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!

3.24.12

Raindrops

This has to be one of my favorite pictures so far.  I love taking pictures of flowers.  When spring comes it's like the Earth is cheering us on after a long winter.  As I was walking inside after a particularly rainy day, I noticed these little yellow and white flowers.  The raindrops sticking to the leaves and petals looked so fresh.  These beautiful little flowers brightened up an otherwise grey day.

3.23.12

Baking

I love baking.  I love the smells, textures, and especially tastes that go with it.  When I'm stressed, successfully creating something I can share with others helps calm me down and gain perspective.  Also, baking helps me feel connected to my family.  When I graduated high school, my aunt copied many of my grandma's recipes down for me.  It's a cookbook I truly cherish.  When I got married, my cousin blessed me with my first Kitchen Aid mixer.  And when I go home, my dad and I will usually bake something.  I am so thankful my family took the time to share this tradition with me, and that I can share it with others.

3.22.12

Disability

This is a word that has been whirling in my head as I write my thesis proposal.  What is a disability? Who has the right to label someone else as disabled?  As I delve deeper into this topic, I find just as many or more questions than I do answers.

What I've found very interesting lately is how much the term has changed in the past 50-60 years.  I can't help but think of the Mad Men episode where an up and coming advertising executive suffers an accident, leaving him permanently disabled.  As he is whisked away, the elders of the ad company all nod as one says, "It's a shame...he had so much talent."  Juxtapose that with a recent story I saw on the news of a man who lost his leg fighting overseas.  He came back and kept a list of places he could and couldn't go.  He received an artificial leg.  Seeing him walk, you would never know he was missing a leg.  In the interview, he said he no longer keeps that list.  We've come a long way...but I believe we still have some ground to cover in understanding ability vs. disability.

3.21.12

Well, hello old friend!

Eastern Illinois University holds a lot of wonderful memories for me.  My years in college were among some of my favorite and have shaped me into the person I am today, not to mention I met Dane there!  So there was a certain irony for me when I glanced over to the stack of books my good friend was using for his thesis and say this familiar stamp.  Here I am in grad school and my undergrad happened to drop by.  It was like a warm hello from an old friend.  It was a brief moment to remember all of the wonderful memories of the past and a chance to anticipate the exciting ones to come.

3.20.12

Our Apartment

After we got married, we had to rent for a multitude of reasons.  Once we decided to throw down roots up here, we knew we wanted to own.  While it has been tough to save on a teacher and musician's budget were were surprised that this dream could possible be a reality.  Had it not been for a wake up call from a friend, it would have probably continued to be a far off dream.

It all started when a good friend from church, who is also a relator, started talking to us about interest rates.  He encouraged us to go talk to our bank.  Dane and I smiled and thought, "You have no clue how far we are from that point!"  A couple days later he sent Dane the names of a few mortgage brokers. We decided to make an appointment, at lease then we would know where we stood. 

After meeting with one of the brokers, we were shocked to realize that we might actually be able to buy a place.  So now we are off hunting, searching, and inspecting, hoping to find a place we can call ours!

3.19.12

Civic Opera House

I love how grand the Lyric Opera stage looks.  I can't help but loose my breath a little each time I see it.  What better way to frame such a grand performance.  I will admit, opera was an acquired taste for me.  before I met Dane I really couldn't grasp the hard work, passion, and beauty that goes into it.  He has definitely taught me a lot about this art form.  While I know the main selling point is the gorgeous singing, being a visual person, I constantly fall in love with the elaborate costumes and sets.  It makes it seem like I'm watching another world.  A world that has stood the test of time.

3.18.12

Chicago Skyline

I know I've mentioned this before, but I love driving into the city after I've been away.  There is always a sense of excitement.  Today could not be any more beautiful.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky.   Chicago has blessed us with so many memories these past four years.  It's hard for me to imagine our life without the backdrop of the city, which is saying a lot coming from a country girl.  When we leave our downstate homes, we are always wishing we could be closer, but when we see the skyline there's an excitement and hope that reminds us we are exactly where we need to be.

3.17.12

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Seriously, how cute are these!?! No one would even think of pinching sweet baby Anna while she's celebrating St. Paddy's day with this much style!  I truly treasure these brief moments with our "home" friends.  They are always filled with laughter and love.  Dane and I refer to so many places as "home." We'll leave our home friends in Peoria to go back to "Sweet Home Chicago," while another weekend we will be heading home to the farm.  I've come to the conclusion that home is where our hearts fill with love.  Dane and I are blessed to have so many places that not just fill but overflow our hearts.

3.16.12

Sidewalk Chalk

Friday + Nice Weather + Sidewalk Chalk = Free Art Day!

Now that the weather is getting nice, I'm not sure who wants to be outside more...the kids or me!  After listening to my PE teacher friend brag about how nice it has been for the past week, I decided to bust my kids outta the art room and onto the sidewalk.  They were giddy with excitement when they saw the sidewalk chalk.  To be honest, they created some pretty beautiful drawings.  I love the fragile, short life of sidewalk drawings.  If you don't enjoy them while they are there, then they are gone...until the next beautiful day.

3.15.12

Birdhouse

As much as I hate to admit it, poor Bella doesn't get the long walks she deserves.  Silly life gets in the way.  So I treasure the long walks we do get to go on.  When we do, I try to slow down and take in the little details around us.  As she pulled me along, (we're working on loose leash, but c'mon she's a Boston) I noticed this sweet little bird house.  I just loved how the afternoon sun was hitting the side and the harsh highlights and shadows inside.  It almost seemed to glow.  So as Bella inspected the tree, I day dreamed about what a sweet little home it would make.

3.14.15

Sooo ready for spring!

I know it's only a few days until it's officially spring, but I am soo ready for nice, not coat, sandal weather.  Once I tried to claim to Dane that I didn't have that many shoes.  He didn't believe me for a minute.  The thing is I love all of the colors, textures, and styles.  Considering I'm a potter, I love the idea of taking something practical and making it beautiful and exciting. So I will continue to sit here on the train and dream about all of the fun spring and all of the fun shoes that come with it!

3.13.12

Spring Fling

My second graders are currently working on decorations for their spring dance.  after I swallowed my frustration at practically throwing out two solid weeks of lesson plans, I saw the joy in teaching my kids how to both give back to their school and decorate for a special event.  Since it's a spring theme, we made these pretty tissue paper flowers.  While they struggled with the first one, by the second flower they were pros.  When class was over they were able to pick one to keep and one to donate.  The donations were collected in a large box.  I absolutely love how all of the bright colors mixed together.  Looking at this box of delicately made (for the most part) flowers was such a treat!