Merry Christmas!

Despite what the schools say, I am going to refer to my two weeks off as CHRISTMAS BREAK. That said, Christmas break has been an unbelievably much needed break for me. I felt so accomplished and so amazing to have completed half of my first year of teaching! If I can make it through half, then I can make it through the whole thing. And if I can make it through this first year, then I can do ANYTHING!!!

Dad and I spent Christmas day at Steven's home with his family (mom, dad, sister, brother, and brother's wife). It was so much fun, and I think dad and I definitely felt like we fit right in as part of the family. I absolutely love spending time with Steven's family and only wish I made it up there more often. I am so happy that dad went, too, as it was the first time he had been to Steven's home. I'm sure he felt right at home being in the farm country. :-) We were having such a nice time that we stayed much later than expected and had someone come to our house to take care of the Bud dog. Loved it!

For Christmas, dad got Christopher and me a ski trip to Breckenridge, Colorado! We stayed in an amazing resort and did lots of skiing, of course! It was wonderful being in such a cozy, beautiful place with snow EVERYWHERE. Really, the interstates got shut down because the snow was everywhere. Good times, and it was nice because it was our last "family" vacation, just the dad and kids. Very nice.

Back to school Monday, but this semester should be much easier on me, so I'm actually looking forward to it. I still absolutely love the people I work with and don't know how I could possibly get by without them. Wish me luck!

Teaser: Information on our first house to come!