Yes...we have friends... No we dont pay them.

When Dan and I talked about leading a small group, we decided to do it for multiple reasons.  First, we missed Christian community with our age group. Second, marriages around us were failing terribly and we were frightened by the problems that were surrounding them; we felt we had something to say and we would be the need at Mosaic Church to open that communication.  Third, we wanted to laugh and have fun.  The Lord has blessed us wonderfully with couples who love Him and love each other.  

From Left to Right, Josh and Julie, me and Dan, Jennifer and Jared.  

Our Co-Leaders, Lee and Crystal (excited  about my homemade apple cider)

Michelle and Andy, our resident Newlyweds!

Jared and Jennifer...here, they are doing a marriage communication game.  Jared has the remote to control the video game while Jennifer watches and tells him where to go.  Frustrating-ly Fun!  

Julie, Jennifer, Crystal and me at the Women's retreat with our flowers!  

I love this holiday. I have learned to love it because of its focus on food. Any day that is dedicated to beautiful creations of food combinations (like potatoes and cheese or bread and chicken broth) is a good day for me.  I also enjoy getting together with family and sharing stories (of Ireland and Paris!), playing games (whistling 'margaritaville'), hiking a NC hill/mountain, eating a lot of food, playing putt putt (awkward underground back '9') and taking photos!  This year, the Hallers (Bill&Barb, Mark- we missed you Jill, Katie and David) came to 14009 for some seriously fabulous fun...

Dan and I looking at Charlotte in the distance from the top of the Mountain!

This picture took some serious strength and trust...but look at us, we're on top of the world!!!

Katie and I making a peppermint-brownie-ice cream-chocolate trifle.

Top view of our new table with our pretty plates and everything!  It was fun to decorate and plan and organize all the food. I was in my element!  Special thanks to all who helped by eating, encouraging, cleaning (thank you Dan, youre the best husband I know!), and complimenting.

A better view of our new table! We sat 10!

Photo Booth Phun

Dan was the sweetest husband/best friend on this years October 21st. He blessed me so much as he surprised me first with Breakfast in Bed...and a teaser of cash to go shopping after work (so he could scheme up the best idea ever).  I went shopping and came home around 6:50pm. 

When I walked in, he had the table set up and a nice candlelit steak dinner (grass fed beef and all!).  After, I opened a card sitting on the table and inside was my first CLUE for a 24 RHYMING scavenger hunt!  It was a blast as I ran all over the house hurrying to find my presents. Reminder, I had not received ANY gifts because Dan ransacked the mailbox so I couldn't see any 'sized' gifts.

My last clue was to enter the guest room and over in the corner was a new MAC BOOK!  I squealed like a girl.  I have so many things I want to do with a new computer and Dan gave me something that I didnt deserve. He worked with our friend who works at the Apple store and bought 'last seasons' computers (who the heck cares?!?!)  THANK YOU to DAN!!

Now, the new computers have a fun little tool that warps pictures and here are some photos of that fun lil experience...we were on the floor laughing hysterically!!!!

HAHA. They still make me laugh so hard!

Being A Mom

Its been decided... I want to be a mom. Not tomorrow or even next year but I have finally realized that I think I'll be pretty good at it...thanks to having some practice this past Tuesday with Zach and Allie...  I was  thrilled to see them both and I think they felt the same for me considering Zach pulled the curtains down in his excitement.  There was a bit of a pooping spree on that following morning (and no dad, I didnt bring ANY flax seed to the house!) but we played around and did some fun activities that included paint, markers and glue.  We also ate a lot of food, Zach can almost out-eat me and Allie is a hoot to feed as she laughs, sneezes and resists the squash and bananas as more ended up on my shirt.  

I came home that night exhausted and happy to have spent a day with my two favorite children.  

The RACE!

The rain was falling when Dan peeked in the door and said, "They're here!"  I was pulling a Thai chicken pizza out of the oven when I heard Zachy squeal "Unkie Dan!!!"  After a dinner of fun conversations and eagerness about the next day's 10k, we played around the house with the kids. My dad even surprised us from Virginia!!  Raschelle, Mom, Rebecca, Dad, Zach, Allie, Dan...what more could I ask for?

