Uh...More snow :)

So it is warm here in Chicago, it's up to 26. But, we are getting more snow. Only 2-4 inches. However, when you add that to the 10-12 inches already on the ground, it might look something like this...

Winter Wonderland?? More Like Freakin' Cold

Hey, long time no post. We are alive and well. We just got a little caught up in work. But now we are in blustery Chicago! It's currently 3 degrees F, which is warm compared to the -4 degrees F it was when we landed. I would have taken a picture of the snow, but since it's halfway up to my knees...I thought it would wait.

We're very glad to be back up north for a while. It's a great escape from our little apartment and the hustle and bustle of our little town. It also gives us a little time to relax and do some out of the ordinary stuff. For example, we can go down to the basement and read a book, or go upstairs and read a book, or watch tv. Well...when it's warmer we'll venture out. We do have one errand to run while we are here. We have the specific task of finding some Chicago stuff; so we'll be heading into the city to ice skate and be a tourist for a day. I'm thinking we may have to go to Giordano's pizza...mmm...deep dish...mmm.

Pictures coming soon...

Christmas Time...

I LOVE the Christmas season! With 10 school days left the Christmas season is in full force! Last weekend we put up our tree and this weekend the festivities really kicked into high gear. Last night we went to Merry Main Street. There is something about lights, music, Santa hats, model trains, choirs singing, reindeer, Santa in a sleigh, peppermint mocha and kids in awe that puts me in the Christmas spirit! We had a great time listening to jubilant children, school choirs and drinking Starbucks of course! Enjoy some merriment this week...

A beautiful fall day...

It was a beautiful day today. We decided to go to the park. We have a great park right in the heart of where we live. We enjoyed a brisk walk (it's getting chilly here in Texas) and took some pictures. Here are a couple of fun pictures...enjoy!

Thanksgiving Break...and fall update!

Wow! Were you afraid that we left the world of blogging? No, we are still here. Fall has been incredibly! Thanksgiving is a well deserved break...we are so thankful for the week off! Between testing, parent conferences, assessments, meetings, community events and various illnesses school has certainly kept us busy.

Despite the craziness of school, Patrick and I have enjoyed some great quality time with friends these past few weeks. We celebrated birthdays with some old friends and had some fun nights out with some new friends (thanks Erin and Evan). We are so blessed and thankful for the friends that we have in our lives.

A first year teacher note: I made it all the way to Thanksgiving break without getting sick! Normally, this would be a great accomplishment although I think I would rather spread it out than have strep again...it hit me hard and knocked me on my butt. I spent that past few days in bed literally unable to get out. Moving from the bedroom to the bathroom was an enormous challenge! I am feeling much better now. Patrick took amazingly good care of me, I am so lucky!

So...with all that we have going on I am so thankful! I am thankful that we have family to share life with, friends to hang out with, and great jobs with students who keep us busy and challenged (even when they get us sick)...life does not get any better than this!

Thank you for being a part of our lives and we feel blessed to be a part of yours. Have a great Thanksgiving with family and friends! Here are a few pictures from the past few weeks...enjoy!

We are still here...

We are still alive and well for those of you who are wondering. We have been crazy busy with school...conferences, grades, meetings, oh and teaching. There is a reason that teachers get the summer off, it is VERY well deserved! Enough about that because summer is 8 months away! I love what I do and the challenges that every day brings. I have the most rewarding career ever...tiring, but rewarding. 

Fall has hit...finally and I am loving the cool weather. It amazes me how quickly one adapts to the warm weather. I never thought that I would think 56 was chilly! That day has come! Happy Friday fellow bloggers! Enjoy the weekend! 

The smell of leather...

The smell of new leather permeates our lives lately...

Despite the hustle and bustle of life we (really Patrick) found time to haggle a little...as many of you know Patrick and I bought a new car! Actually, Patrick bought me a car. It is beautiful...navy blue with gray leather interior! It has been a long time since I have had a new car and never one with leather. I feel like a real adult...who am I kidding I have been an adult for a long time this

 is just my way of feeling better about it! I really need to say thank you to Patrick, he traded his car in and is letting me drive the CRV while he drives the Jetta, (that's how it usually works, right?). I am very lucky! Ironically, I think he drives it more than I do, the weekends are his! She (yes the car is a she) is a joy to drive and we are enjoying tooling around town with her. We broke her in last weekend with a trip to Houston. Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure. If I could attach a scratch and sniff of new leather, I would :)!