Let It Snow!

We have been snowed in for the past two days. I think this is the most snow we've seen since we moved here...and it's only October! Thankfully, I am on fall break this week so I've been staying warm and snuggly at home. Joel's been going in everyday, but the hospital is so close the weather couldn't keep him home. I think this bodes well for an amazing ski season.

Here are some fun pictures. I am standing in our front yard. Joel and I are on the sidewalk leading up to our front porch.

My very first snow angel

As you can see, one of us was more prepared to play in the snow. What I would give for a mud room!

Home Sweet Home

We had a wonderful weekend in Texas. Joel and I spent the weekend in Houston with Josh and Angela and the boys. They just moved in a new house, which is absolutely beautiful! Angela has done an incredible job decorating, and I am so happy they are settled in. We had a blast with Jackson and Andrew. They are both a great ages and such sweet boys! All of our nephews are precious, and we miss them terribly. We only get to see glimpses of them, as they grow up so quickly.

The weather was beautiful! The humidity was mild and the warm temperatures gave me an excuse to wear flip-flops and capris again! It makes me smile to think of the garden they are just now planting because mine is completely frozen over. Most of the weekend was spent eating and playing cards but the highlight was definitely our dinner at the Melting Pot. Yum!

Our perfect weekend had a dramatic end. Upon arriving back in Denver we quickly figured out we lost Joel's keys some time during the trip. Normally this would not be a big deal, except I didn't have mine. As we were walking out of the house on Friday, I asked Joel if he thought I should bring my keys and wallet. We both agreed it wasn't necessary so they stayed behind. Fast forwarding to Sunday, we both had to laugh at the irony!

We were determined not to spend $50 on cab and decided to take the RTD back home. We didn't have any cash, and the ATMs were not working, so Joel hustled the rental car desk and was able to get our fare home. When we headed out of the airport to wait on the bus, we again realized our lack of planning: we were not dressed appropriately for the 30 degree weather. Neither one of us brought a jacket (who needs a jacket in Houston in October??), but I am thankful Joel wears a fleece all year. He graciously gave his fleece to me as we waited.

Once back to the Park-n-Ride near our house, we trekked a mile with all of our luggage Our landlord drove across town to bring us a key to the house where we found my keys. I drove Joel back to get his car (using the spare key on my ring) and all is well now...except we still do not know where his keys are. We often talk about going on "The Amazing Race," and after Sunday night, I think we'd be a top contender! :-)

A Fall Dusting

Fall is officially here! The leaves are turning in the city and the mountains are gold with Aspen trees. Saturday morning we woke up to a chilly morning and a light snow fell. Our chilly morning did not get much warmer, and we set a record low. Breaking the previous record of 25, the mercury dropped to 17. Brrrr!

It was a perfect day for me to get caught up on work. Joel was on call in the NICU so I didn't have any distractions (except for the kitties). I stayed inside all day and worked through chapter three of my practicum. I am just about half-way finished with the entire project, and I am starting to get very excited about graduating in December. This is the first weekend since I started working at West I haven't had to also work for CCU. I was actually able to get homework finished and plan for our second nine weeks at school. Even though it was a weekend filled with work, it was relaxing to know I'm finally getting everything in order. Next Saturday I train my replacement at CCU, and then I can concentrate on being a West High Cowboy!

This coming week will be exciting at school, as it is homecoming week. It's been several years since I've taught juniors and seniors so my days are filled with upperclassmen projects and spirit events. Somehow I am riding the Spirit Bus to the football and soccer games, tailgating for both, and chaperoning the dance on Friday. And, perhaps my favorite, I'm in a dress up competition with other teachers. Weeks like this are great for morale at West. Students are a bit on the apathetic side (and some teachers too) so to find excitement, even in something silly like dressing up, makes me want to do all I can to encourage the kids.