"I Can Smell It"

This is Aaron and my last week before spring break, which means it's conference time!  This week will consist of late nights, lots of talking to parents, early morning lattes, half days, substitute teachers, and tired Drakes.  But, as my blog title says, Aaron officially said today "I can smell spring break".  It is almost time to celebrate... our first spring break as teachers! :) WHOO HOO!

Mom's birthday!

Aaron and I went to Ellensburg this past weekend to celebrate my mom's birthday.  I won't share her age, but I will say that she is a huge blessing in our lives.  We hadn't been to the 'burg for a while, so it felt very relaxing and enjoyable to be there.  My parents are such a blessing to be around, and we loved celebrating mom!  I look up to her in more ways than one, and I hope to come near to being as good of a  mom/wife/grandma as my mom has been. Thanks for being so great mom!

      The birthday girl looks younger than ever! :)

Dinner at Pasta Co.

I love you Grandma!

Yesterday, after a wonderful 92 years, my Grandma Bonnie went to heaven to be with Jesus.  Although there have been many tears and moments of sadness, I can also look back on all the ways she blessed my life.  First off, I was named after one of the most amazing ladies in the world... my grandma.  Many of our family traditions and memories have grandma being a part of them, but now I am at peace knowing that she is pain-free and in the life that we are all hoping to be a part of someday.  The biggest blessing was the fact that she was healthy and strong for Aaron and my wedding this summer.  I will never forget that day with grandma.  When I think of grandma, I think of her strong faith, her waving goodbye out her front door as we drove away from our visits, her candy counter, her wrinkly hands that I would always play with, her love for junk food, and many more.  I will miss you every day grandma, but I know that you are in a better place!

  It was such a blessing to have grandma at our wedding this summer!

Rocko Bama

Just another cute kindergarten story...

Today we had an assembly where some dancers/singers from Kenya came to our school.  While explaining the assembly to my kids, I showed them a map of where Africa and Kenya are.  In the midst of explaining I hear one of my little girls say "thats where Orock Obama is from", and minutes later another girl says "Its not Orock, its Rocko Bama".  These are the comments that keep me going throughout the day.  Oh the innocence of five year olds.

100% Man

My husband is 100% man.  He loves anything and everything that has to do with tools, technology, and "man" stuff.  He recently got a work bench from his dad for Christmas, and today he was finally able to use it.  We, or should I say Aaron, decided to re-finish some shelves that we have had around, and he was in his prime working in the garage.  We cannot wait to own our own house, one reason being so Aaron can have a garage full of tools where he can do projects.  I am blessed to have such a great man in my life who is such an inspiration and joy to be around each and every day. :)  Thanks for all your hard work, babe!

     My Handy Man

Blessed!

Today and every day I am blessed to be an aunt to two amazing boys.  This weekend I was blessed with a little extra nephew time.  Seth was in Ellensburg, so I took the weekend to be with him.  I spent hours laughing, running around the house, watching Elmo, loving up on Seth, playing Play-doh, and reading books.  The joy that I feel around Seth is indescribable.  I wish they lived closer, but I was able to cherish every minute with him.  Although he is a busy boy that is going 24/7, he still enjoys cuddling and giving hugs.  One of my favorites is the fact that he recognizes me and calls me "Bawie".  What a blessing he is in my life!

                                      Aunt "Bawie" loves Seth!

                                    Isn't he just precious?

                           

                                  "Jus", Pop, Seth, "Bawie", and Bop!

Our First Christmas Together!

Christmas break is coming to a close for us teachers (well, besides our cancelled "snow days" that are already taking place this week).  We had a wonderful Christmas break with family and friends, along with crazy travel adventures.  Our break started out with a cancelled flight out of Seattle due to stormy blizzard conditions, and after many hours of standing in lines and re-booking flights, our Christmas plans changed from Visalia to Ellensburg.  

We ended up spending Christmas with my family, which ended up being a wonderful time with my family and relatives.  Although we began to learn that it is hard adjusting to new "traditions" as a married couple, we both had a very Merry Christmas.  We were able to experience an authentic sleigh ride, lots of snow, wonderful family time, and yummy food.

After spending a week in Ellensburg we finally were able to fly out to California.  We spent about 4 days with Aaron's parents and had our own "Christmas celebration" a few days late.  We loved being in 50 degree sunny weather, and it was great being with his parents once again.

We returned to Ellensburg for a quick New Year's celebration before returning to our cozy apartment in Spokane.  Not only did we return to our cozy apartment, but we also returned to approx. 3 feet of snow, with more to come.  As we spent our first Christmas together as a married couple, we were reminded of the continual blessings that surround us, not only in the blessing of our Lord, but with our incredible families that love and support us.

                                         Our first Christmas together!

                                          Christmas in Ellensburg

                                              Aaron and his mom!