5.13.12

Those People

Yep, we were those people. We were the goofballs driving down Golf Road with a Queen sized mattress on top of a tiny Dodge Neon.  I tried not to make eye contact with my fellow drivers as I drove.

Since we now have a second bedroom, we decided it was time to get a second bed and maybe a new couch, too.  When we bought our mattress we fully intended on having it delivered, but the sales guy seemed pretty confident that he could strap that sucker to the top of our car.  I don't know if we were tired from running around all day and staying up late packing or just completely not comprehending what we were agreeing to, but the next thing I know I'm praying that this thing doesn't go flying off of our car into oncoming traffic.  Seriously, I knew it was a bad idea the moment it was on top of our car but at that point I couldn't go back.  After an agonizing hour-long drive later we made it, in one piece.  Yeah, I'm never making that mistake again.

5.12.12

Moving Day!

It's moving day....and it's raining.

I'm viewing this a s a blessing for the future, like you do when it rains on your wedding day.  Well with moving comes the marathon of unpacking.  I'm also pretty sure the movers found a few extra boxes along the way, because I can hardly move around!  I see late nights ahead!

5.11.12

Sleepy Pup

My original plan was to post a picture of Bella investigating our new place, however, it is lost somewhere in the digital world now.  This is pretty much the complete opposite of her first moments in our place.  We opened the door and she sprinted from room to room, sniffing every nook and cranny.  She even checked for tasty morsels under the fridge and stove.  (Obviously we either don't feed her enough or she realized the fearless hunter thing isn't working and should become a gatherer.)  She was a little nervous of the stairs at first, but once she realized she could take them she went full force upstairs.  It was quite a sight to behold.  

5.10.12

Birthday

Another year older or as my friend puts it 21F. He started adding letters after he reached 21.

I'm extremely glad Dane organized an early celebration because today was a bit of a challenge, to put it nicely.  I refuse to focus on the, ahem, challenging parts and have decided to list four awesome moments from today.  Here goes....

1. One of my students gave me a flower they picked on their way to school.  I'm going to assume it was from their mom's garden and he asked first.

2. At dinner, my friend tricked me into looking at the tv, stole my bill, and bought my dinner.

3. I was able to see one of my students show his art work to our principal with pride at the district art show.

4. Dane surprised me with tiramisu after a very, very long day at work.  I may have shed some happy tears at his sweetness.

My hope is that the rest of 27 will not be as challenging as the first day and that the year will be filled with family, friends, and blessings.

5.9.12

Keys

We are officially homeowners!!!

After two and a half hours of taking, signing, and waiting we received the keys to OUR home.  Dane even picked me up and carried me through the door.  I then proceeded to run though the place point and yelling, "That's our water heater! That's our bath tub! These are our stairs!" (Seriously, I've never been so excited to say we own these things.) Dane and I walked to a local hot dog stand to get lunch and brought it back to proudly eat in our empty kitchen.  It's been quite a journey to get to this point, but I am so excited for all of the blessings and memories that will soon fill our home...that we own. 

5.8.12

Perching is the new Planking

Today, Bella decided to perch herself on top of the couch, behind Dane so she could look outside.  Apparently, this was a great vantage point because she could also see the tv.  I love how sweet and sleepy she looks here.  Silly pup.  

Unfortunately, a couple weeks after this post my phone decided to up and quit.  Just shut off.  No warning.  May 8th was the last day I had backed up my phone and for some reason my iCloud was turned off.  I lost many of my daily pictures from those two weeks.  I've been able to find a few of them through facebook and instagram.   Rather than completely skipping the two weeks worth of pictures, I've decided to take the eleven I was unable to get back throughout the course of one day.   I guess I had to learn the "hit save often" rule the hard way.  Bummer!

5.7.12

Little Leaf

I walked out to my car after a particularly nasty storm and saw this little leaf stuck perfectly to my door. Really, I just thought it was a little sweet.  It was like a little surprise from nature.

