This is Where I Grew Up

"You're so lucky that you know where you want to live and work"
One of my friends said that to me during a conversation we had the other night about where we want to teach after college.

I have mentioned a few times that I am majoring in education. I might not have mentioned that I already know where I want to look for a job. Right here. The same beautiful town that I've lived in for the past 20 years. The only place I've ever known. The school system that helped influence my own decision to become an educator. The place where I want to raise my babies. My hometown.
Why?

Because of the love shown between neighbors.
Because of the history of the place.
Because my family. Almost all of them are right here.
Because of the insane amount of pride that is shown on Football Friday Nights.
Because I adore our little annual festival.
Because of the "small town charm".
Because of the adorable craft shops.
Because big cities just aren't for me.
Because I love the big yards we all have.
Because I like looking out my window and seeing my neighbor's horses.
Because it's safe here.
Because I want to give back.
Because this is the only place that is home to me.
Because this is where I grew up. And I want my children to have that same experience.

Wordless Wednesday: Hide and Seek with Bella

Random Thoughts

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I've been trying to soak up the last few sweet weeks of summer by spending as much time as possible chilling out by the pool.

Our town's festival is this week. check out www.paradeofthehills.org to see what I'll be up to all week.

I move into my apartment in (eek!) less than 3 weeks. I commuted to school for freshman and sophomore years, so this will be my first time living out of the house. Bella the Kitty is coming with. I'll share more about all of this once I'm down there.

I recently downloaded the Oregon Trail game on iPhone. You remember the original, right? The one that was on the computers in elementary school. We all fought over who could be first during homeroom and inside recess. Hunted buffalo, picked wild berries, lost a few party members to dysentery. Good stuff. They don't make games like that anymore. I thought they didn't make games like that anymore, but apparantly they do. I've been playing it constantly this weekend. Made it to Oregon twice already. Totally worth the 99 cents. Buy this app!!!!!

 I am trying to eat healthier.

While I'm sad that summer is coming to an end, the silver lining is that FOOTBALL season is starting. My town is what you'd call a "football town". It brings all of us together and I like that. People need togetherness like that.

Hope you had a great weekend! Goodbye :)

Wordless Wednesday: Pretty Princess Bella

July in Pictures

Super Summer Saturdays: Bucket List

I cannot believe that on Monday it will be August. WHERE has this summer gone? Soon it will be September, which for me means back to school (plus an apartment...more on that later). I decided to dedicate this Super Summer Saturdays post with a list of things that I would still like to do in this last sweet month of summer. You and your family can follow along and do these things, too! Enjoy!

1. Day trip to the lake/beach
2. Finish the baby quilt I've started
3. Zoo to see the new polar bears
4. Cover every square inch of my sidewalk in chalk
5. Try something new
6. Finish reading the Harry Potter series for the umpteenth time
7. Read Heaven is For Real (just bought it today!!)
8. Make some homemade ice cream
9. Check out some "haunted" places in the area
10. Visit a museum (or two)
11. Live up every minute :)

What are YOU going to do for the rest of your summer? I'd love to hear about it!

This One Time At Band Camp

The other night, I went to visit my high school's band camp. They were having a cookout that was mostly for their parents but former band members were invited too.

I can't even begin to describe the flood of memories that filled my heart when I pulled into the driveway of that place. Like bombarding the guys with water balloons, stealing the director's underwear and freezing them, shaving cream fights, silly made up songs, late nights of just talking, the senior dinner, dances, crazy American Pie-worthy quotes, it goes on and on.

Band is one of the few parts about high school that I can honestly say that I miss. When I was with the band, I felt like I belonged. I felt included. When we (FINALLY) made it to State my junior year, I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself. That is just one of the many gifts that band gave me.