The next morning, the rain was still falling and that alarm 'wah, wah wah wah' going off was jarring to my soul. As I stepped out using my muscles for the first time, they awoke with excitement. 

Downtown on 6th street, there was an anxious feeling about all the 10k participants, including Raschelle who decided to join us (!!!!!) for the 10k instead of the 5k.   One man was so distracted that he forgot to hit the lock button on the port-a-jon and was SURPRISED by me... (a-w-k-w-a-r-d)  

We started out together and with rain showers passing along the 6.2 miles, we split up but all came together at the end.  As I was running, I was thinking hard to myself about all the training I'd done up to this point.  I felt feelings I've never felt because I was experiencing something I had never done.   A 10k might not be a milestone in your life (either because you've run ten marathons or cant even walk the mall) but it sure was for me. I felt like I could change the world...and I did. I encouraged people around me on their last .1 mile to the finish line and with joy and excitement, we cheered Raschelle in what I hope was one of her proudest moments.  

Pictures weren't taken as much as we had planned ,there was miscommunication on the part of the finish-line destination but, we were together...bananas and powerade...and we finished

remembering

As I was sitting with my coffee and peanut butter graham crackers this morning, I was reminded of being in 2nd period Spanish when a student came in and said, "A plane just flew into the World Trade Center."  

I laughed, "Dummy!" 

I was corrected, "Jenny, it was a huge plane, not some single-seater."  

Little did I know our world would change... How could I laugh? I feel no guilt for my stupidity, I became instantly sensitive, emotional and worried as I ran to the office to make sure my Mom knew and that my Dad, who was still on Base, was okay.  That day was wretched as I watched 'live' the second plane and heard of the rumors of other planes.  The footage is embedded in my brain and memory and I am grateful for the pain. It reminds me.

Lets take a moment, reflect on that day and the past years...and realize that we've been kept safe from other attacks. There have been serious threats and serious dangers and we've taken advantage of our freedom and easy-going-ness that allows us to work, play, shop, live, walk and survive in these dangerous times.  

Thank someone today for protecting this country and remember the soldiers who've died for terrorism and remember those who died innocently on September 11, 2001.

'she has chocolate'

Well, the best part of my day (week, month etc) was getting to see Allie and Zach...and Rebecca and Raschelle for a few hours today. We met in Greenville, SC, a perfect half-way point for us all. I was thrilled when Rebecca asked if I would take some photos of the children for her. I enjoyed this adventure getting them both to behave, smile, laugh etc in a gorgeous garden in the historic district of the city. Here are some of the prettiest.







ps- the title of the post regards a comment made by Zach when mommy was changing Allie's diaper...you understand...

Proud Hallers

This past weekend, Dan and I traveled to Quantico, Virginia to participate in  a beautiful day of Marine glory.  The sun was peeking through light clouds and a breeze was cooling the 4,000 guests at the Marine parade. We were in the company of seriously proud family members and friends.   In light of the current 'global war on terror', being in the presence of Americans who do not understand war but entrust their lives in these Marines was honoring and humbling.  

Officer candidate school is the most rigorous, mentally challenging, difficult thing these men and women have ever done and finishing the summer is such an accomplishment. Their character was tested and they passed.  Dan and I were filled with pride and love as we thought of those soldiers gone before in the beloved wars we've studied.  We felt excited when the cannons exploded and filled the sky with smoke. We were thrilled when we saw David for the first time and were blessed to be able to see and spend quality time with Eric and our family.  Leaving Quanitco was sad for more reasons than leaving family...we were sad because we were in the company of loving, Godly, patriotic people that we know are few and far between nowadays.  

Eric is in the second to last line here, second from the left, standing a bit taller than the men in his row.

The beautiful and proud women of the Satterlee Clan..and some guy named Dennis...

David Foley, best friend and buddy, also attended OCS this summer but will be commissioned after he graduates from Taylor.  

