Feeling accomplished

Well, 'tis the season for checking things off my to-do list!

It seems nearly impossible that in 2 short weeks I will be done with another school year and getting married!

Last week, I finished my grad classes of the semester with 2 A's. I have very much enjoyed my graduate work, but the timing hasn't exactly been perfect. I have quite a lot on my plate these days, so it has been difficult to devote the attention needed to my classes and homework. I often find myself spending lunch periods or other inconvenient times working on homework or projects - but I can say with certainty that it has been more than worthwhile. I am highly relieved that I have one year down and only one to go until graduation!

Additionally, last week I completed my Professional Development review with my principal. Each year, I have to create a plan for how I will improve my teaching, log weekly how I am working on that goal, keep data on how my goal is improving student achievement, and then put all of this together for an end-of-the-year review which is then submitted. It is quite a bit of busy work, and I am ultra-relieved that it's D.O.N.E.! :)

And probably most exciting of all, the wedding is just 19 short days away and almost everything is done. My best friend Jamie, my mom, and I spent our Friday night watching Girl Meets Gown while folding programs, measuring birdseed for the center pieces, getting other decorations ready, & placing stickers on the wedding favors - I left feeling much better about my to-do list. The RSVP deadline is this Friday, so the end is definitely near! It seems crazy how quickly time has flown. We got engaged 10 months ago tomorrow and it seems like just yesterday.

Everyone keeps telling me to take all of this in - and I am - but a part of me ((a HUGE part of me)) is ready for this phase to be over so I can enjoy being married, get my life back in order, and take a huge breath. of. relief.

More to come soon on my bridal showers, the bachelorette party, and the final days of my school year.

Lots of Love,
Katie :)

Easter Preparations

Our family enjoyed coloring Easter eggs tonight! Somehow this simple tradition turned into coloring one of Kaitlyn's shirts...

With this ring...

Kevin and I thought it would be nice to involve Kaitlyn further in our wedding by allowing her to have a ring to symbolize what a special day this will be for our family. She has an absolute blast going through our jewelry store and having our favorite jeweler, Kristin, give her some undivided attention. She had many rings on and off her precious little hand that day - and spent nearly an hour narrowing down her selection. After much thought, she finally decided on a very special ring that she will cherish forever.

R

So it's been a big inside joke in ouR family Recently that I think it would be gReat to have R's spRinkled thRoughout ouR Reception - because on June 5th, R will be the beginning of my new last name!!

Man, was I showeRed with R's foR ChRistmas and my biRthday in December!! They aRe all oveR my house!

We aRe up to ouR eaRs in R's...! :)

Look what arrived this week...

It's really and truly happening. For some reason, it's really hit me this past week. Everything is coming together and I'm really getting married in 102 days. Wow.

My Favorite Boys

Last week I had the day off school to celebrate President's Day. We decided to use our afternoon to choose our tuxes - and we took my nephew Sam with us. I am telling you, that child is SO excited!!

He was so still while she was measuring him :)
"Tante, take my picture!! I'm so handsom in this suit!" Yes, Sam Michael, you certainly are!

"Tante, this isn't my real tuxedo right? Cuz it doesn't really fit right." "No Sam, for the 10th time, this is not your real tux - they will get another one that fits you just right." "Then this is just so you can take pictures to send to my mom to scrapbook?" "Yes, Sam, that is exactly right. Good listening."

Ah, what a day. :)

A Year of New...

First of all, Happy Holidays to everyone. I will have a picture update for you as soon as my computer at home is fixed! My two week vacation was glorious. I enjoyed relaxing time with Kevin and Kaitlyn, extended family, and got a little time to catch up with old friends. I so enjoy spending time with the people who make my life so wonderful.

It is unbelievable to me that it's 2010! 5 years since I graduated from college, 9 years since I graduated high school, 27 years since I was born. Time has been flying. 2010 will be a year of many changes for me...some big and some small - but changes none the less.

A new attitude: I am re-affirming my promise to choose to be cheerful in as many situations as possible.

A new me: I (along with my entire family) have begun competing in a biggest loser challenge. Yesterday marked one week from the beginning of this diet and wow, if only I had time right now to list the ways my life has changed. The amount of time it takes to eat healthy is amazing to me. I spend many nights coming home planning meals, counting calories, and going to the gym. I have dropped 4 lbs in a week - and am very hopeful I will be able to keep on track. The ending of the competition is the wedding, so check back for updates!

A new name: Speaking of the wedding, 19.5 weeks from now, I will have a new name!! That is beyond crazy to me!! There is so much still to be done, I'm trying desperately to just take it all in and enjoy this season of my life because I have been waiting a very long time for it to be my turn.

A new family: Marrying a man who already has a child brings an instant family. New traditions, new expectations, new opportunities to learn and share and love. Although I still long for a child of my own, having a step-daughter is something that is both frustrating and exhilariting all at the same time. It is something you simply cannot understand unless you have done it and I am very excited for the relationship we already have and the special bond we will get to build as she gets older.

Here's to 2010 - a year of changes for me - and my prayer is that it will be a year of blessings for you. :)