Autumn Treasures...

Autumn has officially arrived... it doesn't take more than a glance outside at the 'painted' trees and shrubs as well as the recently harvested crops and bare, stubble fields to notice that fall is upon us. Not only that, but the daily temperature highs and lows also give you a glimpse of the fleeting warmth of summer and the approaching cold of winter. I took advantage of the energy and lift-of-spirit this new season has instilled in me and began emptying my closets of clothes, knick-knacks, books etc and held my own yard-sale a few weeks ago. I was positive everything I put out on those tables was a treasure (who doesn't think everything they own is great?) just waiting to be plucked from the treasure chest by someone who shared my love of modern and eclectic, antique and refurbished. We were utterly surprised as the amount of items we sold and the profit we made - apparently, I've got great taste?! I was also granted an hour reprieve, from running the sale, from my understanding husband who knew I could not possible spend the entire day selling my own things and miss out on the hunt! In that time, I was able to find a one-of-a-kind little chair... a circa 1970's mustard yellow accent chair for a reasonable price. Which has found itself at home in a corner of my dining room...

And, now that I have decorated the house in the hues to match the changing colors of the season and have candles releasing the scent of pumpkin spice and apple pie, I feel that I am totally ready for all that autumn has in store for me/us... take a deep breath of that cool, refreshing harvest air and smile!

Back - 2 - School!

The last weekend of summer (for my district and many others) is upon us... We will be beginning in-services on Monday and school is back in session on Wednesday. As August was approaching, I will admit I was not excited in the least. That meant that summer as we knew it was over and pretty soon we'd be back in the grind. However, now that I've been in my classroom a few times to prepare for the students I feel a little better about things. There is something about going up to the school for a bit, the week before it all starts, that helps to settle my nerves and build my confidence. Yes, I'm ready... let's do this!

New addition to my classroom this year, Walter (he's SO ready for a new school year)!

And the Journey Begins...

Now that we've shared our exciting news, I'll give everyone an opportunity to follow along with us on our journey to bringing our little one into the world...

(14 Weeks & Feeling good!)

As Summer Fades Into Fall...

Call me strange, but I love the changing of the seasons. Autumn in particular is one of my favorite seasons... the smells, the colors of fall... nothing can beat it. Winter however, by far, is my favorite time of the year. My world is somehow more beautiful, clean and crisp when covered in brand new, sparkling white snow. Most people would beg to differ... they have a difficult time seeing the beauty of this time of the year for the shoveling, icy road conditions, and cabin fever outbreaks. But, if you take a moment, you may realize that we are about to embark on a gorgeous time of the year in North Dakota... sometimes you just have to look past the "difficult" to see the "beauty." :)

It's been a while since I have updated my blog. This is for no other reason than being simply too busy to log-in and put into words all the fun we've been having this summer! We've recently returned from two weekends worth of weddings. On August 4th, we celebrated the marriage of my little sister McKenzie to her  husband, Adam in Stanley ND. It was so special celebrating with the Jarmins as they enter this new chapter in their lives! On August 11th, we were in Austin MN celebrating the marriage of Stephen's younger brother, James to the new Mrs. Emily Elkins. The first half of August was full of traveling, but it was a nice opportunity for us to get away and spend time with family before my school year begins.

So, in closing, to all the students/teachers out there.. cheers to a new "year!" And for all others, enjoy the fleeting days of summer and the changes our lives will go through in the next month or so... I am hoping it's a joyful one for all :)

SuRpRiSe!

        Stephen and I are happy to announce that we are expecting our first child in February! We've begun the initial appointments, screenings and so far all is well. Right now, the due date is the 11th, which just so happens to be my grandpa's birthday! I LOVE winter (yes, I know... I've been told before something must be wrong with me) and I am very eager to receive our first-born during such a beautiful time of the year. This next 7-months/year will no doubt be busy and hectic, but ... with God's blessings and guidance... We are excited for this new journey we have found ourselves on!

Girls Weekend in MN...

I am eagerly anticipating a Girls Weekend with two of my favorite girls, Bettina and Lora, and our newest edition to the "club"... Zoe Grace! I can't wait to hang out with this little cutie...

Trip to the Canadian Rockies...

    Recently, my grandparents, parents and Stephen and I spent a few days touring the Canadian Rockies via the Rockie Mountaineer. We traveled from Vancouver BC to Calgary AB. It was an absolutely beautiful experience and it was wonderful to enjoy together. It was mine and Stephen's honeymoon and it was awesome to spend it with two very important couples in our lives. My grandparents will be celebrating their 61st anniversary this coming August (and my youngest sister and her future husband will be exchanging their vows in the same month) and my parents will be celebrating their 30th this coming September (along with Stephen and I's 1st anniversary). So, as you can see, it was a very special trip for all of us to take together. Our vacation had a bit of a "rockie" start... my grampa tripped on my front stoop in the dark and misty wee hours of the morning on our way to the airport and my grandmother misplaced her credit card, ID, etc (thankfully, not until after we made it through customs). But, after that all that it was a smooth ride!

I experienced a little bit of a "role reversal" as I bandaged my grampa's knee (notice the Mickey Mouse band-aid):

A few of my favorite views of the trip:

Here are a few more photos of our scenic journey for you to enjoy...

Canadian Rockies Trip - Album