I can't believe I haven't posted since the summer...well actually I guess I can! It has been a crazy 6 months since then! Let's place a little catch up shall we?
-In late August/September I started my very first teaching job, as a 5th grade teacher. It has been so much fun, hard work, tough days, and fun days since! I love my class, and feel blessed that they are my first group. It has been a whirlwind, and there is always so much to do, but I love it. I fully understand now just how challenging this profession can be, but also how rewarding. I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity.
-In September, on the 14th, we closed on our first house! After looking for quite awhile, we found a great place in Ridgefield that we just love! It is an old barn that was rebuilt, and has high beamed ceilings, a loft, wide plank floors, and a beautiful kitchen. We are even right across the street from a pond and can see a lake on the other side! We have loved living here so far, and have found some great hiking places in the area!
-In September, we also found out that my best friend, Nora, and my sister-in-law, Sarah, are both expecting babies! Sarah is having a girl, and I can't wait to be an aunt in June! I also am so excited to meet Nora's little one in May!
-In October, Tim's grandfather, Poppy, passed away. It was a really rough time for the family but we did get to spend a lot of time together remembering all the wonderful memories. He truly was a remarkable man, and I think that if you knew him, it was a privilege to know him.
Also in October, Hurricane Sandy hit hard, and we were without power for 4 days.
-In November, we got our puppy, McKinley! She is a Shiloh Shepherd, and now is just over 5 months old. She is a beautiful girl, and we are totally in love with her! She makes everything that we do more fun. She loves playing fetch, her ball, and ice cubes. She even enjoys her crate usually, and it took her awhile to like her bed. Recently, she has enjoyed snuggling in OUR bed right before we go to sleep, and gets down as soon as we turn off the light, which I think is so cute :). She is always so excited to see us when we get home, and we love taking her for hikes. We certainly got lucky with her!
-In December, I celebrated my 29th birthday with a wonderful dinner out with Tim. We also got our very first Christmas tree, that was over 10 feet tall! It was HUGE, and we barely fit it through the door. It was so fun to decorate for Christmas, and along with the regular holiday traditions, we also hosted the Hawes side of the family for the day after Christmas. Tim made a 20 ft. long table just for the event!
Also in December, the Sandy Hook shooting occurred...as a teacher, in the next town over, it was a terrifying, horrific, and completely heartbreaking day.
-In January, we went to an amazing Christian concert to Benefit Sandy Hook. HUGE Christian artists from around the country came to Bridgeport to perform and pray with us, and it was spectacular.
And so far this month, we have had a CRAZY winter storm that dumped about 18 inches at our house, and 30+ in Southbury. I didn't have school for 3 days, and then came back for a quick 2 days before our 4 day weekend!
We celebrated our THIRD anniversary, seriously where does the time go! I made lots of treats and a really yummy dinner to celebrate! Tim also took me on a trip to Jay Peak, Vermont where we stayed at a Bed & Breakfast, skied for 3 days (well, 2 and a few runs on the third), hung out in the lodge, and stopped at Harpoon Brewery on the way home for some great beer and food. It was a wonderful trip to celebrate, and I am so thankful that we went!
I think that about catches us up, I'll try not to wait too long next time! :)
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