Struck

I was really struck by this post from Tim Challies. Oh, how I am thankful that if we get the honor of having boys, I have William to help me raise them into men. He's really good at using his strength, knowledge, and ability to help others (thanks, Boy Scouts & Swenson Ladies!). And I see how truly a rarity it is in grown men and even my growing students.

It's raining, it's pouring...

Willliam bought our dogs some raincoats! And so far, they hate 'em. We hope they grow to love them in time! They sure look hilariously cute!! And I got a good long laugh out of it too. :)We've been loving all the rain & how green it's makes everything! So beautiful!! And we've been having lots of fires to keep us warm & cozy. I'm thinking about planting my veggie garden again this year too. I can't believe it's March already!!! Wow!

Oh, yes...

It was so great! Definitely worth seeing again, and I'm sure (much to William's dismay) we'll be owning it! :)  Going with mom was a great ending to a looooong week! We both needed a little chick flick, fashion action! 

Napa

I've been SO behind in blogging so that's why I have posted 3 today! Will & I went on a fabulously wonderful Napa trip about 3 weeks ago. We got a great deal on this B&B (off season, and deals for economic decline). We tasted wine, walked everywhere in downtown Napa, shopped at the outlets, and ate yummy food. It was so great to get away and before the rain came.Our Sun Room equipped with our private balcony & claw-foot bathtub! We loved being surrounded by windows.Walking along the Napa River in downtown NapaBeautifully green vineyards while wine tasting!Fun time with proscuitto machine at Louis Martini undergound cellar wine tour! We are so thankful for the Rosenblatts who hooked us up with some great tastings. We can't wait to go back to Napa, St. Helena, and Calistoga. Definitely a fabulous weekend!!

Adding some fire!

I think Saturdays afternoons have officially become our hang out indoors time. With this fabulously rainy and overcast weather, it seems like a perfect way to spend time together. William built a fire and we played Scrabble right in front of it with some tea! We did, of course, put our own little twist to the game, which has typically been used with poker. ;) Can you tell I won?? Enough said, I presume.

Girls Night Out

On Friday night, I had the privilege of hanging out with some of the amazing women that I get to work with. We had a blast catching up on life, de-stressing from the week, and enjoying lots of laughter. I'm sure we were annoying to those around us at The Main St. Brewery and Redcoats.

A Sucker for Fashion

That's how I'd describe myself. And now with the internet, I've discovered some fabulous gems! Upon my search to gather information for the fashion cluster, I found some great blogs, websites, etc written by amazing women. Women, like me, who love fashion, but also have some ideals to uphold. Some call themselves: Empowered Traditionalists.

So they combined both concepts and created:
Christa Taylor Fashion Line
Eliza magazine

Right now, Christa Taylor is offering a free subscription to Eliza Magazine through her blog. Click & comment into order to enter!

(image taken from Christa Taylor's SALE section)

New Hair

A new style and color. I haven't seen Gretchen (my lovely hair lady) since July so I was desperate for something new. I'm trying to grow it out, but it was at the lack-luster medium length. I needed new layers and BANGS! :) Thanks, Gretchen!

Swenson Weekend

We had a fabulous time hanging out with Wesley, Carolyn, and baby Josiah!! We ate lots of food, talked family, played at the park, and enjoyed each other's company.

This last picture shows a classic Swenson activity:

Fabulously Fashionable

One highlight of being a 5th teacher at my school is our annual Spring Enrichment Clusters.Each teacher grades 3-5 is responsible for holding one, either themselves or a parent. It happens every Friday for the last hour of school. Students get an opportunity to take the "class" of their choice and learn about all various interests: sewing, language, woodcarving, robotics, chess, photography, yoga, running, cooking. etc. Basically a really cool "hobby/interest group". 

Last year, I channeled my past cheerleader & taught some girls a dance and various cheers I remembered from high school days. This year, I'm heading up a fashion class! I figured I've learned a lot in my years... come a long way from my preppy Limited Two outfits, awkward teen Wet Seal uber trend-follower, quick jeans/flip-flops/t-shirt outfits of college, thereafter to come 180 degrees to care about my wardrobe with a balance of class, comfort and trendiness. So I will try to educate a few 4/5th grade girls. 

We'll see how far I can steer them away from Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch! :) I couldn't even breathe or hear when I walked in the other day to experience my little girl demographics. I've turned into an old lady who's sensible (insert my mom here)! The ONLY naked man I WANT to see is my husband...my distaste for those places would altogether be another post! Ah, I definitely can't wait for the next 6 weeks! Here's to molding young minds!

(image is a collection of Christa Taylor's line)