Winter Blizzard x2

We have had quite a bit of winter weather around here this season! It's extremely beautiful, and it is really awesome to be snowed in with the hubs... and under normal circumstances, I would be so excited about snow days, but I am so excited about teaching, that I can't wait to get back.

Anyhoodle, here are a few pictures of what we have been up to these past few days. We have yet to go out and play in the snow.. but tomorrow, I'm taking B out and we're hitting it! None of the snow in our front or backyard has melted yet, so I don't foresee lack of snow being a problem.

We had about 3/4" of ice, and about 8" of snow on top of that! It's a beautiful, white mess out there. :)

We've been doing a lot of napping.. :D

Our home in the snow!

Sweet B!

Me.. being a nerd. 

Me.. being a nerd with B!

Loves the hubs. 

Sweet girl.. 

Whilrwind!

Caroline was sweet to remind me that I have been neglecting the blogging world as of late! My dear friends *cricket cricket* it's good to be back!!

The reason for my absence the last two weeks is that I have FINALLY begun student teaching. I am currently at Shaw Elementary in Springdale, and I LOVE IT.

So, long story short... last semester (my last semester of classes at the UofA), I became exceedingly distressed because I wasn't sure I had made the right choice by becoming a music major and pursuing teaching as a career. I prayed and prayed, and basically just left it at the feet of God and continued trudging through classes and obligations. 

Well, God has again amazed me and answered all of my prayers. I feel so fulfilled. I know that I was meant to be a teacher after just one week of being in the classroom with Kaci. 

Kaci is my cooperating teacher at Shaw and she is incredible. I cannot even put into words how perfect of a place Shaw is for me. God knew exactly what I needed, and he provided in ways unimaginable.

Last week, Kaci let me teach here and there, and I was a nervous wreck at first, but as soon as you see how much fun the students are having, and you see them learning... the nerves melt away, and it. is. amazing.

There are so many things I want to learn, do, and work on in the classroom, and I have such a fabulous place to do that. I am still nervous out the wazoo about all of the responsibility that we have as teachers.. we're basically responsible for young minds! (eek) But, as long as the students are learning and enjoying it, I don't see how I cannot just absolutely love my job. 

The end! (for now) There are a few more new posts down there.. so don't neglect them! Leave me some love!

Reading List:

My New Years Resolution for 2010 is to keep a list of all books I read from January 1, 2010 and beyond. I read tons and tons of books in 2009, but did not keep track of them.

On my list, I will name the book title, author, and a few brief comments about the book. This will be a great tool when recommending books to friends, or when I want to refresh my memory of a certain book!

(*) = currently reading

April 2010:
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
I found this to be an easy read albeit it was very predictable. Gilbert has a very quirky way of writing- which I appreciated and "loled" at a few times, but in total I found myself somewhat unfulfilled at the end. It's similar to a good chick flick.. it isn't going to win "movie of the year" or anything. Actually, I bet the movie will be a wonderful and moving romantic comedy! I love me a good romantic comedy, too. It's like a palate cleanser! **1/2

May 2010
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
This book has easily become one of my 'go-to' favorites. I felt so connected to the characters... their wants, desires, embarrassments, thoughts. It was so touching and real. I haven't felt a connection to a book in this way since I read East of Eden by Steinbeck. It was simply marvelous. *****

June 2010
* Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

101 in 1001:

My friend Caroline had a really fabulous idea and I decided to take it on and make it my own! This will be a running list of 101 things that I want to accomplish in 1001 days. Some may be a little far fetched, but you know- that's how we roll. We like to dream!


*** EDIT*** (6-1-10) I am now starting to mark out the things we have either accomplished or I have successfully added to my daily routine.

101 in 1001
January 24, 2010 – September 22, 2012

{Health}
-Workout 3 times a week.
-Lose all the weight I have gained in the last year.
-Limit Kool-Aid intake to 1-2 glasses a week (I know.. cheesy!)
-Continue using E-Mealz point system and stick to points!
-Use the treadmill three times a week and go at least three miles each time (walk or run)
-Do yoga weekday mornings (it makes me feel great)
-Take my vitamins everyday!

{Marriage}
-Continue to eat dinner together at the table at least four times  a week. (best bonding time ever)
-Plan another Christmas in New York trip for 2011
-Have a 'date night' once a week.
-Try something new and exciting together once a month!
-Visit someplace exotic and fun!

{Local Fun}
-Use the bike trail in Fayetteville again this summer!
-Go to a local theatrical performance.
-Go to Razorback sporting events.
-Take a trip to Eureka Springs.
-Camping at Devil's Den.
-Visit Lake Ouachita. 
-Canoe more than once on the Buffalo River in the summers.

{Spiritual}
-Church home.
-Read my Bible daily.
-Get involved with a local small group.

{Family + Extended Family/Friends}
-Stay in touch more via: e-mail, letters, phone calls. 
-Have a 'friend' reunion.
-Help plan a 'family reunion.' 
-Send out birthday cards to my family. 
-Maybe "start" a family???? :D


{Food}
-Continue with the fabulous E-Mealz program! (try it, it may work for you!)
-Continue gradually switching to low calorie/low fat foods.
-Continue the habit of not purchasing unhealthy snack foods.
-Try to not purchase Kool-Aid eventually (sooo bad for us- Sugar!)
-More whole foods in our diet (e-mealz is great for this). 
-Drink more milk. 

