I'll be Home for Christmas

My little piece of heaven.

My adorable apartment finally starting looking like Christmas only about a week before it was time to head home to the burgh. I'm fine with that only because it will most likely stay decorated until my mom's next visit. My Christmas tree has been up since the beginning of November thanks to her. (She knew I would never have the time or energy to do it myself.) I'm really making myself sound lazy here... I swear I'm not. I did all the other decorations myself, most of which you can't even see in this picture, but trust me on this. As for the gifts, they are real. Santa made a special delivery before it was time to fly home to Pennsylvania.

Counting down the days until Christmas vacation was something I started the second I got back from my trip home for Thanksgiving. I was also dreading the day as well, thanks to my dog. After last year's horrifying flight with Missy, the thought of flying with her again made me queasy. I'm happy to say this year was completely different. She was a certified angel! Slept for the most part and was calm the whole time. Even when we had to be taken aside and checked to make sure I wasn't smuggling any drugs up her tush. Thought about it, but passed on it this year. JOKING!

Missy hating her life.

As usual, Pittsburgh welcomed us with a constant cover of clouds and rain. Shocker! Yes, some wise words from one of my favorites, Stephanie Meyer. I bet you didn't know that Pittsburgh has more overcast days than anywhere else in the US. Don't quote me on that. I think I heard it from someone who heard it from someone who read it somewhere. It's also nothing to brag about. It's quite depressing actually.

To add to the depressing weather was our loss of power. Not just once, but TWICE! Sunday and Monday. I'm usually the one in the house who flips out when this happens. This time, it was lovely Diane (my mom) spreading her "Christmas cheer" to the power company. I was forced to paint my nails in candle light, well more like lamp light. Does anyone else find themselves still flicking on the lights when entering a new room, when you clearly know you have no power? I swear even when I told myself to "stop, there's no power moron",  my hand would still reach toward the switch.

Yep, that's my stylish zebra comforter and Steeler pjs I'm rocking. Gotta love coming home to all your high school things.

Speaking of childhood beds, this clip from Saturday's SNL is something you've got to see. Don't judge me, just enjoy! ha! :)

The whole episode is worth watching. Really Santa, all I want for Christmas is Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake underneath my tree.

Okay back to my journey home... when I got home, I slept for days. Literally, I think 2 days were just filled with eating and sleeping. Isn't that what being home is about though? When I finally awoke from my short hibernation, it was time to make cookies with my favorite people of all time. My mom, aunt, and cousins - scratch that, just Emily considering Kelly & Mandy didn't feel the need to show up. Still love you, I guess. :) As they all know, I'm no Betty Crocker so they left me with simple tasks that didn't involve getting too dirty. I grew up the youngest cousin and I love being "babied" by them. I think it's just habit now and I surely don't fight it. In fact, I welcome it with open arms. It's a big change of pace from the person I have to be on a daily basis. 

Preparing whatever these are called. Can you say skills?

The rest of the cookies turned out good, but not as amazing as they usually do when our very own Martha Stewart is in charge. (Yes, you Kel) My mom and aunt have clearly lost their touch when it comes to baking so from now on, they can just stick to the cooking.

Well that's all for now folks. It's Christmas Eve, my FAVORITE day, and it's time to put the electronics down and spend some time with the most important people in my life. Sending y'all love on this magical time of the year. And for all my deprived southern friends we woke up to snow this morning. :) Not much, but there's nothing like snow at Christmas time.

To be continued...

P.S. Sorry for my "Thankful" draft being posted for God only knows how long. I love writing and often start posts that are simply forgot about... left to die in the land of misfit posts. Not sure what made me finally realize it was posted, but it only gave me some motivation to actually write some more & publish it.

From Yins to Y'all

Hi friends! This long overdue post is very necessary because I have officially survived my first year of teaching!!!! I now completely understand all aspects of the word "survivor". My lack of posting anything since September was not me giving y'all the silent treatment. It has only been because my life has been totally consumed by my crazy, beautiful year as a first year kindergarten teacher. The journey was not all smiles. There were many ups and downs but overall this has been one memorable year that has changed my life for the better!

My kindergarteners' "silly" pic on Field Day!

I know what most the non-teachers out there may be thinking... No time? Surely you could have some spare time to share the wonderful news. HA! Here's an explanation in a nutshell. Teaching is not a job that stops when the bell rings at the end of the day, especially for a new teacher! From week night to weekends I was creating stations, planning, learning the new CCSS (Common Core State Standards), grading, laminating, conferencing-calling-writing parents and the list could go on for days, but to save you I'll stop. Once you think you are ahead, have checked everything off your list more magically appears like a scene from Harry Potter! The checklist doesn't stop, sadly even after school has ended for the summer. This a promise! Teaching is no job for anyone who isn't passionate about educating. Sharing the news on my blog clearly wasn't even close to the top of any of my lists. So sorry and it will never happen again.