5.6.12

Nap Time

This is the average lazy afternoon.  Dane will turn on the Cubs game, and like clockwork, fall asleep about the second inning.  He'll then wake up about the bottom of the seventh or the top of the eighth and finish out the game.  Bella takes her place on one of her laps (usually whoever has a blanket) and sleep the whole time.  

I really loved the deep perspective and foreshortening in this picture.  Plus, my models were pretty cute.

5.5.12

Cuddly Bella

I love when Bella curls up on my lap.  She's so warm and cozy.  I've noticed that I've had to get more and more sneaky about snapping her picture.  Sometimes I'll try to take it and she looks away, like I'm the paparazzi.  Maybe it's a sign I take way to many pictures of her!

5.4.12

The Modern Wing

This evening I went to the Art Institute for a teacher workshop with some of my fellow art teachers.  I was able to score some things for my art room as well as some great lesson ideas for next year.  It felt a little strange to be at the Art Institute as a teacher rather than a student.  It was nice, however, to see how my program is benefiting my career.  The snacks and chats with my art friends was pretty awesome, too.

5.3.12

State St.

I was running around downtown today and realized I hadn't snapped a picture yet.  This slightly blurry street sign pretty much captured the essence of my day: busy.  Taking pictures downtown makes me feel like such a tourist, but it does make me think more about my surroundings.  So I will ignore the stares of the "true Chicagoans" and continue snapping.  At least I'll have some great reminders of the city!

5.2.12

Monkey

Either Bella decided her toy monkey needed a bath or her toy is trying to make a break for it through the bathroom window. (My money is on the latter of the two options!)  Either way, it's a pretty funny sight to walk in and see.  Bella definitely keeps us on our toes!

5.1.12

Pineapple

I love textures.  We touch so many things everyday that it's interesting to stop once in awhile and see what these tactile delights look like.  I just loved the roughness of this pineapple.  I also love all of the colors you see when you examine it closely.  Texture is one of my favorite units to teach kids.  While it's a pretty abstract concept at first, watching them begin to realize that they are surrounded by texture is pretty amazing.  

4.30.12

Leaves

I've really been trying to take advantage of these spring rain showers to snap some pictures.  Right now, I really love how the leaves look after they have been sprinkled with rain.  The colors seem so much brighter and vibrant.  I also love the visual texture these leaves bring, placed so close together.  

4.29.12

Under Contract

Wahoo!  We're under contract!!  Well technically we've been under contract for a while now, but seeing the sign outside really makes it real.  It's nice to finally be able to know that we will be here for awhile and not so transient feeling.  Hopefully, our new neighbors didn't think I was too out of it jumping out of my car to take a picture of this sign!

4.28.12

Early Birthday Surprise!

Dane surprised me with an early birthday present this weekend!  He arranged for two of our dearest friends, Kyle and Nicki, to come up and see a Sleeping At Last show in Naperville.  Seriously, these two have to be two of the most generous people with their time.  I have so much respect for how they will always jump at an opportunity to spend time with others, even if it means taking time out of their schedule and driving hours to get there.  Dane and I are blessed, for sure.

Dane knows me to well!  I can't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday than being surrounded by a wonderful husband, amazing friends, and beautiful music.

4.27.12

Book Stacks

The packing process had begun! As we started to clean I began to collect/find/stack the books I needed to return to Flaxmann Library and was a little startled at the size.  Mainly I am shocked because I am mentally adding it to the stack of books I returned earlier this semester, and the stack I sued last semester.

When I was a senior in High School, I remember going to a college open house and watching a girl carry a gigantic stack of books and thought I would probably never need THAT many books for a paper.  Was I ever wrong.  I feel for that girl now....she was probably a grad student working on her thesis.  

