Netflix Instant Play

Greg and I have had Netflix for about 8 months now and have yet to upgrade to where we can rent the dvd's. We only pay the $7.99 for the instant play movies and tv shows. So far it has worked out really well for us. We are currently watching Lost and Scrubs together every evening. I then have my own girly shows like Greek and Army Wives that I watch on my computer when Greg plays video games. When I got home from the gym tonight I saw that Greg decided to switch things up. He was watching Disney's Oceans.

I actually tried to take my 3rd grade class to see the movie for a field trip last year, but the theater in Independence was not showing it. I bought it a few months ago because I already own the Disney Earth dvd as well. I had yet to watch Oceans until tonight. Greg and I learned a lot and laughed a lot. What is it about lazy seals, quirky penguins, and baby turtles that is so funny?!

Spring Break

Sitting at home on my second day of Spring Break I started thinking back to previous Spring Breaks. Last year's was much like this, not much on my agenda, just time to relax :) Two years ago however, I joined my family for a Caribbean cruise and spent the week zip lining and floating down a river in the jungle of Belize, soaking up the sun in Guatemala, and swimming with the dolphins in Cozumel. All of that sounds pretty nice right about now!

Ready for zip lines with Erin

Meeting our dolphin Atlantis

Kisses :)

New Recipes

I have to admit that I have been anything but "Susie Homemaker" since Greg and I got married. The most detailed cooking I do includes mixing together Hamburger Helper. The main reason I stick with the instant meals is due to time. I get off of work at 4pm, head to the gym, and am home and showered ready to cook a meal by 6:30pm. If I cook a meal that takes too much prep and cook time we won't be eating until 8pm every night! I know, excuses excuses. I am determined to try 3 new recipes this week!

I already planned them out so that I can pick up all the ingredients while I grocery shop tomorrow. I am going to make sour cream enchiladas one night, chicken spaghetti another, and finally some delicious steak sandwiches that my friend Sara has cooked for us before.

An update on how the meals went will come near the end of the week. If you have any great recipe ideas please share!

Goodbye Wii, Hello PS3

Today I said goodbye to my Wii gaming system. Greg and Kyle convinced me that if they both have Play Station 3 systems they will be able to keep in touch better. Today we took the Wii, all of our controllers, and games into Game Stop to trade them in for a PS3.

I was sad to see the Wii go because I bought it a few years ago with my first ever paycheck from teaching. We both enjoyed the games and everything the Wii had to offer, but we don't play it very often. We also received the XBOX360 Kinect for Christmas. It's essentially the same type of motion gaming as the Wii, but you don't have to use a controller. The Wii just seemed obsolete at this point.

Even though I will miss playing the Wii, my happy husband makes up for it!

Happy with his new toy.

He even suggested we strap it in on the car ride home to keep it safe!

Art Teacher

I was never artistically gifted. I can scrapbook just fine, but when it comes to creativity with painting or drawing I am doomed. I am determined not to allow my views of art influence my teaching. This week my third grade class had fun with some spring theme art. I gave them two choices: painting a still life or creating a mosaic. Here are some things that they came up with.

some of the artwork on our wall of fame

This one was mine... just wait til you see how the kid showed me up!

My attempt at being artsy in my classroom was a success and the students really seemed to enjoy it. It's also refreshing to have beautiful flowers on my back bulletin board. Now I have to think of a new art project for next month that is easy enough for me to demonstrate and doesn't require materials that I don't have access to at the school.

Catching the Blogging Bug

I haven't quite "caught the blogging bug." When I started my blog I had every intention of writing a weekly post of wisdom and encouragement that would "oooh" and "aaaah" people I know. It didn't take long to realize that I'm not that wise and my life isn't all that exciting! I've come to the conclusion that I am thinking about it way too much and making it out to be more than it's intended to be.

As a teacher, I have Spring Break off of work. Tomorrow is my last day with students for the week, Thursday and Friday are Parent Teacher Conferences, and then I have a week vacation. What better time than now to start blogging?! My goal is to blog every other day if not every day; even if it's a short little statement about something I learned, observed, or found funny. I'm hoping this "fake it til you make it" mentality will provide me the motivation that I need :)

Here is my thought for today's blog, other than motivating myself to start blogging:
I received the letter today at work informing me that as of June 15th I am no longer an employee in Central School District... Happy Spring Break to me! Sarcasm definitely intended. I am, however feeling blessed that God has helped me emotionally this time around in my unemployment and prepared me for what is to come in my future as a teacher. I know He will provide me with direction and guidance in the coming months and am excited to see what He has in store for me.

Durant's Moving to Virginia

We said goobye to Brittney and Kyle last night and wished them well on their trip to Virginia where they will be stationed for the next few months. Kyle was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps over the summer and he and Brittney will be living in Stafford, VA until he graduates from basic school.

It was tough saying "goodbye" but we are all very excited for this new adventure in their lives.