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!

  

Snow Day!

Aaron and I woke up at 5:30 a.m this morning to find out that school had been cancelled due to the amount of snow.  Although I was sad to miss our Kindergarten Christmas concert tonight, it was a fun surprise knowing that we have not only today off but tomorrow as well.  This is a record breaking snowfall... we already have at least 2 feet of snow at our apartment.  After an hour of shoveling my car out of 2 feet of snow, Aaron and I challenged the snow and headed to Red Robin for lunch.  It is definitely going to be a white Christmas, but we are on our way through Ellensburg to Seattle tomorrow morning. :) Happy Snow Day!  (these pictures are taken with our new camera that we are so excited about... still getting use to using it!).

"We Wish You A Merry Christmas"

Last week I had the cutest Kindergarten comment.  After spending many days laughing about it, I decided I must share for all of you to get a laugh out of your day as well.  Anyways, while all of my kiddos were busy at work last week, I decided to play some of our Christmas songs over the CD player since we are preparing for a Christmas concert this coming Thursday.  With the music quietly playing, I overhead one of my little girls singing a different Christmas song than the one playing.  So, I walked by to hear what she was saying and I overheard the song "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".  It wasn't until she came across one of the verses and this is what I heard... "so bring us some frickin' pudding, so bring us some frickin' pudding". HA HA HA!!  While trying to hide my ridiculous laugh that was going on inside, I nicely said "Aysha, the words are so bring us some figgy pudding".  After trying to adjust her words in the song, minutes later it was "frickin' pudding" again.  What a great moment that I will remember every holiday season! :)