Thankful

(Photo: Flickr)

With Thanksgiving around the corner people always tend to think of the bigger things they are thankful for. Have you ever thought about the little things that make your heart flutter? (Or, the things that make your stomach do a little flip flop)? Even if only for a second--you have to admit that giddy feeling makes you feel incredibly blessed.

Simple things can be overlooked, but for me even the tiniest moments of life brings me happiness.

Such as..

Sitting by the fireplace with my cozy pajamas and shearling slippers.

In the morning, hearing Frankie filled with excitement because he is anticipating his daily walk with Tom.

Watching Tom take Frankie on his morning walk and graciously fighting the vicious weather we are sometimes unfortunately given.

Just seeing Frankie. (Yes, its that simple).

Free shipping.

When I come home from work and see an order placed near my front door.

Pink flowers and hydrangeas anytime of the year.

Finishing a book and then choosing a new one from my mini library.

Smelling the aroma coming from the kitchen thanks to my husband's delicious recipes.

Hearing my mom's laughter when we are talking on the phone.

Dinners with girlfriends that consists of comfort food + good conversation.

Looking up at my students and still loving my job (even when I'm completely drained and in desperate need of a day off).

Feel thankful for the small things that make your face form a quick smile and make you feel as if you have an internal glow. What little things make you happy?

Happy Halloween!

Thanks to my childhood, I will always love decorating for the holidays. Here are some random photos:

Bring on the pumpkins:

Little plastic bags gives a room a spooky vibe :)

Purchased at the best arts and crafts show in Frankfort:

My newest addition from Pier One:

My mom's decorations that she passed down to me:

Hurricane glassware from C&B that changes all year round:

Sometimes My Students Can Teach Me...

(Photo taken while walking to Starbucks)

A quote provided by one of my students:

"Growing old is mandatory-growing up is optional."

Love it.

Some Wine Please....

It's only fitting that I am listening to Pumped up Kicks by Foster the People as I upload my photos. We heard it numerous times in San Francisco and Wine Country. Every time I hear this song, I will think of our vacation.

Had to try the famous sourdough bread @ Fisherman's Wharf:

Those hills are a workout!

Driving over THE BEST BRIDGE EVER:

Tom entering a wine cave:

Before it hits the bottle:

Posing in the wine cave :)

The cute decor:

Oh, just hanging out in a vineyard:

Beautiful vineyards EVERYWHERE:

Tasting at St. Francis:

On our way to another tasting in the Ledson Mansion:

Views at Artesa:

French Chateau (Domaine Carneros):

Tasting:

Surrounded by nature:

Riding up in a cable car at Sterling Vineyards:

Best view hands down:

Tom acting silly on our way down:

A foggy morning drive up a mountain:

Sometimes just pulling over to take some shots is necessary:

We'll definitely be back!

I have more pictures of different wineries, restaurants, and scenery pictures galore!

I had to stop, otherwise this entry would be fifteen pages long :)

Moral: You HAVE to go there!

More Pics Coming Soon.....

If I had to choose one picture to define my entire trip, it would be this one without a doubt. A recent vacation to San Francisco/Wine Country consisted of just my husband and I beaming with love...

Love for each other. Love for life. Love for how beautiful nature can be.

Just a quick note: I witnessed an elderly couple laughing hysterically on the AirTrain heading back to the San Francisco airport. Apparently, this woman found something hilarious because she was bent forward, laughing with tears in her eyes, as her husband patted her back with a smile on his face. I found myself smiling because that couple didn't care who was watching, they were clearly having a great time with each other. Then I glanced over at another elderly couple that just reeked of money. They were not communicating with each other and the woman looked like she would be more in love with her lavish lifestyle than her own husband. The way I interpret this is-one couple is clearly in love. And in that moment, I saw us in the fun couple and thought--as the years pass by, I know we will be just like them.

1990..When it all Began

People always talk about the L word: LOVE. Love for another, books, movies, stores, food, etc. Or for photography-I'm loving this pic I took :)

On an airplane en route to San Francisco, I encountered a passenger that asked me how much I liked the book I was reading at that time. I expressed how much I LOVED it and from there we started a conversation about our love for books.

Prior to departing, I came across a package I've been waiting for. Now let me explain, nearly every time I receive a package by my front door I become elated. Well, THIS package made me feel like it was Christmas! As I began to unravel the package, a flood of images entered my mind as I reminisced about being twelve years old again-the year I fell in love with reading.