Now that school has ended, I finally have a bit of time to breath get back to my favorite hobby, blogging! I have been yearning for this day. First off, let's explain this title. Clearly I have moved South. Raleigh, North Carolina to be exact. Instead of hearing "yins", I now hear "ya'll" and have totally picked up on some of the slang. The slang is a whole other post in itself. The thick accents have no effect on me now, but when I first moved hear that's all I could think about when people were talking to me. Most of what they were saying went in one ear and out the other. I would find myself trying to mimic them without even realizing it. Thank goodness that has stopped and hopefully no one ever heard my attempts. And yes many of my co-workers consider me a "Yankee" or "Northerner". I never heard this word so much than out of the mouth of my TA (teacher assistant) aka one of my new Southern mothers. She held the worst stereotype for us so-called Yankees. Luckily I have broke the mold for many of her opinions of us from the North.

This big step in my life was NOT  an easy one to say the least, but I have never been more proud of myself for choosing to make this move. I honestly couldn't have asked for a better place to work. I am the luckiest girl to have been welcomed by such an inspiring, caring, welcoming, generous staff. From my Kindergarten Team to the ladies in the office, they all have all taken me in as part of the family that is created at this school. I am so honored to be a part of NHPS. I seriously have never met so many people who genuinely cared about how I was doing with the move and all that comes with being a first year teacher. I never expected to love my job so much especially with being so far away from my family and friends. The main reason I took a job out of state was because I just wanted a classroom to call my own and the thought of substituting made and still makes me nauseous. Now the thought of teaching somewhere else immediately makes me tear up. I don't know how I could ever leave this place! (Sorry Mom! Maybe one day...)

Most of the K Team in our Pete the Cat costumes

So now that I have finally let my first batch of babies go on to become first graders, I have never been more appreciative of summer break. I will be heading home to Pittsburgh in a few days to spend some much needed time with family and friends before we take a family vacation to Orlando! Our usual mother/daughter trip to Disney has grown this year to a full blown family vacation plus some very close friends! It will be my not so little cousin Colin's first time to Disney and on a plane! I have never been so excited to experience this magical moment with him. My cousin Kelly just surprised us by giving in and joining the trip as well so I'm positive we'll be making a stop at Sea World to see some orca whales. And as long as I'm alive and in Orlando I clearly have to visit Hogwarts. Always a kid at heart.

P.S. Don't you worry now, I'll be sure to keep up with my posts and share more about my first year as a teacher. I've got plenty of stories to share that are bound to put a smile on your face. :)

My kinders after winning both the media & computer awards!

Rain Rain Go Away

Come again some other day. This was the sad song we all were singing Saturday morning. Saturday was my cousin Emily and her now hubby Mike's wedding day! The rain eventually stopped and the weather continually got better as the day went on. They say rain is good luck on your wedding day. Personally, I just think that saying was made up by someone trying to calm down a bridezilla. It worked so well that it turned into some sort of urban legend. Emily & Mike don't need luck. Anyone who knows them can instantly see the love they have for one another. Love is what matters, not luck. Luck doesn't hurt though. Below is a picture of Em, at the church, waiting to marry the man of her dreams. :)

The Blushing Bride

The best cousins in the world.

Kelly, Me & Mandy

The Dress

Emily & Myself

The whole weekend was basically a big celebration, an unforgettable one at that! I feel so lucky to have such an amazing family. Friday was the rehearsal at the church and the rehearsal dinner followed. I think I had a little too much fun at the dinner because the next day I had a rough time getting myself up. Once again, coffee saves the day!

Mandy, Me & Kelly

Family

Grandparents

By the time we arrived at the church, the rain had stopped. The sun even made an appearance. My fear of tripping down the aisle did not happen. I successfully made it down with ease leaving all the attention for the bride. Phew! Emily was a sight to see. She looked like absolute perfection! During the mass, I sat by Colin (the ring bearer & my cousin Mandy's son). I didn't have any tissues handy so I think being by Colin was a blessing in disguise because all his fidgeting took my mind off crying like a baby.

Mandy & Colin

Me & Colin

Like a Pimp

My Bouquet

The reception was at Mike's parents' beautiful house. There was a humungous tent setup in the backyard. What about the rain you ask? Not all of the ground was covered under the tent. So yes... as you can imagine, it turned into something you might see on a farm. Luckily by that time, I was the least bit concerned with what was going on down there. The FineLine Weddings photo booth was probably my favorite part of the night, although Rizzo's catering was a close second behind. I can't even tell you how many times I went in that booth and with who. I couldn't get enough of it.

My dad became one of the main events that evening. He had an excessive amount of "chocolate milk". In his mind, he was killing it on the dance floor. If I was still in high school I'm sure I would have just died because of his shenanigans throughout the night. At this point in my life, I adore it. He is one silly man that I love more than anything.

