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

Hidden Treasures...

  
   This old hutch was 'rescued' by the previous owners of our house. I brought it in from the backyard patio and, with a little TLC, we've restored it and it's one of my favorite items in my kitchen. The owl cookie jars are recycled gifts from my grandma. I have been in love with them since I was a little girl (I could probably tell you exactly where they were displayed in my grandparents home(s) in Sawyer and then in Minot) and, this past Christmas, my grandma gave them to me - I could not have been more delighted! The other items are mix-n-match pieces I've picked up from flea markets, rummage sales and the like. I like to think of the word "eclectic" as a compliment - Haha!

     This is plate is one of a whole set of dishes I purchased this past weekend and I love, love love them! The set is antique but, would fit right in in any neighborhood Pier! And, because I had more dishes than I could possible display (w/o looking like an episode of "Hoarders"), I tried painting a few with acrylic paint to add some color to my cabinets (below). I've got a few eggplant, sage, mustard, pumpkin... all of which look great against my Italian white dishes.

  

     Needless to say, I love finding new 'treasures' and getting a great deal... it was an awesome Saturday spent with my friend, Nicole! Who, I must mention, found a few awesome bargains herself. Can't wait to see it all displayed in her new home this summer!