So, now that Thanksgiving is over (well, sorta over... the leftovers are haunting me...) it's now time for the marvelous Christmas season. I love Christmas time: the lights, the snow, the family traditions. So great.

Christmas has always had a little bit of a downside, though, because the cold weather is just such the prime time for cuddling and I always felt that, while I always had so much love around me, I felt like I was missing something. And this Christmas season, I have someone to spend it with and I couldn't be more excited to experience it with someone. And not just someone, but the Love of My Life.

I spent Thanksgiving with Eric's family this past Thursday because my family dinners aren't the same when my brothers are on opposite ends of the country. It was fun to spend time with his family and I felt like I was one of them. Its like I snuggle right in to my little niche in his family and it makes me feel so... good. I even made pie... delicious pie and I think that helped seal the deal. :)

And then this evening I talked holiday traditions with Eric's mom Peggy and it just made me so excited for all this month has to offer. My expectations are high but in a good way. I am eager and loving every minute of it.

But before I can get to the good stuff, I have to survive two more weeks of school. It seems so crazy to be so far in but I think the rest might kill me. Ok, no, its not nearly that bad. It will definitely be bitter-sweet to be done because I will miss my kids and teacher a whole lot but I think I will just have to visit if I can.

I know this post seems a little pointless but whatev. Get over it. :)

Ya, that's all.

I know its cliche because everyone is always soooo thankful on Thanksgiving but I have begun to realize how incredible life is. I have so much to be thankful for and I am complaining about how tough and how annoying certain things are way to much lately. So here is my little "Thankfulness Rant."

First and foremost, I have learned in the past couple of monthes that I have the coolest family. Living at home again may not be ideal but it is so nice to see my mom and talk with her. My little sister and I get to hang out too and being in her life right now as she navigates high school is pretty dang cool. I haven't gotten to see my dad or my family in Idaho and I miss them and my brothers like crazy but I am still so thankful for such a supportive and incredible family.

I am thankful for love... for being accepted and wanted and for the most incredible 7 and a half months of my life. Eric makes me so happy and I my life has just so much more joy in it. And I am certain this is just the beginning of it all; I can't wait for everything that the future holds for the two of us.

And then there is my teaching stuff. I am so thankful for the most incredible placement in my student teaching and I have been so blessed by all the staff that I work with. And I am so thankful for the opportunity to apply for a job in the spring. I know that there are pros and cons to getting the job and I am so thankful for the peace that comes with knowing that no matter what happens, I will be just fine. God has provided this semester and I know He will continue to provide.

Gosh, I just have so much to be thankful for and not just today when it surrounds me but everyday. I am so blessed and I just can't forget that.

I hope today you bask in your cliche thankfullness... and that you are just as thankful tomorrow.

And the day after that...

And the day after that...

And the day after that...

Well hello there.

So, an update: I went in for that interview last Monday and it went fabulously. I was honest, and open, and myself. I was able to share my learnings from student teaching and share my passion and strengths. I was also able to ask some questions about the school and the staff as well as the position itself.

The interview started at three and I didn't leave until almost 5. It was long but time went so fast. I walked out out of the interview feeling very satisfied as to how it all went and I was invited back to observe and hang out with the science department for the day.

There are at least two other candidates that are under consideration and I don't have any experience in a High School classroom so the odds of me getting this postition are slim but it was great practice to go through the interview and then get to spend time up at the high school observing. It has been encouraging and exciting so we will see what happens.

Tomorrow I am heading to the high school to spend the day observing different teachers. It should be a great opportunity check out the vibe at a high school and pick up on some tricks that these teachers use in their classroom.

Again, I will let you know how that goes.

Pray pray pray.

Thanks thanks thanks. :)

So I have spent the last 10 days teaching my main unit for the semester. I have been spewing the law of conservation of mass upon my kids and they were tested on Friday to see how much of that information they retained. I'll let you know how well that does.

But essentially, I have spent a great deal of my free time planning, writing up lesson plans, grading, or thinking about what's next. Its been a little rough to say the least.

And now, the real work starts. I have to have my Action Research Project and my STEL (proof that I know how to teach) done here in two weeks and counting. I have so much stuff to do.

So if you think about it, pray for me. I have to survive this to be a teacher. I need all the help I can get.

And also, I have a meeting with a principal for a potential job in January. I need to pick out an outfit that says I am mature but hip and I am in control but willing to learn. And then there is the interview itself. I'll update you later about how it goes.

Fingers crossed!

Halloween makes me want to have kids.

Being a teacher makes me want to sterilize myself.

Conundrum.

Ya, that's all.