February 2014

February has flown by!

Peter is still plugging away at his student teaching. The next book on the list: 1984. He put a lot of effort into creating a "front loading" activity for his students... this is a kind of preview before studying the book. It relates the themes in 1984 to things the students can relate to today. You can check it out HERE

We only have two months left in Arkansas...!!!

What we're reading: 12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup. It's the true memoir and account, recently made into an Oscar-winning movie. I want to finish the book, then we'll check out the flick. Warning: it will make you cry.

What we're watching: Pete was really excited to go see The Lego Movie. We went to a cheap $4 showing. It was cute and funny.

What we're doing: Honestly... not much! Pete has been working really hard developing his curriculum, and we've just been bumming around the apartment escaping the nasty weather. We're ready for spring!

What we're eating: When we do get out, sometimes on a Saturday morning we like to go to a great local place, Rick's Bakery. They sell delicious biscuits and gravy for $2 a plate. Mmmm...

Thanksgiving in Texas

The List: January 2014

For 2014, I want to do a small summary each month of what Peter and I have been up to. What do you think?

To read: A Kind of Flying by Ron Carlson. Hilarious short stories. 

To watch: Sabrina, with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogard. Romantic and funny. Classic. 

To do: We got to see Peter's brother's Isaac and Ben! Stay up late playing board games like Settlers of Catan.

To eat: BBQ ribs. Real, southern barbecue. 

Pete has been busy student teaching and attending to his own school work. This semester he is teaching at a high school, all seniors. The book they are studying right now is The Merchant of Venice  by ol' William Shakespeare. I started working full time, still at the Montessori school. Between keeping our days busy with work and school, and balancing church callings and activities, we have been pretty successful at finding time for exercise (out on the great running trail we have) and time for relaxing. Pete is sorting out his teaching licensure for Washington state and inquiring about countless teaching and coaching positions. We are so excited for 2014!

Churchy

My Dad just took a new job with Aramco, and moved to Saudi Arabia. He wanted an updated picture. It keeps reminding me that I need to take more pictures. Time is flying by!

Snow days

It's been a cold and dreary winter here in Arkansas! 

Graduation

“When you teach a boy, you are just teaching another individual,” President Harold B. Lee declared, “but when you teach a woman or a girl, you are teaching a whole family.”

Our summer in Fayetteville

Coming back to Fayetteville in July meant being back to routine. Pete started his 5-week summer session of graduate school. He finished August 2nd, and earned straight A's!

I started volunteering at an organization called the Northwest Arkansas Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilties. After a week, they offered to hire me! So I will be working part-time here along with the Montessori school. Pete also got a tutoring gig for the fall. We feel very blessed!

The first weekend in August we had the chance to have a fun get-away weekend down to Dallas. My Dad was there for work and we got to see and spend time with him. I love my Dad. There is always a pleasant and enjoyable time to be had with him. We scooted around town and saw the Dallas Cowboys Stadium (HUGE!), "the grassy knoll" and the new George W. Bush Presidential library. We also visited the temple while we were there.

Peter started his student-teaching today! And classes at the University start next Monday. It's back to schools for us!

We are excited for Liz and Brad, and our new niece, Grace Elizabeth Ashby!

happiness

sand and sun

With the Smith family

Chasing the waves

Thank you for being wonderful hosts.