{Going Green}
-Switch to all green cleaners.
-Always have canvas bags when going to get groceries.
-Switch out all lightbulbs to energy-saving fluorescents.
-Try to convert to a completely paper-free kitchen! (no more paper towels)

{$$}
-Double the amount we’re currently saving (minimum)
-Complete the Dave Ramsey 16 week series
-Take a vacation every six months together and pay with cash! (Small or big)
-Pay off debt!

{Career}
-Pass all four of my Praxis Series II tests!
-Pass my Praxis III observation.
-Graduate on May 8, 2010.
-Subscribe to "Music K-8" and "Activate"
-Get licensed to teach music K-12 in the state of Arkansas.
-Become a member of MENC.
-FIND A TEACHING JOB!!!
-Start compiling teaching aids/materials.
-Begin teaching lessons again.
-Become a better vocalist.
-Sing in the choir at church.

{Blogger}
-Complete a successful NABLPOMO!!!
-Blog about great products, experiences, and family life. 
-Blog once a week.
-Get 30 followers!

{Hobbies}
-Get my sewing maching repaired.
-Learn how to use my Canon Rebel better!!
-Practice the piano more!
-Read at least two books a month and keep a LIST on Blogger starting January 1, 2010.
-Keep practicing my clarinet... even when I start teaching!
-Pick back up my knitting. 

Pomplamoose!!!

For the last couple of months I have been completely obsessed with this amazing duo called Pomplamoose.   Jacke Conte and Nataly Dawn are their names and making music.. is so their game. (insert cheesy smile here).

They have amazing talent and are just too cool for words. Seriously.

One of my favorites.. well okay, some of my favorites from Pomplamoose- since I cannot just pick one- include:

* Hail Mary
* September
* Favorite Things
* Nature Boy

and on Nataly's site:

* Baise m'encor
* Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk (which you can play on the player at the bottom of my blog- do it!).

They do a lot of covers and throw their own spit on them, but they have some really unique originals like 'Expiration Date' and 'Little Things' and 'Be Still.'  The mixed meter and funky hemiolas are pretty snazzy in 'Little Things.'

I could listen to their stuff incessantly..
Their videos are super fly, and all of the singing/playing/dancing/snapping is real! They make all of the music, piece by piece, and then overdub it.

Here is a disclaimer from their youtube site.

A VideoSong is a new Medium with two rules:

1. What you see is what you hear (no lip-syncing for instruments or voice).
2. If you hear it, at some point you see it (no hidden sounds).

Pretty awesome! So check them out, buy some music from them, and be merry!

Praxis Shmaxis...

Seriously though.I am not looking forward to waking up at 5:00am on a cold (below zero Fahrenheit) Saturday morning to go and take a vicious, three hour long, test.

I smite you oh mighty tester.... er.

Maybe it won't be so bad? I'll tell you tomorrow! (if I make it)

Chim Chim Cher-ee

There is nothing quite like hanging out with a delish mug of coffee next to the fireplace while the snow falls outside. It's been quite the winter wonderland around here! Yesterday, I went to run an errand and when I returned, I walked up to the front door and as I was about to walk inside, a pile of snow fell from the roof. Strange I though.
Well, I get inside, and realize both Bailey and Chase are MIA, so I proceed to the back door just in time to see the hubs run around the corner with miss B. Hubs was throwing snowballs at me! So I ran back inside, put on my rain boots and a few layers and gloves and ran back out. We didn't have a snowball fight though, but focused our efforts on covering Bailey in snow.. it was a blast!

B playing keep away with a football.

We love snow!

B playing in the snow.

Later that evening, Megan stopped by. She was on her way home to Tulsa from the Independence Bowl in Memphis (which the Hogs won!!! Woo pig!). Meg and I both love to bake... so we usually end up doing something of the sort. This time, I had a craving for Chocolate Meringue pie, so that is just what we made. It turned out fab. The meringue you whipped up was perfect, Meg!

Earlier that day for lunch, I chose a dish from my E-mealz "Turkey Reruns" recipe list called 'Turkey Crunch.' Let me tell you.. it was AMAZING! The curry spice made the dish.. hubs, who isn't usually a fan of casseroles, had two large helpings. We decided next time to try it with some sliced potatoes to make it a 'Turkey Crunch Au Gratin.' I'll tell you how that one turns out.

Mobile Blogging Blues

Does mobile blogger really work?? This is my fourth and FINAL attempt at conquering the mobile blogster! I thought it would be rather easy.. Point, shoot, send... But this has all become rathe complicated!
Anyhoodle here goes!

This year:

has been a whirlwind of events, changes, and growth. We even survived our first BLIZZARD! (woo to Oklahoma). I love this year.  Here are a few photos of the end-of-the-year happenings that occurred with the Cavaliers!

I "graduated" although I won't walk until May.

SAI Senior Committment December 2009

Chase performed with "The Rat Pack is Back" at the Walton Arts Center!

The lights on the Fayetteville Town Square are, as always, beautiful!

My FAVORITE Christmas dessert.... so delicious.

Christmastime is here...

Faith being extremely cute.

Blizzard 09' what what?

Greatests gifts.. ever. Love the hubs.