Here we go again...

Tomorrow marks the start of Block II at ASU. I'm nervous, but ready to get into the swing of things again.
It's been a GREAT month off, with a lot of time spent with family and my wonderful spouse. It's going to be hard to transition now to being gone for 2 full nights a week, but it's all part of the grand scheme of things. So Tues and Thurs I have class from 4:40 until 10:30pm! Insanity! At least I can rest easy knowing it's only for 4 months, and then I have the entire summer FREE!

Speaking of which, we need to plan something fun to do for Spring Break and during the summer. Any ideas? :)

Block I

With Block I finally coming to an end, I have to take some time to reflect on the changes I've experienced over the last 4 months.

I started out the semester with one emotion -- fear! I was scared of everything! Scared of attending a University, scared that I wouldn't "hack it", scared that I would not make any friends, and scared that I would receive sub-par grades.

Now that the semester is ending, I feel so relieved, and PROUD. I made it through my first semester at a University, most definitely with flying colors (straight A's are expected when final grades are posted this week), and made a lot of friends. I challenged myself, and came out on top. I never considered myself to be creative, but I put together lesson plans that impressed my peers and instructors. I didn't know that I had that in me!

Halfway through the semester I started to doubt whether or not I could be a successful teacher. This doubt came from this ridiculous fear I have of presenting in front of a crowd. I thought, if I get this nervous to do a 5 minute speech in front of my peers, how in the world am I going to teach a classroom of 28+ kids?! Thankfully I have an amazing husband who stood by my side and gave me encouragement to continue on this path.

I am sure that I will have other doubts as the next 3 semesters fly by, but knowing that I have this great support system gives me the courage to take on these hurdles. I will prove to everyone that I have what it takes to be one awesome teacher. I will prove to myself that I am good enough. I will continue on this path with one goal in mind: to better the lives of my future students.

Let's git er done :)

Oct and Nov 2009 FUN!

Now that the weather is cooling off a bit, we've been spending a lot more time outdoors. Thank goodness!! We took the kids to the park on Friday, and went to the Old West Days in Mesa yesterday. There were tons of booths and a gun fight that Kilian really enjoyed. Ella was a little freaked out by how loud it was.

Watching the gun fight.

Hanging out in and learning about an ambulance.

Sun shining in our eyes, but still needed the photo-op.


I took the kids on a date to go bowling last week when Kilian had a half day of school. We had a great time, and I enjoyed having bumpers in the gutters :) I have been taking Kilian on a date once a month, and this time he decided it would be nice to include Ella. It definitely was fun and something we'll have to do again soon.

There are all kinds of events going on in November, so I'll have to post some more pictures soon. I love this time of year!!!!

Bye Bye sister & Sam

~ Sleeping like an angel ~

Debbie and Sam left yesterday to return to the winter wonderland that is Alaska. We had the most amazing visit and I am soooo thankful that they were able to come out.

~ My Crazy Sister ~

It's incredible seeing my baby sister as a mommy. I must proudly admit that she is an amazing mommy! So patient, loving, and kind...and silly too!

Sam looks a lot like Kilian did as a baby, which made me feel so at ease with him. He is the most snuggly kid I have ever seen!

~ SAMSTER! ~

We'll have to plan a trip to Alaska either this upcoming Summer or the next one. I wish I could go once a month, but I'll take what I can get.

I love you Debbie & Sam. XOXO

Things to look forward to

It's so easy to get caught up in the present that it's hard to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. So here are things I am looking forward to, in order of "appearance":

• October


• Kilian's Fall Break


• Getting Midterms over with


• Debbie and Sam's visit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


• Halloween


• Fall (not really sure when it's gonna feel like fall, but hopefully before Thanksgiving!)


• Thanksgiving break


• Ella's 4th bday


• Finishing this semester


• Winter break


• The birth of my newest little neice


• Uncle Kevin finally getting out of the danger zone with his spinal injury


• Saying goodbye to 2009!

So that puts me about 3 full months ahead, which is a good point to leave off. Granted, there are lots of fun things that will come up in the meantime, but this is all that I know of right now.

What are you looking forward to?.....

Let's get it started

So I decided to create a new blog for a few different reasons:

1. Sometimes you just have to wipe the slate clean and start fresh
2. I want this blog to record our journey...just as I have started my journey to becoming a teacher

That's pretty much it. So here's to starting over! *cheers*