More Christmas FUN!

Today was spent hanging out with the Glass family. We've had a busy day..... starting with a tasty breakfast of blueberry pancakes and then a trip to town. While they guys had to run to Walmart, Katie, Annie and I decided a trip to Caribou was needed. After a busy day, Scott grilled delicious ribs and we certainly enjoyed them-- however, I would have to say the most entertaining part of the evening was the dinner table conversations. To make a long story short, we were all entertained by Jesse, Luke and Annie trying to put their spoons on their noses( Annie eventually got it!), and then watching Luke and Jesse nearly fall over laughing over the videos on youtube. The video was funny, but watching the guys was even better. We have had a great time here and certainly hope to make this a tradition!

Random Pictures

I hope everyone had a great Christmas..... here are a few shots of the holiday season with family. We were with the Aune side for Christmas Eve and the Poderzay side for Christmas day. Both evenings were great~ visiting, playing games, and catching up. I always love this time of year.

Jesse and I are currently with his family over in Bemidji. Who knows what the day will bring, but I look forward to spending time with his family. I hope to have some more pictures soon.

Visiting Friends and Family!

This weekend I was able to get to meet up with a few wonderful friends (and family!). Friday night I drove through Grand Rapids and on my way, my cousin Tara met me for dinner. It is always great to see her-- she is hilarious. We had a nice dinner and were able to get lots of giggles in. Tara is newly pregnant, so it was fun getting to see her very small belly. Congrats, Tara and Todd! We look forward to meeting your baby this summer!
Saturday Jesse and I were in Bemidji helping his sister and her fiance build their house. They have decided to do nearly all the work themselves.....and it's beautiful! They started May 15 and are almost ready to be sleeping in their house. It was great getting to see their progress, as I hadn't been their since August.
I did spend Saturday morning and part of an afternoon visiting with Laura W. I was able to see her (and Adam's) house, and then I stole her for the day. We went and got the oil changed in Jesse's car ( I know, how exciting!), and then shopped the mall-- which was ridiculously packed with people, and then we went and had lunch and a coffee at this adorable little coffee shop downtown Bemidji. I had a wonderful visit with Laura and look forward to seeing her again soon!
Sunday we went and worked a bit on the house again, and then I took off kind of early. On my way home, I stopped in to visit my other cousin, Tawnya. She was busy working on school stuff, but certainly made enough time to make me a sweet cd. Thanks, Tawn! I will get to see her again soon, but was so glad that I could FINALLY see where she and Tara have been living. They have an adorable little apt that is decorated so cute. IN fact, I think I may have to hire them to do some of my decorating ( i am terrible at that stuff!).
Anyways- it was a busy weekend, but feel so lucky to have been able to see so many people.
As for now, it's back to school for a crazy chaotic--yet joyous-- week before Christmas vacation starts! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Why I Love My Job

As teachers, we learn things daily with our students, but more importantly FROM our students. I have learned some very important lessons this year and would love to share my stories with you.....

1. Earlier this year, my little ones were diligently working on beading necklaces in art class. Anyone who works with (or has) small children knows that their fine motor skills are very-much still developing at 5 years of age. At any rate, I had one little one who worked for about 40 minutes, stringing tiny little beads on a rope. As I went to pick up my students from art class, she asked me to tie the necklace around her neck like the rest of the class. So- being the novice at tying things (I tie about 20 shoelaces a day!), I quickly grabbed the necklace to tie it around her neck. Just as I begin to tie it, the beads fall al over the place... they are rolling on the table, under the table... all across the room! I felt awful as I knew how hard she had worked. Now, keep in mind, if it were her that dropped the necklace, I probably would have gotten completely frustrated with her and told her to pick it up-- quickly--. However, as soon as I dropped the beads, her quick reply was "It's ok Miss Aune. It was just an accident." -- Then she began picking up the beads as her friends helped her.

2. My latest lesson learned has come out of tragedy. We recently had a close relative pass away from one of my kindergarten students. My first graders and I were trying to think of ways to help the little one cope when she comes back to school. They decided they'd like to make her cards, so of course I thought that was great. As they were working so hard at their desks, one little girl asked me how to spell the word ONCE. I asked her why, and she said (and I quote) " Because I want to write- Once you love someone, they will stay in your heart forever." How true-- and how straight from the heart.

I have truly learned a great deal from these innocent little ones. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my job.

We heart Brainerd!!

