY aren't mine and I have just caused a huge dent in my car. It was not bad at all (the "collision") that I don't even think the children noticed what had happened! Lucky, no one was hurt and in reality, it wasn't all that bad. . . it is just very disappointing!! 2 and 1/2 years with no accidents, dents, or anything. . . until I run into a wire of all things!

So, as soon as it happened, I had to get the girls into the place to change and get ready, but by instinct, I called my mom to tell her what happened. Totally my bad, I called her and said, "Mom, I just got a dent in my car. I ran into a wire, Its not THAT bad, but I have to go . . . I will call you back in a few. Its really not THAT bad and no one was hurt!" Then I hung up. For you mothers out there, I know you know how she reacted to that!!! NOT A GOOD IDEA!! I called her back as soon as I could and told her what happened. Surprisingly enough, Dad took the news better than she did, but they both told me it was okay and it is really not a huge deal!
I am still not so sure of that but apparently they are. . . or they just told me that which works for me!!

I keep thinking about it and saying SHOOT to myself. . . . over and over... dangit!

Bonfire

2007-10-29T21:37:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday, I was invited to go to a friends bonfire at her house (she is a commuter). A few other Education majors were invited. . . you know we must stick together. . . so we all carpooled out to Momence (about 30 minutes) and enjoyed ourselves for a few hours at this wonderful bonfire. It was SO cold outside, but the front of our bodies were toasty warm . . . . but I touched the back of my head and it was as though I was touching the ice tray in my freezer!! It was such a good time, very relaxing! We had great food and a lot of it too!! We had taco salad, nachos, caramel apples, pumpkin bars, cupcakes, cookies, peeps, the whole nine yards! It was such a good time getting off campus and just hanging out with great girls!!

CHI - TOWN

2007-10-21T20:16:00.000-05:00

What a great time I had on Saturday. Jonathan and Sarah came down from Kalamazoo early in the morning to spend the day with me. They got here about 9:30 and we hung out and got to the train station to leave at 11. We had a nice, llllooonnnggg train ride into the city which dropped us off right downtown on the Magnificent Mile. As soon as we got there, we had Subway for lunch because we were all getting a little hungry! Then, off to the stores we went. We went in all the stores from Polo and Tiffanys to Gap and H& M. We had such a good time just hanging out and seeing the city! We got back on the train at 8:20 and arrived back at campus about 10:30. Jonathan and Sarah left to go back about 11- - - long drive home! They got home safe and sound about 1:20 am. Poor Jonathan had to work this morning, so he was ready to go to bed! All in all, it was a good day! The weather was perfect and we couldn't have asked for a better time. It was so nice of them to come down and see me!

Babysitting

2007-10-21T20:12:00.000-05:00

{This is Carsten (6 1/2) and Anna (4 1/2)}

On Friday evening, I went over to babysit Anna and Carsten. We had a great time playing in the bounce house, making pizza, coloring, reading, making caves, the whole 9 yards!! It was a good night of fun with these little kids! They are very well behaved and obedient, so it makes my job so much easier . . . and more fun!!

First Cooked Meal

2007-10-14T17:52:00.000-05:00

Today, I did homework ALL day. I was not really hungry for dinner, so I decided to save a meal plan and cook... yeah, you heard me, COOK! Well, this was a dangerous thought, so I decided to take it easy my first time and made a box of mac and cheese. It was a delightful box indeed, and for dessert, you guessed it. . . some of Aunt Kay's wonderful Halloween box! Yum, Yum, Yum!

Happy Halloween

2007-10-12T18:01:00.000-05:00

Today, my friend Tyler and I went to the red room to play some games. . . the thrill of campus! I decided I would go check my mail to see if I was lucky enough to have something and i saw a little pink package note. I was bummed because the mail room closes at 4:30 and it was already 5:00. . . but, as I turned around, the security man was just leaving the post office, so what did I do? Duh, I put on a cute little smile and said, "Is there any way you can give me my package please?!" By the grace of God, he said yes! He went in the mail room and found my HUGE package. Immediately I read who it was from and saw Aunt Kay's name! I was SO SO SO excited!! I ran back to my room to open it and found all sorts of goodies. There was toilet paper, truffles, take 5, betty crocker cakes, Halloween sock, tissue, stretch gloves (black and pink), tea, swiss cake rolls, nutter butters, popcorn, and many many more delicious items!! This is AWESOME!! You are the best Aunt Kay!!!!