Today's Quote

"Make the most of the opportunities God gives you to shine today."

:)

Random

I just have to share this- it's drive your tractor to school day. And they make fun of AR.

Lord of the Flies

I first read Lord of the Flies in high school. I believe sophomore year, but I don't remember how I felt about it. I recently read it again because I start teaching it tomorrow. The story itself is interesting. It took me a while to get into it, but after a chapter or two I really liked it. It's interesting because I think Golding does an incredible job of depicting human nature. The coolest part is that he uses kids to show just how crazy people can get when it comes to power. He also explores the idea of whether or not people are inherently good or bad. Do we just behave because those are societies standards? I am really interested to see what students think. Hopefully I can convince my kids that it's a good story. They normally don't believe me.

Dave Barnes

During college I was introduced to a wonderful, sweet, completely romantic man. I became slight obsessed. I made (along with Katie) a playlist for what we like to call "Love Song Friday", and it was pretty much filled with his wonderful words of love. His name is Dave Barnes. If you haven't heard of Dave, you should go to itunes right now and download something of his. Anything will due. It's all wonderful. I am a complete sap though, so please realize that they are pretty romantic.

I just discovered this gem and thought I would share it with those of you (Katie) who love Dave Barnes as much as I do.


"God Gave Me You"

I’ve been a walking heartache
I’ve made a mess of me
The person that I’ve been lately
Ain’t who I wanna be

But you stay here right beside me
Watch as the storm goes through
And I need you

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you

There’s more here than what were seeing
A divine conspiracy
That you, an angel lovely
Could somehow fall for me
You’ll always be love’s great martyr
Ill be the flattered fool
& I need you

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you

On my own I’m only
Half of what I could be
I can’t do without you
We are stitched together
And what love has tethered
I could baby, never undo

God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
God gave me you for the ups and downs
God gave me you for the days of doubt
For when I think I’ve lost my way
There are no words here left to say, it’s true
God gave me you, gave me you.
Gave me you."

Christmas Pictures

Here are a few pictures from Christmas. :)

Our door decoration.

The decor on the bookshelf

Our first tree!

Christmas parade in West Lafayette

Chris's tool organizer.

His new hoodie.

His headlamp from me and Drew.

My new sleeping bag. I also got new boots, but they aren't pictured because I got them early.

Ice Skating

My strawberry cake that I made for Ben's birthday

We celebrated Christmas the Saturday before so we didn't have to haul all of our presents home. And also because we wanted to start our own traditions. We had Screwdrivers and breakfast casserole. Classy, I know. But it was oh so good! Then we opened gifts and stockings as we watched it snow. :) We watched movies and were super lazy all day. Just like it was Christmas!

Our Chicago Trip- 2 moths later :)

A few months ago, early November or late October, Chris surprised me with a trip to Chicago! It was so fun and a great weekend away!

We took the AMTRAK! Before Dinner

Our Cheese Fondue at The Melting Pot! So good!

My martini and Chris's beer.

Our "Ying Yang Fondue"- it was dark and white chocolate!

All of the dippers

At Navy Pier

Again

Our Hotel- It was right across from Trump Towers

Our View

The bean

I really needed to hear this today!

"Trials build patience, make us strong, and teach us that sometimes prayers and truffles do go together."

When your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete." James 1:4

"The Godly woman faces her challenges with prayer, a sense of adventure, and a great pair of boots." (or in my case, flats.)

I don't think Jamie realized what a blessing her gift would be in getting me through the day. :)