4.26.12

Lions

Since a majority of my time is spent either at grad school or working on my homework, I felt it was fitting to include the lions that stand outside of the Art Institute at some point.  For all the time I spend at the school, I will guiltily admit that I should spend a little more of it at the museum.  Life gets busy and it slips my mind to go.  Maybe next year's resolution should be to go to an art exhibit at least once a month.

4.25.12

Paint Trays

Like the tissue flowers from an earlier post, I loved how all of the colors were so close together.  There's always an anticipation about these trays.  It's almost like they are ready for the excitement (or maybe the battle) of an elementary art class.  Unfortunately for me, one of them fell off of my cart and all over the hall on my way to class, creating a huge, colorful mess!

4.24.12

Dane's Office Attire

I seriously love it when Dane has to get all dressed up in his tux.  I definitely married a handsome guy.  Considering I grew up on the farm where work clothes consisted of overalls, flannel shirts, and boots, it's funny to think that this is Dane's work clothes.  Getting him to stand still long enough for me to snap this picture after he got home from his performance was my win for the evening!

4.23.12

Another Evening in the Thomas Home

The saying is a picture is worth a thousand words.  This picture could not better describe my first year of grad school.  Research, reading, and writing have been my norm.  While it's been hard work, I'm so thankful I've had the opportunity to go to such as great school with wonderful colleagues.  I've been challenged more than I ever thought possible and handled way more than I would previously given myself credit for.  Each paper, book, and train ride is one more step closer to my goal.

4.22.12

Ferocious Hunter?

Bella thinks she is a fearless, ferocious hunter.  I'm sure of it.  She never fails to chase a squirrel up a tree.  After she does she will stand and stare at the squirrel, almost as if she is telling it to stay up there.  When she is satisfied that she has sufficiently let the squirrel know who's boss, she'll snort and trot away until her next encounter.

4.21.12

White Flowers

I thought these little white flowers were pretty.  Taking pictures of flowers also doubles as future inspiration.  I'll often look through them when I'm carving a clay relief or drawing.  Many artists keep a collection of things they find interesting, whether it is an advertisement, a candy wrapper, or photo.  Snapping a picture of these little gems is a way I can harness their beauty for future projects.

4.20.12

Madison - Monroe

I love all of the old signs I see at several of the "L" stops.  They seem so classic.  There's a couple that I wish I could get my hands on as an art piece for my home.  This one has to be my favorite, because when I see it I'm usually on my way home from class!

4.19.12

Curly Tongue

I've said it before and I'll say it again....How can you not love a face like that?  While in my last post I mentioned that my dog is pretty weird, I must also mention that her weirdness is pretty adorable.  I love how she curls her tongue up when she is panting and you can see her gangly bottom teeth.  I know not everyone loves my dog as much as I do, nor do I expect them to, but seriously she's pretty adorable, right? 

4.17.12

Upside-Down Bella

I have the weirdest dog.  I will often catch her flipped over on her back with her legs stuck up in the air.  If she's feeling really good, she'll wiggle her way, on her back, across the floor.  No joke, I've watched her go completely across the bedroom floor.  I admit that my dog may come across as energetic, odd, excited, and stubborn to some.  However, all of these little quirks endear her to me.  Just before I began writing this post, she walked up to me, put her foot on me as if to say, "excuse me," waited for me to pick her up, and is now laying in my lap watching me type away.  She maybe weird, but I love her.  

4.18.12

Nighttime Skyline

I was walking to the train from class tonight and was struck by how beautiful all of the lights of the city were.  It's a fairly clear night and the lights seemed to glow very brightly.  When I'm at the farm, I am always amazed at how many stars I can see.  In the city you see few to no stars.  Maybe the city tries to make up for it's lack of stars in glowing windows.

4.16.12

Beer Flight

My first year in the Chicago area I was an Inclusion Assistant for two first grade students.  After hearing my friends' horror stories of their times as a teaching assistant, I feel very fortunate to have been placed with two amazing and talented women.  What's better is we still keep in touch.

