A new home, and a new (school) year...

I know. Who waits almost an entire MONTH to update their blog? Well, this girl. :) It's been a really busy season of life for me, so please forgive the lack of updates. I will do my best to fill ya'll in on life as I know it. Since July 30... *I finished up my 3rd summer of graduate school with a bang! A's in both classes? Check. *Traveled home to the lake again. Ah...nothing better than 2 nieces, 3 nephews, 3 siblings, 3 in-laws, mom, dad, and THE LAKE. Bliss. *Got family pictures taken at the lake. Five children under the age of five and a professional photo shoot? You bet. Classic quotes from photographer to yours truly, "Don't worry, it won't look awkward even though you're single," and "You don't want all that weight out front. Just kick it back." Thanks, lady. Thanks.

(In case you wanted to know who everyone is.....it goes like this by families: my mom and dad. Oldest bro Zack and his wife Michelle, and their 3 year old Charlie and 8 month old Grady. Sister Heidi and her husband Nate, and their 5 year old Sasha and 3 year old Alexis. Brother Joel and his wife Lora, and their 1 year old Alberto (Beto) ) *Packed up my life in Ontario, rented a U-Haul, and moved closer to school! (Thank you, Megan, Megan, Melanie, Jeremy, and Nate!) *Chilled out in Dana Point with some family (mom and dad in Cali! Yay!), and attended cousin Lindsay's wedding. BEAUTIFUL. *Unpacked boxes and bags in my new place. Basically having my very own apartment = the best. *Youth group pool party. Didn't actually go in the pool, but it was f.u.n. *Celebrated baby Beto's 1st birthday via facebook (and a card sent in the mail a little late) I love you, little guy!

*Celebrated my mom's birthday with a phone call (and card sent in the mail a little late) I love you, too, Mom! *Went to "New Teacher Orientation" at school since I missed out on it last year (remember...God blessed me with a job in the middle of November? This year I am blessed to START the year with the kiddos!) *Organized and cleaned my classroom. Made copies for the first week, looked at class rosters, and decided I might actually be ready for another year of teaching! (sure helps to only live 5 minutes away...!) *Went to church in Chino for the first time in weeks. It was good to be back. *Celebrated the b-day of a girl in youth group by having lunch at Vince's Spaghetti. Yum. (Happy birthday tomorrow, Unique!) *Good conversations with friends in Ontario. Now I'm home again - I decided to go for a run/walk tonight, try and get to know my new neighborhood. Two things I learned: I would not make it in the Olympics, and I am horribly out of shape. This is day one of getting in shape....I've got to find a new gym tomorrow...! First day of school tomorrow...for freshman and new kiddos. Yay. Will be a fun day. We were told to wear red...I guess so kids know we are WCHS teachers..? Awesome. Good thing I have a super cute red dress! :) Tuesday is when the real fun starts - with all the kiddos. I am teaching a new class this year...Spanish 2! Wa-hoo! I will get to have some of the same students in Spanish 2 that I had last year in Spanish 1. Will they be happy or sad about that? Um...I don't want to know. :) That's about it for now....I am sure there is more I could tell ya, but I'll leave you in suspense until the next blog post. Here's to a 7th year if teaching......!