Girl's Night! (and Carl)

We have been living in Kentucky for... 27 days now! We've pretty much settled into our apartment (it's a lot bigger than our previous one), got into the groove of our jobs (it's amazing we're not school anymore), and have connected with my family once more! We had Annie, Angela, and Autumn over last Friday night to hang out with us. We don't see them much because of our work schedules, so we thought it'd be good to reconnect with them. Carl is an absolute HAM with the girls and they love his crazy sense of humor almost as much as I do. Hey, it's what caught my eye in the first place! You know what I am talking about, ladies ;) We had a really fun night with promises of sleepovers in the future.

Big eye!



Big nose!






Of course, Autumn had get in on the fun!



The girls!

 

My favorite!





A January Celebration

I've really been into creating mini movies lately. I'm not sure what the cause is. When talking to Carl about it, he stated that I've always been into creating movies and reminded me of mine and Erin's past time of filming and piecing together movies. Good thing my husband remembers my past better than me ;)

Last month you were able to witness the Virgin side and their silliness as displayed in our talent show; this month you will receive the Day side! My parent's 27th anniversary was January 4, and I decided to document the occasion. I know that was 2 weeks ago, but I never got a chance to film Carl and myself that night. I meant to do it later, but our life has been crazy busy as of late, so we're still not on the film. You'll have to live without us this time! Here's a 5 minute recap of the night:

My favorite thing about our family is the love we have for each other. You might think that 10 intermediate family members PLUS 3 in-laws PLUS 2 and half nieces/nephews makes your love rather thin. On the contrary, it grows ever deeper. Our love shows in a variety of ways, but it's always present. It's what I love about living here in Kentucky.

Resolving

A new year is so exciting!! Call me lame, but I love the excitement that the change of the year brings. Watching the ball drop is a must for me on New Years Eve, and one day I will be there in person! Preferably when Lady GaGa is not there. Last year was my first time ever making official resolutions, and I only thought it would be fitting to continue the tradition. Carl and I make "couple" resolutions too; this year has some pretty challenging resolves! (1) Work out every day of 2012 (minus sick days) (2) Continue to learn sign language (we are fluent in the ABC's!), and (3) Finish Jesus, The Christ together. As for my resolutions:

• Keep a journal in which a record self-discoveries about myself. I really enjoy blogging and sending my thoughts out to the unknown, but I want something more secrete and contemplative. This is my solution.
• Be more financially minded. My parents are an excellent example to me of how to keep tabs on your income and spending. We are planning some big events to come in 2012, and I want to be smart in our finances.
• My third resolve will be disclosed in a future post.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A Virgin Christmas

This Christmas was my first year away from my family. It was quite a novelty to say the least! The Virgin family has traditions for what seemed like each night of the week including a white elephant, a nativity scene, and a talent show. Now each of these events have unspoken specifications (or so it seemed) so Carl led and guided me through the experience. The talent show, for example, means show the family any uncanny skills you possess! It was a spectacular night full of surprises and laughs. Below is a 12-minute bit of some events from the night!

Carl and I decided to make up a family song for ours and it ended up being a big hit! Well, Carl made up the song; I assisted. You might not be able to understand all of Carl's lyrics (he didn't have time to practice) but it's full of family experiences and inside jokes. Also, to clarify Carl's ending verse, I am NOT pregnant. We just wanted to tease the family!

ENJOY!

'Tis The Season!

Who knew December would sneak up this quickly? I love December 1 because I feel justified in celebrating Christmas! This is my absolute favorite holiday; I love the feeling that colorful lights, giving of gifts, and celebrations with loved ones bring. Carl and I have been listening to a variety of Christmas music and we are constantly saying, "Ooo, I love this song!" or "This is my favorite!" I decided to list my top 5 favorite Christmas songs in no particular order (more for my sake than anything)!

1. Oh, Holy Night

2. Angels We Have Heard on High

3. The Christmas Song

4. Carol of the Bells

5. What Child Is This?

Christmas music makes me so grateful that I have a voice to sing!

A Blog of Thanks

Carl and I were talking the other day about how you should be thankful every day of your life, and unfortuantly I am guilty of not always counting my blessings. However, because of this day of thanks I dedicate this post a few of the MANY things I am grateful for.

1. My loving husband, Carl. I would not be this happy if it were not for him! I grateful I am to be eternally his!

2. I love my family more than anything. My dad, my mom, Ashley, Allan, Annie, Angela, Autumn, Aaron, Amelia... they bring so much goodness to my life.

3. Breakfast. I will always be grateful for this beautiful meal that begins each day. Erin Stolworthy can tell you what number that is on my list ;)
4. What is life without good friends. I have been so blessed to meet so many wonderful people throughout my life and continue to stay close to a few of them.

5. I am so thankful for the restored gospel and my membership to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its standards and teachings are what make me who I am today; as well, it continues to change me into a better person.

6. Okay, this is a bit silly, but I am grateful for small, cute things--puppies, babies, mini bottles of ketchup--they light up my day. There is something about itty bitty things that make me smile.

7. I am grateful for humor. Though I am not a funny person, I love a good joke, a silly dance, or a witty remark. Laughter will always be a part of my world.

8. A good education and soon a degree & teaching certificate! I finished all the requirements for graduation last week with my student teaching and will receive my certification at the end of December. I am so thrilled to be a college graduate.

Of course, Carl and I had to make "thankful turkeys." I know, so 3rd grade, but we had a good time ;)

The Beginning of the End

Today was my last day of student teaching at Pyle Middle School. I would go so far to say that it was the best 13 weeks of my 4-year college education because I was able to learn so much about teaching and about myself. There's only so much you can do in a college classroom, though I did apply many of tools and principles learned there. While in the classroom I was able to learn what kind of teacher I am--what my strengths and weaknesses are--and how I interact with colleagues and students. Even though I am pleased with what I accomplished during these past 13 weeks, I know what I need to improve on and how to take it to the next level when I have my own classroom.

My students were simply amazing. They were so sweet, very polite and usually eager to learn. I was fortuante enough to have advanced 8th graders, so as a whole they like to do well in class! Each class had a unique personality to it and I always tried to adapt my lesson plans to what they would respond well to. I couldn't resist taking a picture of three of my classes :) They were the best thing that has happened to me in my very limited teaching career. I can only hope for classes like these in my future!



Period 4





Period 5



Period 7