Tonight, Amy, Dane, and I were able to get together and catch up over nachos and beer.  While I have moved on to another job, I love how Amy and I can pick up right where we left off.  I know it's pretty vain, but I really struggled with the fact I was an assistant and couldn't find a teaching job that first year.   In hind sight, it was one of the best things for me.  I was able to enjoy my first year of marriage without the stress of lesson planning or grading and I met some amazing friends that I can always count on.  

4.15.12

Inspections

Earlier this month we had our home inspection, bringing us one step closer to being homeowners.  It's pretty overwhelming to go over a place you want to own with a fine tooth comb.  I've heard my friends talk about going through the home buying process and watched a ridiculous amount of "House Hunters" and "Holmes on Homes" but to actually be going through the process is pretty surreal.  Needless to say it's nothing like what I've seen on HGTV! The good news is our inspection went well and our closing date is quickly approaching!

4.14.12

Kites

As I was walking Bella, this kite caught my eye.  all I could think is what a bummer to loose your kite! A couple of years ago, Dane came home from Target with a cheap, super hero kite.  He looked like he had just made the purchase of a century.  We immediately marched down to the beach to fly it.  That's one of the things I love about Dane, he knows how to goof around.  I'm pretty sure the kite only lasted a couple of flights, but they were fun!

4.13.12

Bowling Party

Bowling is definitely not my best sport. If I make 100 the first game, I consider myself lucky.  By the second game, I'm lucky to make it to 75.  That being said, I do enjoy it, especially if we are celebrating our friends birthday! It is pretty interesting how bowling spans all generations.  I went to bowling parties in elementary school.  Really, the only thing that's different are the beverages and maybe the bumpers.  So, I;ll try to look past lacing up obnoxious shoes that many others have worn and stick my fingers into the coconut like holes that hundreds of others have touched and try to bowl a strike! 

4.12.12

Thesis Proposal

Today I had to present my thesis proposal to a pannel of professors, museum curators, and non-profit administrators.  Terrifying does not begin to describe how I felt going in.  However, I was comforted in the fact that all of my peers were going through the same thing.  We were supporting each other with words of encouragement and faith.  I am truly blessed to have had the opportunity to develop my idea amongst some of the most wonderful, intelligent people I have ever met.

Thankfully my presentation went well.  As far as I can tell it will be approved and I will begin my fieldwork this summer.  I talked to a recent graduate of the program and she said, Thesis I is the hard part.  All I can say is, "Phew! I'm glad that's over!"

4.11.12

Umbrellas

This seriously has to be one of my favorite Sleeping at Last songs.  While I was trying to stay focused during my art history class tonight I happened to doodle this little guy in the margin of my notes.  It is such a beautiful song filled with love.  I also associate it with two of our dearest friends' wedding day.   I've included the lyrics below but please, please, please check out the Sleeping at Last website.

I'll make you mine if you would have me.

With a silver ring that will hug you tight,

Our life begins,

Our life begins with this.

I'll prove my love if you would let me.

Over and over again,

We'll bring a child into this world

And we'll say the one thing

Everyone should hear:

You were meant for amazing things.

Give me your hand, it's time.

It's time to show new eyes their home.

When fences divide our land,

I would catch bullets with my bare hands.

Because you were meant for amazing things.

-Sleeping at Last

4.10.12

A Cancer Survivor's Prayer

Cancer has become almost an annual thing our family has had to deal with the past three years.  My prayer is that it leaves our family for good.  The following prayer was given by Rabbi Ed Weinsberg at a kick off to a "Relay for Life."  You can click on his name to access the original link.

We thank you, God, for the blessing of great health, when we have it, 

And for relatively good health while it's still ours! 

O, Lord, teach us to recognize that for most of your creatures, 

The cup of life is filled only mid-way. 

May we learn to see it as half-full and not half-empty!

Provide wisdom and skill to those who minister to our needs 

In hospitals, In medical offices, and in our homes. 