Look at that stud in his uniform...Though his upmost desire was to be in the nude... in a swimming pool...with Schnitzel.

Proud Mom and Marine...Jenny and Eric.

Anniversary 2

Here are some photos of our Kiawah Adventures.

Kayaking in the river!

A night walk on the beach (oops we played in the dunes!)
ps- We have perfected the self-timer option.

The grossest, scariest spider I've ever seen. Please click on the spider and check out its body...it looks like a skull... We were informed that this is a banana spider, good to keep the mosquitoes away. It didnt matter if they werent poisonous, they were freaky.

I loooved biking on the beach!!
(and look at my cute basket!)

And lastly, our anniversary dinner at the fancy Jasmine Porch where we ate to our hearts content thanks to Uncle Mark's gift! It was romantic and pretty.

Our trip was wonderful and we're so grateful for our year. We've experienced a lot but our love is strong, we're committed and communicating...but mostly, we love each other unconditionally with God as our main focus. Thanks to all for the messages and encouragement. We love you!

Anniversary trip 1

Its been a year since our big day and to celebrate, we headed South to another Carolina and visited Charleston and Kiawah Island. The mini-second-honeymoon was FANTASTIC. We did all that we love: read books, saw historic monuments, ate fabulous food, slept in, had breakfast in bed, rode bikes on the beach and got a little sun (one of us got a little toooo much).

ABove is the Ft. Sumter remnants. We took a ferry out to the Fort and really enjoying seeing the BIRTHPLACE of the Civil War, where the firsts shot were taken.

Two lovers who also happen to be history lovers

Our dream house near Battery Park (in South Charleston).

A gorgeous Sunset with the Charleston Harbor.

Look at that SUPER cute Starbucks house Charleston! (They didnt make the Mugs though, so this is all I got!)

Party on the 4th.

We headed to Hotlanta for the 4th of July where we met up with Aunt Jenny (aka old Aunt Jen), Uncle Denny, Emily, my Dad and Mom, Granny (aka, Great Gramma Cwaire), Raschelle and the Eakers (not to mention the cutest kids ever...Zach and Allie)...

We had a great time picking blueberries, eating (ALOT) and relaxing with each other while the boys put together Zach's new playground. It was wonderful and I miss the family already!

A great picture of Emily, Raschelle and I doing some sparklers in the truck!

Allie's sweet face!  (She's saying, 'Aunt Jen, why is that thing in my face?')

A mom and her son!  (in Americana colors!)

Zach would NOT throw the water balloons, I'm certain its because Grammy threw them and got him wet and he was thereafter afraid...this pink one was never popped!

And here he is, caught in the act, of mimicking Grammy as she struggled to blow up the tiny balloons.

(Sorry to Rebecca for not uploading these to shutterfly, my computer wouldnt do it and we're leaving tomorrow...hope these help!)

Chop Chop

I got my hair cut!  I was getting a little bored with what I had and it was getting very tiresome to dry after running a few miles...in the heat. So I cut a good 5-6 inches off!  The wonderful stylist Sarah gave my bangs that I dont love but I'm learning how to adjust and style.  Dan first said that with the bangs, I looked like a hit woman. I guess we've been watching a little toooo much 24.  But anyway, here are some photos!  

My parents came to visit and hang out and we went white water rafting (a BLAST!) and out to dinner (good FISH) in the city!  It was great :)

First year of teaching...a recap!

Last Friday, I packed up my room and closed the door on my first year as a 4th grade teacher. I'd like to share with you all some thoughts, memories and pictures to recap my experiences, since I definitely slacked on this during the year!

My year was great. I really couldn't have asked for a better first year of teaching. Great kids, great parents, great coworkers, great principals, and great school! I realize, after looking back and talking to other teachers, that I was pretty spoiled this year! The students are bright, cooperative, and don't have issues with attendance or behavior. Many first-year teachers get scared away with numerous problems, but I seemed to escape with next to none! I had tons of support from other teachers and our great administration. I could go on and on about my year, but I'll do little clips and highlights so I don't bore you.

