And I'm Off!

My most recent adventure is just beginning and I am so thrilled! I am off to Madison Wisconsin for the summer. I finally will get to see Mark everyday, and enjoy exploring this fun new city. Many more posts to come when Mark and I discover new food, new places, and especially discovering if he can stand to have me around all summer...

Of course I will be traveling in style.

I am so excited for my time here, but sad to leave my family and friends. Especially Row-girl. Please stay in touch for the summer, I would love to hear what you are doing!

Farewell First Year Teacher

The bittersweet moment has finally arrived. I have finished my first year of teaching, and lived to tell about it. The last few weeks have quite possibly been the most emotionally exhausting weeks of my life. The challenge I faced the past few weeks was fighting the need to shape and mold kids into fine young men and women (meaning a constant reminder on proper behavior...i.e. nagging), or just enjoying them for who they are right at this moment. Potty mouths and all. I finally understand ALL those times I was grounded or in trouble, it really is because my parents love and care about me. And these kids that have given me some serious challenges, to say the least, have now traveled leaps and bounds on the road to success. I truly am blessed to have seen the transformation in some right before my eyes.

My cup runneth over, and I know the one true thing I wanted to teach these kids was taught. My students left me knowing these things: They matter. They deserve respect, and must give respect to others. They have hope.


I tried to show my kids these things everyday, but I fear that I am the one who received the greatest education this year. I learned that every child can learn but no approach to teaching works for everyone. They all just want to be heard, and though these 9th graders that look like young adults, they are still JUST KIDS.

The last day of class in the tie-dye shirts we made, and a picture of the
mural we made this year with a saying that the kids wanted to share.

Thank you Caldwell Freshman Academy, I have been so fulfilled during this difficult year of firsts. I look forward to starting all over next year with a new batch of students!

Très chic: Antiquaria

I have recently stumbled upon a new favorite online shop, Antiquaria. As you might guess, this shop sells antique gifts and housewares that are so beautiful. I have been lusting after a few items for sometime, unfortunately I'm not quite able to indulge as I would like to.

But if I could...

These sorbet cups would be my first purchase. I love the mix-matched dishes!

I would also love these vibrant spring tea towels!

And the Tribeca Collection would be perfect spring and summer dining. They also are a mixed set which I love!

Another neat thing about this website is that you are able to create your own online gift registry! One can go through and select what they would like, and friends a family can easily find the registry and they can indulge for you! It's like magic.

I think Antiquaria is brilliant and I find myself often perusing their fantastic blog, as well as doing some of my own window shopping on their site from home. I encourage you to join me.

In the Kitchen with Mark

One of my favorite things to do is to cook. I love to try new recipes and for my New Year's Resolution I wanted to try at least one new recipe a week. So far this is the only resolution I have ever kept! Mark also is a cooking enthusiast and makes the most delicious food. I like when we get the chance to make food together, we both get to learn a lot and then enjoy a wonderful feast together!

This time on Mark's visit, he introduced me to some Jalapeno Burgers. I am slowly coming to appreciate spicy food, and the ingredients in this dish were too delicious to change. He first started by frying up some bacon, then we heated some sliced onions in the left over grease (so healthy). While that was going on, we cooked up the sliced jalapeno and started the burgers. 

(Mark makes his hamburger patties with BBQ sauce and garlic, then freezes them to ensure they stay together.)

After the ingredients cooked, we added the crumbled up bacon and cooked onions to the bun.

Then while the burgers are finishing up, Mark added the jalapenos and shredded cheese to cook on top.

And finally we feasted! The spicy jalapeno and the onions are really what makes this burger. I couldn't help but show exactly how delicious these burgers are.

I won't claim that this is the healthiest alternative, but it was such a treat. Mark has again impressed me and made me realize just how lucky I am to have him. It also reminded me that I will be hitting the gym this week.

The end.

Graduation Announcements

Congratulations to Meghan! Mark's sister Meghan graduated last weekend from Montana State University and the ceremony was held in Bozeman Montana. Meghan has been student teaching in Fairbanks Alaska this spring, so it was very exciting for all of Mark's family to be together for this occasion. I was so pleased to be able to join them for this event, and even more pleased that I had the opportunity to design Meghan's graduation announcements.

 
It was so neat to be in Bozeman with Meghan, mostly because we got to see her world for the past 5 years. Meghan has been a 4-year starting volleyball superstar, and it was so enjoyable to see what her college experience was in comparison to mine.

When designing these announcements, I met with Meghan and we talked about what she was looking for. The most necessary elements to showcase were definitely her volleyball participation, as well as a bright and cheery feel. Meghan was kind enough to give me complete artistic freedom, and we came up with announcements that turned out great!

Again a big congratulations to Meghan and her exciting road ahead! She will be living in Alaska this summer and hopefully teaching and coaching in the fall. Thank you so much to Mark and his family for including me in this fun and momentous occasion. A great weekend to kick off the summer!