Grant patience and strength to those in our families 

Who share our lives in good times and when we're ill.

Bless those survivors who've been cured of the cancer that's afflicted them, 

And keep them out of harm's way. 

For those of us who have not been cured, give us the wherewithal to keep on going. 

Meantime embolden the efforts of those who labor on the front-lines of scientific research, 

As they seek to find the means to end pain, stress, disease and death.

Reinvigorate our bodies and spirits with Your love, O Lord, 

For You are the Healer of all. 

As it is said in the Bible: 

" Ri-fa-ay-nu vi-Ni-ra-pay - Hebrew for: 

Heal us and we shall be healed."

For in the relay of life, You are the source of salvation and help, 

For us and for all humanity. 

And let us say: Amen.

4.9.12

Poor Pup

We are back home from our Memphis trip and Bella is exhausted.  Apparently it's hard work sleeping several hours in a car and being adorable.  I love her little bat like ears.  They are like little radars.  It's probably a sign that I take too many pictures of her when I have to turn the sound off of my camera and sneak it in before she looks away.  She's like a celebrity and I'm the paparazzi.  Oh the life of a starlet!

4.8.12

Happy Easter!

Today we celebrated Easter by attending the cathedral in Memphis.  It was absolutely beautiful, stained glass windows, tons of flowers, and lots of southern women in big hats.  Reflecting on this day, I am so thankful for my faith.  While I was not always Catholic, my mom raised me as a Christian and for that I will be eternally thankful.

On a side note, we also went to Graceland today.  Dane almost had me laughing to tears when he wrote, "Spending Easter Sunday at Graceland.  The king is risen...Elvis is still dead though."

4.6.12

Gibson Guitars

Did you know Gibson Guitars has a factory in Memphis?  I definitely did not, however, leave it to Dane to find it.  Since it was Saturday, we didn't get to see them making the guitars, but the tour was still pretty cool.  There's a lot of steps that go into making a guitar and touring the place did make me slightly wish I knew how to play one.  For now I'll settle with listening to Dane play.  

4.7.12

Rendezvous

All I can say is A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.  Seriously, they're ribs, grilled to perfection and slathered with sauce.  Oh yeah and there's awesome sides, too. If you're in Memphis, go here.  Now please excuse me as I slip into a wonderful meat filled sleep.

4.5.12

Beale Street

What better place to spend spring break than...Memphis!  While it is not exactly the dream destination of many spring breakers, my parents offered to take us on a road trip.  They wanted to go down and sample Memphis style BBQ and we weren't about to say no to free ribs.  Beale Street is where many musicians got their start singing in the local bars.  It is seriously like one gigantic party.  Friday and Saturday night, the police block off the street and people peruse the local flavors and sounds.  Leave it to my parents to find the party!

4.4.12

Children's Day

My first graders are creating these fabulous fish as we study other cultures.  In Japan, Children's Day is celebrated on May 5th.  Parents hang fish banners outside to honor their children.  Since this is also when many of my students celebrate Cinco de Mayo, I thought it might be interesting to see how other cultures celebrate different dates.  We used an oil pastel resist to create the different textures and details. I can't wait for them to be hanging up in celebration.  As for me, I am currently celebrating my first day of Spring Break!!

4.3.12

Aboriginal Art

My kids were studying patterns, lines, and color during this unit.  I introduced Aboriginal Art to them and they loved it!  What I thought was going to be a one day project I beg/borrowed/stole from a fellow teacher turned into a week long, meticulous painting process.  I love it when kids get wrapped up in a project.  Their excitement cannot be rivaled.

4.2.12

Downtown

I seriously cannot get enough of the skyline.  I was walking to class today and snapped this picture before I went into class.  I love how the tall buildings oversee and house the hustle and bustle.  Seriously, whoever coined the term "Second City" must never have actually visited Chicago!

