Today is the day!!!

We are picking Matt up from the airport in a few hours. I have to get directions to our hotel, pack my bag, set out clothes and jammies for the kids, write out some instructions for my brother who will be watching them tonight while my parents have a work dinner they are going to, and make myself look awesome. Not to mention make the beds, and feed hungry kids breakfast. But I can do it! With all the adrenalin running through me, I can do anything. Anyone else ever nervous to see their husband after you haven't seen him in a long time?????

My personal Ode to Ikea

I have lived many places. But the last two have been completely without an Ikea nearby. When we lived in Germany, we had one about ten minutes away. Which was great. My biggest problem was that in Germany, they don't always take your credit cards (or debit), and so I would always have to have cash on me when I went. And sometimes you don't always know how much you're going to spend......anyway. I haven't been in one since we left Germany. I've looked a little online, but that's it. Today, I went to Ikea.

Oh. My. Goodness.

Boy have I been missing out. We should have gone there instead of crappy Walmart (we didn't really know where else to go. We had just gotten back from Germany and had to get what we needed from somewhere) to get our furniture. I had my camera today and I was taking pictures. I also spent money. Which I said I wasn't going to do. Most of it was for my kids. (they had a finger puppet theater. with the finger puppets. it was awesome. and ikeas own perler beads.) I did buy a few small things for myself. My biggest problem is that I don't have anywhere to put any large thing I might buy from there. Nowhere. So. What I have to do is restrain myself from going back until I am in our house and have the money to spend. I'll have to check and make sure that there are some Ikea's near where we're moving. But I have a feeling there will be. I also got a baby shower gift for someone, too.

My favorite things about Ikea are: how space conscious they are, the colors and patterns they use on their furniture, pillows, rugs, and other fabric things, and their prices are pretty darn good. Plus their kids toys are awesome. And they aren't made in China. They are made in Sweden, Bulgaria, and a few other places. And while I'm sure China needs help with their economy just as much as the next country, I would much rather buy something made other places. My favorite is when it is made right here in the USA. Their stuff is incredibly creative, and I really appreciate that. I love that they have a place for the kids to play. I love that they have D'aim candy there! (I didn't buy any, but I just might the next time I go)

The Ikea here is about ten minutes from my house. Only ten minutes. But I rarely am down in that area, so I'm hoping I'll be able to restrain myself. So, no one invite me to go with them to Ikea. Because I might not be able to resist.

My favorites today were this love seat in the Klintbo blue pattern, and this rocking chair in the black/white combo. LOVE them.

Je parle français, moi.

I spent all morning listening to high schoolers present their oral exams, and listening to the questions they were asked and what they answered. It was so. much. fun. It really was. My favorite part was when one student who had chosen to talk about La Plongé (diving, and she is a diver) called someone le shampooing du monde instead of le champion du monde. I know she had it written correctly, but she sure didn't pronounce it right. It was pretty hard to not smile or laugh while she was doing it. But as soon as she was out the door, boy did we let loose. I had tears in my eyes. (btw, instead of saying world champion, she said the shampoo of the world.) There were a few other good moments. It was also interesting to help do preliminary grading. Which I feel a little inadequate to do as I know that while I could do what they just did, my tenses and even conjugations would be crap, and I would have to pray that I remembered all of my vocabulary. But it was great. And I am going to go back on Thursday to help do more grading. I'm thinking of asking her if I can come in to the class once a week or so and either help or participate with the class. It would give me a good head start and I would have a great time. There have been few times when being in French class has not been enjoyable. I'm sure there will be times in the future, but for now, it is just plain fun!!

Dancing in the Train Station

A friend posted this on Facebook, and I love it.

Here I am!!!!!!!!

Since Wednesday I have been going to my old high school and helping out my French teacher. My job has been listening to the oral exams of her highest level students. They are taking an IB test next week, and they need to be ready for it. We've been splitting up the students every day and listening, correcting and asking questions. It has been so FUN!!!!!!!! I LOVE this. LOVE it. Not only do I get to spend time with my favorite teacher (who came and saw me in France and took me out for a fantastic meal of pizza and mousse au chocolat a volonté. which means we could eat as much as we wanted.) I get to find the bits and pieces of French in my brain and put them all together. I was talking to Matt about how much I liked it, and he suggested that I start taking classes. And that I go for a degree in education. Which is an interesting thought. I mean, would I have to take the evil math and science classes if I am going to major in French? Can I learn German too? (because I REALLY want to speak German.) I am anxious to get to our final destination so that I can start taking a class or two. Don't think I will be very good at online classes, but I'll look and see about the local colleges. And see if the classes that I took over TEN years ago still are worth anything. But this gets me excited. And precious little is getting me excited these days.

So, what does my title have to do with this post?? Because I've been a little lost. Now, between having the sun out, helping with these French oral exams, and having been to the beach, I am finding me. So, Here I am friends.

My tulips

Valentines

Growing up, my mom would make a big deal out of holidays. Even little ones that really don't matter. Valentines is no different. Not only does the season throw up in my mothers house (I should take pictures of all the decorations just so that you really understand what I mean. and the saddest part is that she does this kind of decorating for every month. watch out. st. patricks day is on it's way.......) but she also has expectations for those gift giving ones. Which is kind of crappy. At least for us kids. Because if we didn't do something.......oh the guilt trips that we would go on.

As adults, Matt and I do not make big deals of holidays, nor do we have these amazing expectations of each other. Our birthdays happen to be within four days of each other, so we go out to dinner in between, or when ever we can, and usually get a gift for each other. One year Matt got me a fire safe. Yes, you did read that correctly. A fire safe. Yes, we did need one. But not exactly a birthday present. So, this past Valentines Day, I wasn't anticipating anything coming to me in the mail. Not only had he been out in the field all week, he isn't one that plans things out in advance. On Friday, as I was driving out to my sisters, he realized that I would not be at my parents house on Valentines. I told him I was going over a week ago. Oh well. I came home last night to some beautiful tulips, a short note, and a small box of rocky mountain chocolates. Which was surprising. I think the last time he got me flowers was...........hmmm...... honestly, I just don't remember. So this was a very nice surprise. My dad had followed the directions, cut them, and put them in water.

I'm not sure if absence is making his heart grow fonder or what. But whatever it is, I am liking it. Wonder what he'll have sent here for my birthday............

(I took some pictures of my tulips too. I'm no photographer, but I thought my camera and I did a pretty good job. but it's hard to make something so pretty look bad. I'll post them later today.)