Catch Up!

Well, Christmas break was absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed my two-week vacation from school by spending time with my family and friends, and of course celebrating the holidays. As if two weeks weren’t enough, we had Monday and Tuesday off the week we were supposed to go back to school because of the very low temperatures. I’m not sure if I’ve ever had a “cold day” before, but I wasn’t complaining.

Last weekend we were in Indianapolis celebrating my cousin’s wedding…and what a FUN wedding it was! My cousin and his lovely bride looked amazing, and both the wedding and reception were absolutely perfect. It was a great celebration of the love of two very special people.  This marks the second of four weddings this year for the boy cousins (and my brother) on my mom’s side of the family. The first one was in September in our beloved Hilton Head and was an absolute blast. The next one will be in June and my brother will finish it off with his wedding in September. So much to look forward to! =)

This past Tuesday, Scott and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary. I lucked out with a snow day and was excited to spend more time with him (however, it ruined his plans of surprising me with roses at school…I will remind him that my birthday in March is on a Monday – hint, hint =) ). We had a great day together and enjoyed dinner at the Cheesecake Factory later that night…mmm!

This past year has definitely been the hardest on us – going from long distance for 4 years to finally being back in the same city, not to mention entering the real world and dealing with the changes/stresses that come along with it. Things are much different when you are 22/23 than when you are in high school, without a care in the world. We have overcome the obstacles that have come our way so far and I have complete faith that we will continue to do so in the future. Scott and I always say the bad times only make us stronger as a couple, and I firmly believe that. And with the bad, comes the good…and we have had a LOT of great times in our relationship. We have had 7 wonderful years together and I am excited to see where the next 7 will take us.

As for a school update, I am LOVING teaching middle school and am head over heels in love with the school where I am teaching. Everyone always asks how my first year has been, with the anticipation that I am going to say “hard” or “difficult,” but honestly it has been awesome. Sure the first month or two were pretty overwhelming, but once I got in my routine and had a little bit of an idea as to what I was doing, it was great.  My students are outgoing and always keep me laughing. I am happy to say I love what I do and enjoy waking up every morning to go to work (however, with all the delays we have been having lately due to weather, I could get used to sleeping in just a little bit more each morning =) ).

Hope everyone has been having a great start to the New Year! It’s hard to believe in just a week it will be February! Woah!

Gift ideas for your man

After dating the same person for six and a half years, I have had to get creative with gifts. Scott’s 23rd birthday is this month and it made me think of the different presents I have given him over the years. Some of my favs include:

1. Make something- picture collage, scrapbook, no sew blanket, or make him a personalized build-a-bear…and never underestimate the power of sweets! What guy doesn’t like some cookies or his favorite cake baked for him?
2. Concert tickets – always a fun present…and you get something out of it, too! =)
3. Gift card- for something fun you can do together like your favorite restaurant or go to the movies
4. Technology- whether you want something small like iPod speakers or a car adapter to something big like a tv, iPod, or iPad- guys definitely love their “toys”
5. Clothes- I feel like I can never get Scott enough clothes. Plus I like when I get to have a little control of his style (good thing he agrees with my taste). I’ve bought him everything from basketball shorts, to polo shirts, to nice button ups. You can’t go wrong with clothes…just make sure you know what size!
6. Accessories- sunglasses, watch
7. Cologne- what guy doesn’t like to smell good? Some of my favorites are any of the Polo fragrances!
8. Shoes- guys are always in need of shoes…whether it’s sandals, Sperry’s, tennis shoes, or dress shoes most men can usually find a use for them
9. Wallet- Scott always loses things and one year before his birthday he lost his so I bought him a new one. I never realized how many different styles there were to choose from!
10. Something meaningful- for example Scott played football at the University of Louisville so I found a framed poster of Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium (where he played) on eBay for a good price. He loved it and it’s something he will enjoy for years to come.

This year I lucked out with birthday shopping for Scott. While we were in Hilton Head we went to the outlet mall and shopped together for his presents. Even though it might not have been very “surprising” he was able to pick out things he needed and really liked. We found lots of good deals at the Polo Factory so Scott went to town picking out clothes. I also got him some nice golf shoes from the Nike store since he has started golfing again and was in need of a new pair. Now I don’t have to stress about what to get him and he’s happy as can be. =)

Happy Belated Valentine’s Day

My life has been a little crazy since the start of this semester. The first weekend back I went on a retreat with 10 other UD students to prepare to lead one of our school’s retreats called Metanoia.  The weekend after that my sorority had our recruitment and added 52 new beautiful ladies to our wonderful chapter.

Last weekend was finally the retreat that the team and I had been preparing for since November. We had an excellent turnout and everyone had a great time. It was a nice opportunity to get away from campus and connect with others on a deeper level. It helped me to put my life in perspective and realize what really is important to me.

With all of these events keeping me busy on the weekends, I have also been extremely busy during the week with student teaching. I started soloing two weeks ago which means that I have fully taken over teaching. I teach both math and language arts to my sixth grade students. It has definitely been an adjustment learning how to plan and stay organized and on top of things but I think I am starting to get the hang of it. Each day has it’s ups and downs but I really am enjoying it and couldn’t be happier with my placement. Even on the days the kids make me want to pull my hair out, I know that they really are a great class. And my cooperating teachers could not be more supportive- they have been so helpful and have really welcomed me as a part of their teaching team.

And as we all know this past week was Valentine’s Day. I was able to celebrate with my adorable little munchkins on Wednesday where we made some crafty cards for their mom and dad and for Scott.

Then on Thursday my lovely boyfriend came to visit and stayed for the weekend. We enjoyed going on a couple of dinner dates and seeing the new Nicholas Sparks movie “Safe Haven” (yep, that’s right- I convinced him to go).  I love all of his books but sometimes his movies don’t always impress me; this one however was really good and even Scott approved. We had a great weekend together and it was another reminder of how blessed I am to have someone so special in my life.

Happy SIX Year Anniversary Babe!

Scott,
Six years ago today we started dating and I could not have imagined back then all that would be in store for us. These last six years have been the best years of my life. We have shared so many wonderful memories and I have enjoyed every second of being your girlfriend. We have had our share of ups and downs but we always manage to come out on top. You have taught me so much and you push me to be the best person I can be every single day. I absolutely adore you and feel so lucky to have found you. I am so blessed God put you in my life and I can’t wait to see what our future holds. As long as I have you by my side, I know it is going to be amazing.
Love you forever & Always,
Lisa