This weekend Jesse and I taveled to Brainerd to visit Erin and Bill. Friday night we went to a restaurant called Poncho and Lefty's. We had a delicious Mexican meal (hence the goofy picture) and some great (or should I say silly) conversations. After that, we came back to their apt to watch a movie. Both Erin and I were too tired to stay up, so we let the boys finish it on their own. Saturday Erin and I met the 'infamous' Sara for a coffee. I hear MANY Sara stories-- and I was glad to finally be able to meet her! She is a riot, and I can see why they are such good friends. We then headed to Erin's school to do a little work before meeting up with the guys for lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. The afternoon was spent doing a little shopping, and then watching Elf last night. Today has been a lazy day~ and I am certainly enjoying it. Soon we will leave to head back for the work week. I have really enjoyed my weekend and look forward to more great times with family soon! Thanks for having us Bill and Erin!!

8 Things.

Ersy tagged me with this 8 things list.? Apparently I am supposed to write 8 things that most people wouldn't know about me and then tag other people. I won't tag anyone, but feel free to join in the fun if you wish! Here's my list....

1. When I was 4, I rode my tricycle down the outside stairs and lost a bunch of teeth. They didn't come back until 2nd grade. I think that is part of the reason I don't like apples anymore. I couldn't eat them for quite some time.
2. I am obsessed with this mint lip gloss that Erin introduced me to a couple of years ago. I have about 8 tubes of it. I feel it's a need.
3. I've traveled to 5 countries in Europe, been to Mexico twice, taken a bus trip to Georgia, Florida and Washington DC. -- My trip to Florida was for Spring Break with 5 other girls and it was quite an adventure. I don't think I will ever go on a bus for that long again.... though once we were there, we did have fun.
4. I passed out at the Smithsonian and got to go on to the 'secret floor'. I think it was just dehydration.
5. I hate cotton balls. I can't touch them. They gross me out.
6. MIce freak me out. I scream and stand on furniture if i see one. Sometimes I might even cry. I'd rather be in a room with snakes or spiders.
7. Whenever I get my haircut, Trisha (my cousin/hairdresser) has to give me a towel to hold over my face. I also have to plug my ears~ otherwise I giggle soooo hard and loud. It's embarrassing. It's kind of like the cotton-ball thing all over again. It drives me crazy.
8. I once was chosen randomly to play in a slot machine tournament when I worked at a daycare. I won $100 for pushing a button. It was sweet.

There it is.

Snowed In!

Last night I drove to the cities, knowing there was a winter storm headed to cover the state of Minnesota. My first stop was a quick catch-up with Nikki, my college roommate. Nikki and I lived together all 4 years of college and have been close friends ever since. I don't get to see her as often as I'd like, but I really have a great time when we are together. We met in Maple Grove, did some quick shopping and then went at had dinner at the Olive Garden. It was so nice seeing her and I look forward to meeting up again soon!
After that, I headed to Jesse's. He was at the Timberwolves game with a friend and got home not long after I arrived. Apparently they had seats in the 3rd row behind the bench. Once he got home, we were looking online and happened to find a shot of him sitting right behind a screaming coach. Lucky guys..... getting to sit so close! The T-wolves lost the game, but I am sure it was an exciting one regardless.
Today has been a very relaxing day. I was hoping to sleep in until at least 8,(really I was hoping for 10- I haven't done that in soooo long!) however 5:30 came and I was wide awake. I hate that! So- I was all ready to head to Target and the mall around 8:00, but it started to snow. Since I am super paranoid about driving in icky weather, we decided to run to the grocery store and pick up some yummmy treats and movies (We love redbox!) for the day. So far, we have done laundry, watched movies and ate popcorn, did some sporadic swimming in the pool, made fajitas, took a sauna.... and Jesse did get a little stir crazy, as he decided to take his bike for a spin in his apt. Who knows what the rest of evening will bring. There is a kayak sitting in here, and he just might take that for a paddle around the kitchen as well!
I suppose I should bring up the fact that Erin and Bill were supposed to head here today, so that the 4 of us could go to the Gopher hockey game.... but neither Erin nor I will let the guys drive. Yes, they are a bit bummed, but I am sure they would much rather spend time with us gals anyways!?? We are hoping to catch another game with them soon.....
At any rate, I have certainly enjoyed being 'stuck' inside today and I look forward to what tomorrow might bring! Rumor has it, my friend Amy (with Steve and baby Jack) is stuck in MPLS for the night as well-- so we are hoping to catch up for a quick coffee before they have to head back to Iowa. It would be SO FUN to see them before they go to Hawaii for Christmas.
There's my snow day. What do you like to do for snow days??