Monday, May 31, 2010

Memorial Day Family Weekend!

What a fun weekend! Saturday morning we got up REALLY early to head down to Soldier Field. Jeremy ran the Soldier Field 10 Mile race this year. He did a fantastic job but because of the annoying children in front of me who were not being supervised by their father, I missed him finishing. After the race excitment, we headed home so Jeremy could shower and change. We packed up the car and headed down to Louisville. Jeremy's parents were coming from Joplin, MO, his brother's family from Jackson, MI, and us from Chicago. His Aunt Janet knew we were all coming but it was a surprise for his grandma. She had her birthday last Saturday, the same day as me, and we all wanted to surprise her. Well, it sure was a surprise. Jeremy's parents and brother's family got there first but we were only about an hour or two behind. She sure was surprised! We spent all day Sunday funning with the family. All the men were in the pool with all of the kids and the dog. Aunt Janet's dog LOVES to swim. The best part was watching him doggy paddle to push the kids around on the raft. Hilarious! Jeremy and Nate also taught Kodi, the dog, how to "cannon ball," instead of just walking in on the steps. Needless to say, Aunt Janet was thrilled about this. This morning after breakfast, we hugged and said our goodbyes and all headed in our different directions. It was sad to say goodbye but so good to be able to see everyone. All in all, a fun weekend!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Birthday Fun!

Saturday morning, the birthday celebration began. Jeremy and I started with Starbucks on our way to get manicures and pedicures. It was a wonderfully relaxing way to start my birthday. We made a few stops after this, one of which was to my favorite bookstore. I bought two books that I have been wanting. After some midday relaxation, we got dressed and jumped in a cab to go downtown. We had dinner at a fabulous Japanese fusion restuarant, Niu. We started with cocktails and Garlic Butter Scallop Yaki, delicious. Jeremy ordered Pepper Salmon Roll and I had Mango Chicken. Mine was AMAZING. Jeremy's was okay by me but delicious according to him. He did make me try his wasabi sauce which made fire shoot up my nose and down my throat. Must say, not a fan! We shared an amazing chocolate cake dessert thing with ginger ice cream, also amazing. After dinner we walked next door to the movie theater to see the movie, Date Night. It was laugh out loud funny! Other than the cab driver's B.O. on the way home, it was a great day and a wonderful birthday. It was the perfect blend of fun and relaxing.

Saturday, May 15, 2010

FUNdraising with FUN friends!

Last night, Jeremy and I attended a fundraiser for autism. Each year, the mother of a student I had last year, puts together a fundraiser. Her family does the Walk Now for Autism in support of her son. She puts together a super fun event at a local bowling alley. For $30 each we get to bowl, eat amazing food, and enjoy the bar for 3 and 1/2 hours. Several other teachers from my school also attend and we greatly enjoy each other's company. I also won a raffle this year! Which was very exciting, as I don't typically win things. I spent $20 for 10 raffle ticket and won "split the pot." For $20 I walked away with $200! It was a great event that raised lots of money for Andrew's Angels. I never doubted it. Every year, Mary is one of Autism Speaks top fundraisers.
As the event was ending at 10pm, Jeremy and I decided to continue the fun with Josh, Diane, Liz, and Bobby. We headed over to O'Donovan's to kill an hour with some vodka slushies and then headed to the Bluelight to see our other fabulous co-worker, Nadine. Late night on the weekends, she shakes a mean cocktail. We had a great time, raising money and spending time with good friends!

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Long Overdue Blog

Katie-I know what you're thinking! It's about time! I've been a BAD blogger. Quite frankly, our lives aren't that exciting. That should be changing a little very soon. Jeremy is getting ready to gear up for summer classes. He'll then go straight into fall classes, winter classes and back to summer classes. Yeah, he means business. Time to get this done!

I have also received good news. With budget rumors and speculation looming I was unsure if I would have a job next year. Fortunately, after about two months of not knowing, I found out I would in fact have a job at my school next year. More recently, I found out I would be making the move from second grade to fourth grade. At first I was worried about this. No more first floor classroom that's been lovingly dubbed fun-oh-fun instead of boring old 101. I will not only be learning a whole new curriculum, I'll be doing it after dragging myself up to the third floor. Currently, when I have to walk my class up there, I am huffing and puffing when I get to the top. Perhaps, this job will double as a weight loss plan. After much thought, I am looking forward to this new challenge. Also, I will have some of kids from last year! I'm also looking forward to working with students with a little more independence. I'll also be working with a great teacher who has been teaching fourth grade for three years.

Most importantly, we're looking forward to summer! June 18 is the last day of school and we can't wait to enjoy all the fabulousness that is Chicago in the summer!