Bob getting his Elvis on

Candid Father-Daughter Moment

The night ended with fireworks! Literally and figuratively, I'm sure. Emily & Mike's wedding day could not have gone any better. I can't get over how much of a good time everyone had. The fun isn't over for the happy couple. Tomorrow they will be on their way to Italy. A dream honeymoon that I'm sure they won't forget. I'm beyond grateful that I was able to share this special day with the both of them. They really are meant for each other and their life has only just begun. It really makes me want to believe in true love, soul mates and all that "mushy stuff".

The aftermath of my gorgeous green shoes looks something like my dad's camo gear. Such a tragedy! Thank goodness for this picture of all the bridesmaids' shoes. I'm the ruffle peep-toe at the bottom. Could you die? (Rachel Zoe voice)

Better Late Than Never

Today is a noteworthy day for me. It's exactly one month after my birthday, but that isn't what I'm referring to. Today I finally received what I would consider the best birthday present ever from my parents (or at least that I can remember at the moment). I got a brand new Keurig Brewer! WOOHOO! Some may see this as a little odd. I see it as a special moment in my life... almost like one's wedding day. If you aren't a coffee person, you wouldn't understand.

Actually I got the Keurig Brewer yesterday, but thought it would be a bit cooler if I posted about it one month after my birthday so just roll with it. I was actually quite nervous to open it and start venturing through the manual. Lucky me, the thing was stupid-proof! Let's be honest, that's what we all need when it comes to new gadget manuals. Here is a picture I took. Brace yourself, it's a beauty!

MY Keurig Brewer

First Cup of Coffee

Can you tell I love my new gift? You could say I'm so excited about this because I have been dreaming of having my own Keurig forever now. You could also say that birthdays start to get less fascinating as you get older so I was taken by surprise with this gem. Your birthday will always be your special day, but it's clear that it will never again be like it was when you were little and treated like the Queen of England. That boat for me sailed when my cousin Mandy had her son, Colin. He is now the secession to the throne of August 2nd birthdays. Although, I am more than okay with that because that kind of attention makes me all kinds of nervous now. Sometimes I get confused and have to think twice when I say my age out load. I suppose it's a good thing that I still feel like a kid, but sad when I remember older people who I used to hear the same thing from. I still dream of Disneyland and feel that I am fit enough to dominate a tumbling pass (even though I most likely can't due to having no guts to attempt it). I guess feeling young is a wonderful thing and I'm forever young.

Colin with his game win

Colin at Idlewild

Colin and I on the Scrambler

Something I still haven't told you about this gift from God is that it doesn't just make hot coffee. It makes iced coffee, tea, iced tea and even hot cocoa! I can't even comprehend how I am going to feel during the most wonderful time of the year, otherwise known as Christmas time! Ho ho ho!

One last thing. Thank you Keurig for giving me one more reason to never leave my house.

Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride

"You are more beautiful than Cinderella! You smell like pine needles, and have a face like sunshine." -Bridesmaids

It's a given that Bridesmaids is one of my ultimate favorite movies. Luckily my experience as a bridesmaid has been a bit more enjoyable. I believe it's a true honor to be asked by the bride to stand next to her for one of the most important days of her life, especially if that person is your cousin. Today marks the one week countdown until Emily's big day! YAY!!!

My beautiful cousin Emily

The anticipation for this wedding is through the roof. I have a feeling it's going to be something no one will forget. The colors Emily has chosen are black and green. Anyone who knows her, knows green is her color. Her first car was a lime green Volkswagen Beetle and has been obsessed with green M&M's since before I can remember. The bridesmaids are wearing all different black, silk dresses with bright green shoes! The shoes are also all different from one another. I love how the traditional matching bridesmaids dresses are not so much the thing right now. Who really wants to be a twenty year old something standing next to someone wearing the same exact thing? Not me!

Em's big bachelorette weekend was at the end of June. The bridal party and a special extra few spent the weekend at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The first night we spent eating, drinking and just having fun at the gorgeous town house we stayed at. The next day we spend doing some more of well.. eating and drinking! During the day, we went to this lovely winery called Glades Pike Winery. The weather wasn't in our favor, but that didn't stop us.

The Bridal Party at Seven Springs

The girls at the winery

Sunday was the Bridal Shower. The shower was held at the YWCA of Westmoreland County and celebrated with some of Emily's closest friends and family. I got there early with my mom to help set up. It was a lot more work than I expected. Thank goodness for my Aunt Karen, my mom and especially Kelly with her organization and Martha Stewart-like skills! She is the craftiest and most creative person I know. This is no joke. Mike's mom (Mike is the groom by the way!) was also a saint. She supplied the shower with delicious treats and had all the cheesy games ready to go. Games aren't my thing, unless they're review games in the classroom.

 

Emily's Bridal Party

Family

The Bride

Candid moment of Emily, my mom and me

Grandma, Mom and Aunt Terry

My cousin Kelly

My cousin Mandy

Bridal Party setting up

No puppies were received as party favors, but other than that it was a weekend to remember! There was a minor glitch to the process that would be rude of me not to share. Here's a picture of the magical cake my Aunt Karen originally picked up. Was there something Emily didn't share with us? HAHA! You can't have an important event without something going a little wrong, right? :)