My love for reading began in sixth grade when I found it difficult to put a book down that belonged to the Sweet Valley series. My starting point began with Sweet Valley Twins and then eventually I became obsessed with Sweet Valley High. Elizabeth Wakefield was the more responsible, self reflective, determined twin and Jessica was the popular one. I wanted to be like Jessica at times (what girl wouldn't?) but I ended up loving Elizabeth because of her admirable character traits. Thinking back to my high school years, I chose to focus on trying to be more of a Jessica than an Elizabeth. (Unfortunately.)

So here I am, back from California, about to crack this book open with an innocent, childlike grin on my face. I'm well aware that Sweet Valley Confidential Ten Years Later may turn out to be a disappointing read for many. (I didn't read any of the book reviews because I knew any negative reviews still wouldn't steer me in the other direction.)

I WANT this book, I NEED this book, life wouldn't make sense if I didn't BUY this book were my immediate thoughts after seeing it on Facebook. I know I will enjoy it because if a book can make you connect to your life-you really can't ask for more.

The author. The realistic fictional characters. The beloved series.

(Are the reasons why I fell in love.)

When did you fall in love with your hobby?

Something Simple can be so Meaningful

Teachers sometimes tend to overlook the students that fall into the "average" category. Meaning--those students get their work done (most of the time), are usually quiet, and they just seem to blend in and not really stick out.

Some days we invest a lot of time constantly redirecting the students that have behavior issues and praising the students that are answering and asking all of the questions. As a teacher, I see three different categories of students- the favorites, the average students, and the behavioral ones.

As the school year progresses, some students shift into different categories, and the ones you didn't originally have your eye on in the beginning-can simply become the best.

I'm beginning to see that this concept is transpiring into my life outside of the classroom as well. A card in the mail (pictured above) was all that it took for me to see that even friends can shift positions. A friendship that was once considered "average" is now becoming one of the best.

I Heart the Fall

(Photo: Pinterest)

This is my new profile picture on Facebook because I absolutely love and want to savor the way I'm feeling right now. So why am I sooo excited? Let me make a list:

Fall nail polish-enough with the bright colors ladies!

Pumpkin spice and Chai lattes from Starbucks

Sweaters!!! (Oh how I've missed you!)

Comfy, embellished flats

Halloween decorations which means Christmas decorations are right around the corner!! :)

New Language Arts position at work is in full swing and I'm lovin' it

Colorful autumn leaves will soon cover the ground...

I love where I live because every time the seasons change, I feel refreshed and renewed. I have this sudden burst of energy right now because the extreme heat has passed-and a feeling of coolness has not only entered the atmosphere, but is also present within.

I took it easy this summer, however I learned that is simply not for me. I am the happiest when I am surrounded by the people that I love. So what is on the agenda for fall?

Some "me" time, continue working out frequently, see more of my friends and family, and NAPA!!

A Quote that Speaks the Truth

After I read this quote, I felt thankful for what I have. I'm thankful for my supportive family, amazing husband, non-competitive friends, beautiful home, and my little love Frankie. Don't ever feel discouraged for the things you feel like you don't have because no one has it all. Be happy for what you DO have and anticipate the unknown.

Quick copy and paste:

Door County, WI.

This past weekend, we attended a beautiful outdoor wedding in Door County. If you are ever in the mood for a little getaway, filled with simple pleasures-I highly suggest visiting this area. There are wineries, markets galore, little shops, various restaurants, and the list goes on.....

Here are some of my pictures:

The famous Al Johnson's restaurant (great Swedish pancakes!):

Close up of a goat on the roof:

How cute is this colorful little place? We stopped there for a quick bite to eat:

Little shops with eye-catching landscaping:

The backyard of a store:

An ice cream shop:

The brother in laws @ Shipwrecked-who get along as well as real brothers:

Pre-ceremony with my sisters, the coolest chicks I know:

We had a blast in Door County and I can't help but feel blessed that I have such an incredible family. My sisters are successful women who believe that age is just a number and our motto will always be to smile, laugh, and act silly no matter what!

Life is short. Have fun people!!! :)

Better Late Than Never

Time flies by and sometimes a simple task on a to do list can easily vanish in the midst of a busy schedule. Weeks ago, I mentioned posting pics of my mini flower box project, so here are the late pics-enjoy!

OCD ALERT: Can't EVER decide quickly, so I purchased an assortment of potential flower boxes:

And the winner is:

Other pics of what Tom planted over the last two summers:

The front entrance completed 100% by moi:

Our birdhouse made by my father-in-law:

Frankie loving his new football and clearly not impressed by the flowers :)

The flower madness will continue next summer and then hopefully we can start our garden!