Read!

“The more that you read, the more things you will know.
The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
-Dr. Seuss

This year I have become a reading teacher. I not only teach reading to students but I've realized the vital importance of reading in everyone's life. I am so greatful for parents (and siblings!) who read to me when I was little. This week we're focusing heavily on reading in school because Monday was the official 'Read Across America' day in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday. Did you know that Dr. Seuss not only wrote silly stories or social commentaries, but he wrote stories that children would actually enjoy and with rhyming words to build their vocabularies!? No more, 'See Jane run' types! We want 'one fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish!' Everyone is a reading teacher in some way. Let's embrace it and read!! Encourage your children to read and be good examples by reading yourself. Currently, I'm reading 2 books: 'Finding Darwin's God' and 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.' My husband and I are reading 'Marley and Me' aloud, which is hilariosu! Any suggestions on what I else I need to read?

I'm not crazy...

really I'm not. I know I've changed the background of our blog a million times recently but I can't find one that I really like for more then a week or sometimes even a few days. Maybe I'm coming to accept change in my life! ha!!

Valentine's Day 09

For Valentine's day this year our friends (the husbands) banded together and came up with a brilliant idea -- a fondue party! The women had a few suggestions (like having fondue and cheesecake) but the men put it together. They did a fabulous job!! There were 4 couples and lots and lots to eat. We are still full from the meal. I feel like the baby was so squished after all the food I ate! Then we played 'dirty bingo' where you can steal gag gifts from others around the table. I was happy to end up with the Dots and I gave Kurtis my rubbery handcuffs.. haha! It was a great night to spend with friends and get to know each other a little better. So thanks to the men for putting it together and cooking. It was much better then going out somewhere. Thanks especially to my husband who makes me feel like the luckiest woman alive.. I love you!

Getting ready to play 'Dirty Bingo.' You can kind of see my little belly! :) I'll post more pictures soon.
This is Max, our friends' dog. We love him! He was anxiously awaiting table scraps all night.
Steve finishing off the last of the sparkling cider...

Once there was a snowman

We've some gorgeous warm weather lately and decided to jump on the chance to make a snowman. It already started to melt the next day when I took the picture and now it's a sad, sorry little stump in our front lawn. It was fun while it lasted!

A 'Cold' Day!

In Minnesota they cancel school not only because of snow but because of the cold. It's not just cold either, it's the Artic Chill/Blast from Canada and the Artic Circle. Weather channels describe it as bitter cold. As you can see, the light purple around Minnesota is showing very LOW negative temperatures. However, it actually feels like -49 if you add on the wind chill. Earlier this week we had a huge snow storm (6 inches) starting around 10AM and going all day. All surrounding districts closed but not Rochester. It was around -20s+ yesterday and still we had school, so I wasn't holding my breath for a day off today. But as I watched TV last night, I noticed there were already school closures on the bottom of the screen and then 'ROCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS, CLOSED' flashed. I thought I was going mad. Ironically, a colleague called right then to confirm it and make sure I had seen the message. So I'm happy to be warm in my cozy little home. Poor Kurtis had to brave the cold. Thank goodness for a working furnace and good insulation! Oh, and we're happy to have visitors anytime. Just tell us when you want to come and we'll make a nice igloo for you. :)