Lows:
-Grading: I realized that I really don't enjoy grading papers, especially at home after school hours. It takes lots of time.
-Stress: It was much worse in the first half of the year, but trying to play teacher, counselor, and occasional babysitter and friend for 21 students every day can be pretty stressful. I don't have much reason to complain, though, because the kids are great and 21 students is a relatively small amount. Next year it will be much less stressful...thankfully for Jenny!
-Kids moving: 2 of my better students moved during the school year, which was hard on the students they made friends with.
-Lesson planning: never fun, period!
-Trailer: for those who don't know, my classroom was a trailer this year (and will be for probably a few years), which was small. Having more space would've been great, but at least I got to control the AC when it got hot!

Highs:
-My students: they were great! A few of my boys were wild and crazy, but they were all bright, funny, cooperative, and fun to have in class. They all had a great sense of humor, which I took advantage of as I made bets and challenges with them (the best was during the Ohio State/Michigan football game in which I'd shave an "M" in the back of my head if OSU lost. Thankfully, the Buckeyes took care of business!)
-Events: (see pictures below): There were several events throughout the year that were fun for me and the kids.
-Delivering pizza to students
-Christmas program where I dressed up in Hawaiian clothes and sang a song.
-Assemblies: we had several that were funny and memorable.
-Charity basketball game: I played basketball with other staff members against another elementary school. It was lots of fun, even though we lost.
-Wax Museum: students picked a famous person to research, wrote a report, then reported about their person by stating 10 facts (while dressed to the part!).
-Field trips: we went on lots of fun and educational field trips...we are very fortunate that the school and students can afford so many great trips.
-Old Salem, NC: We visited the colonial settlement of Old Salem and learned how people lived and worked long ago.
-BizTown: students went to downtown Charlotte to the Junior Achievement building, where they ran their own small businesses and learned how an economy works.
-Charlotte symphony
-BFG (Big Friendly Giant) play in Charlotte
-Grandfather Mountain & Linville Caverns: we took charter buses to the Blue Ridge Mountains in NC and went to Grandfather Mountain, saw lots of great animals at a nature preserve, and went underground at Linville Caverns.
-Discovery Place: a Charlotte children's museum with an IMAX theatre.
-Curriculum: the 4th grade NC curriculum was fun to teach. Here's what we learned this year in case you were wondering:
-Reading: summarizing, cause & effect, comparing & contrasting, sequencing, and other skills.
-Writing: personal and imaginative narratives, poetry
-Math: Long division and multiplication, decimals, fractions, word problems
-Science: rocks & minerals, magnetism, electricity
-Social Studies: North Carolina history and its 3 regions
-Gifts: at Christmas, Teacher Appreciation Week, and at the end of the year I got many gifts from parents and students...wow!...definitely a perk to being a teacher! =)
-Test scores: my students did very well on all of their end-of-grade tests (Reading, Math, Writing). What a praise!
-Supportive wife: Jenny was great to me this year...I spent lots of time on school-related work at home, which is never fun for either of us. She helped me with work, organizing & cleaning my room, and overall being patient and loving when I needed it!
-Summers off! Not that I won't be working, but it's a nice break from the classroom and all those kids! =)

I am really looking forward to next year because I have the routine of things down, I know what to expect, and I have some experience under my belt.

Me and a few of my students at Old Salem

Jenny and me with some old folks

Me with 2 of my students

Me and Isaac: the 2 brave males in the Christmas program. Yes, those are reindeer antlers.

Me trying to figure out the boys of today's generation.

Beautiful student art during the Christmas party. Click the picture to read the funny message by the heart.

Wow.

Wax Museum.

Observing animals at Grandfather Mountain.

The kids loved the bears!

And the otters!

Golden Eagle

Cougars

Easily amused 4th graders...

The view from Grandfather Mountain was awesome!

Jenny and me on the bridge

Jenny helping one of my scared students across!

My class at Linville Caverns...what a crew (click the picture to see everyone better)