Freedom

I have finally decided that I actually quite love being out of school. Oh, don't get me wrong, I still have those moments of panic when I feel wayward and without a purpose...but they have become very few and far between. I've decided that I quite like my freedom. When my studious little husband is grumbling over some assignment, I feel a bit serene in the fact that I don't have to suffer through it anymore (sorry love...you're getting closer).

So here's what I've been filling my AMPLE time with:

1. Downton Abbey: Ooooh...this little gem will suck you right in. Well, if you're a history dork like me who loves a good period drama, that is. It's a PBS Masterpiece Classic series, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm a sucker for all of them, but Downton has a special place in my heart. Mr. Bates...oh he's the BEST. If you watch it, you'll see what I mean. And don't even get me started on Matthew! Love him. Just don't call it Down-TOWN Abbey. It's Down-TON. My husband loves to mispronounce it, because he knows how much it drives me CRAZY. I finished it last week, and I'm depressed I have to wait so long for season 3. But I know it will be SO worth the wait!

2. A Discovery of Witches: I've been reading this beast for the past month. I NEVER take that long to read a book. It's just not in my nature. But...I don't know. I just can't get into it, and I can't put my finger on WHY. It's decent I suppose, but it has just taken so long to get SOMEWHERE. I only have about 75 pages left, and it has just started to pick up a bit. Iv'e been seeing it everywhere, and hearing great reviews, but I'm a little underwhelmed. It's the first in a series, and the next one comes out this summer. We'll see if it gets better.

3. Drew and Angelia's Wedding: Oh I'm so excited for this one. My brother-in-law Drew and his lovely lady, Angelia, have decided to tie the knot! Yay! It's been a LONG time comin' folks, but I know their relationship is WELL worth the wait. Angelia decided that she wants her colors to be yellow and gray, and I've had SO much fun helping her come up with some great ideas. My husband says I spend way too much time on Pinterest finding little tid bits for their wedding, but I've discovered, planning for someone else's wedding is a LOT more enjoyable than planning for your own. It's so much less stressful!

4. Job Searching: Grrrr. I hate job searching, but I do it everyday. I just want my own classroom, filled with my own ideas. It will come one day...I just need to stay positive and keep on keepin' on. 

So that's my life lately. SUPER exciting...I know. But I'm content. I'm enjoying this transitional phase in my life, and waiting for the next.

The Grand Canyon State

We headed to the Grand Canyon state this weekend. The land of cacti and sun. While the trip was a whirlwind, it was not without excitement!
We left on Thursday night at 8:00, after Graham got out of class. I am not a fan of traveling at night. Everything just feels more ominous after the sun goes down...especially when you are in the middle of nowhere, but we still set out. The drive was filled with snacking (the best part of a road trip in my opinion), and my dad's reminiscing of days gone by. His stories usually involve alcohol and bad-decision making, so they're always entertaining. Let's just say my dad was a bit of a hellion in his younger days. Then, the foreboding that I always feel before a trip, found its justification. We ran out of gas 10 miles away from my sister's house at 2:30 in the morning. Oops. She was not happy when she got that phone call. Our heads finally nit the pillow close to 4:30 a.m.
Then, we were up bright and early the Friday morning so Graham and my dad could go ride their toys. We didn't see them all day...which was fine with me because I got to go shopping with the girls. And I scored BIG! Two tops, three skirts, a dress, a pair of boots, and a new necklace. How much did I spend?? $130. Yep...I'm quite the bargain shopper.
Saturday was spent celebrating Charlie's birthday. Her "Princess and the Pea" party was a hit!

Charlie DEFINITELY acted like the princess for the day. She tends to be extra sassy on her birthday. But as usual, her attitude just cracks me up. Sunday morning was spent going to my sister's church, and then we all said our goodbyes. I didn't cry this time...probably because my sister will be coming out in less than two weeks! Wahoo. The drive home was full of the same, except I actually got to see the landscape this time around. It was beautiful in its own way.

 Of course we had to stop at Gordon's Well for the boys to do a little riding.

 The weekend was quick, but fun and filled with my favorite things: family, food, and fun!