4.1.12

Toms

I love my Toms.  They are super comfortable to teach in, plus they come in fun patterns.  To top it off for every pair you buy, the company will donate a pair to a child that can't afford shoes.  Today, one of my little girls came up to me and noticed we were both wearing Toms.  Her shoes were so super cute I had to snap a picture of them.  I also had to smile because I knew somewhere there were two kids that were able to play in their own pair of Toms.

3.31.12

Butterscotch Pie

Today was a stressful day...so I baked.  Between grad school and work, I sometimes feel like I don't have anytime to rest.  I'll be strong for awhile, but about every six weeks, exhaustion sets in and poor Dane has to pick me up and put me back together again.  Trying to break this cycle of exhaustion I decided to bake a butterscotch pie.  Growing up, I always loved it when my grandma made them.  I loved the meringue on top.  It was like fluffy heaven.  While the stressors were still there, I at least had a good sugar rush on my side to help me through.  Dane asked if I could get stressed more often.

3.30.12

Public Art

I pass by these lighted gardens on my way home from class.  With each month they change the theme, colors, and music that goes with them.  Currently, they are still dressed up for St. Patrick's Day.  Since St. Paddy's day is long past, now it feels like I'm walking through the Emerald City of Oz.  I'm almost wishing they would have switched the music to the Wicked soundtrack.  Since they didn't, I'll have to settle for singing it in my head...One short day in the emerald city...

3.29.12

The Hunger Games

I have been anticipating this movie ever since my friend, Lea, got me hooked on the books!  Explaining it will not do it justice, but I highly recommend you read this series.  It is a young adult series, but it is definitely not like the young adult books I had access to, it's much, much better!  While I will probably always take a book over a movie, I have to say it was pretty well done.  There were only a few parts that Dane and I agreed could have been better.  Take a chance and read it....and May the Odds Be Ever In Your Favor!

3.28.12

Community

The community of our church is truly a blessing.  Prior to starting grad school, I helped out on the Arts and Environment committee.  Our Palm Sunday banner was in need of being replaced and one of the members stepped up to the challenge.  She made this absolutely beautiful banner for us to carry and display.  I love how our church is constantly able to come together, whether is at Mass or Sunday dinners and share our strengths with others.  I truly believe we are all benefiting from it.

3.27.12

Little Sprout

Really, there's not much to say about this one.  I just loved how this little bud was sprouting among the branches that had been cut off.  The determination of this little sprout was a nice reminder to always keep growing.

3.26.12

Hand Sculptures

As a teacher there are lessons that are absolutely amazing.  Concepts are understood, unique projects are made...needless to say it's exciting.  Then there are the other projects, the ones that look good on paper.  This was definitely in the later group.  While it wasn't a total flop, you can see by the duct tape it didn't go exactly according to plan.  The thing is even during these stressful lessons, there's usually a bright spot that makes it worth its while.  For me, it was when one of my students put his cast hand on his real hand and waved hello.  I lost it.  In hindsight it probably wasn't that funny, but at that point it was exactly what I needed.  Maybe the Rolling Stones were right. "You can't always get what you want. But If you try sometime you might find, you get what you need."

3.25.12

Willis Tower Ledge

Today was a particularly awesome day.  Dane and I met up with his parents, younger brother, grandparents, aunt, and uncle downtown.  They were all going to see Dane perform with the Lyric chorus while my younger brother-in-law, Isaac, and I ran around downtown.  Since Isaac had never been out on the ledge at Willis/Sears tower, that was our first stop.

Normally, I'm not a fan of waiting in line, however, it was great to catch up with Isaac.  Next year he will be a senior, which is hard to believe.  He was in elementary school when Dane and I met.  It's exciting to see the great young man he is growing up to become.  It's also exciting to see the directions life might be taking him.

Even though the rest of the family was still in the opera, Dane was able to meet up when he was done after the first act.  To top it off we found out our offer on a town home was accepted!  Apparently adventures begin today!