Hug a Teacher!

So, chances are you have your job because you had a teacher...teachers make it possible for everyone to have the careers/jobs they have.

It was Teacher Appreciation Day on 5/7 this year & did you hug a teacher...or thank a teacher?  I hope so -  I'm a product of the American public school system & I'm proud to be a public educator.  Here are the teachers I'm so grateful for:

1. Mrs. Barnett - K
2. Mrs. Allen - 1st
3. Mrs. Valdez - 2nd
4. Mrs. Becker - 3rd
5. Mrs. Hanson - 4th
6. Mrs. Amoriello - 5th
7. Dr. Heath - 6th
8. Mrs. Hawker - Science (7th)
9. Mrs. Sword - English/Home Ec. (8th)
10. Mr. Havens - Biology (9th)
11. Sr. Tamooka - Spanish (10th)
12. Mrs. Roca - English & Mr. Stoddard - Algebra II (11th)
13. Mr. Clark - Chemistry (12th)

I may not have "liked" everyone one of them, but they all helped shape me into the adult/teacher I am today - for that I am THANKFUL for you!  Mrs. Becker I still have the mug that was given as my 3rd grade Christmas present, I had lunch with Mrs. Hawker a year ago (that was surreal), & Mr. Havens I still remember the gestures for the 4 stages of mitosis, LOL!

Now that I'm a teacher too, I can say that a hug or card - even a pat on the back or "thanks" REALLY can brighten our days!

I got this on Friday:

So show some love to a teacher - they invested in YOU!

Kristan

Easter FUN!

So I have been in AZ, playing with Addi all week - well, except on Wed. & Th. when I went to work with my sis & helped out in her room.

We have been up to all kinds of fun...

This is what Spring Break is all about...tonight is Friday Fish Fry.  Can't wait to see Stewart, Wendy, Aunt Dee Dee, & Zayne!!

XOXO,

Kristan

The BEST Family

So much about our world seems to be spiraling out of control...but this is a HAPPY post {so I won't go there, much} except to say that God has blessed me with a family with values.  Values it seems that exist from another era.

This is what I was up to over my 1st Spring Break weekend {helping Juan's Mom}:

Her new cinnamon spice accent wall - I LOVE the color!

Should have gotten one of Rudy's new outlets & switches....those little touches make such a difference!

Her new textured walls & freshly painted hallway.

Starting to add some of the accessories back.

Where her old microwave/pantry was.

New counter tops & over the stove microwave that Rudy hung.

One last pic of that LOVELY accent wall!

Shawn, Juan, Rudy, Albert, & Lisa have been hard at work painting, repairing, & updating Rosa's living room, hallway, & kitchen...I was just there to help when asked & pitch in when needed.  It is cool to be apart of such a LOVING & CARING family - who take care of each other and are GENEROUS with their time and talents!

I know Rosa is so GRATEFUL,

Kristan

Personal Blog...I'm a Slacker!

Sorry, haven't posted in a bit...well not here anyway!

I'm attempting to weekly post {minimum} on my teacher blog - parents love seeing the pics & they give me such positive feedback about all the pictures.

See I have been busy...such a fun Seuss Day!

Looking forward to some great things:

• March 8th - Oz the Great and Powerful - can I get a woo-hoo?  EXCITED does not begin to describe it!!!
• Spring Break - going to see my sis 
• George Straight didn't work out...kinda bummed, but man concerts are expensive!
• A few new sewing projects to work on (once my sewing machine is back from the "hospital" getting serviced/repaired)...from the Denver Quilt show my mom & I went to a few weeks ago - it was a BLAST {I love my mom/daughter, daddy/daughter days}!

Fabric chosen for a "posy" bullseye variation of a lap quilt.

•  Moving into the 21st Century with a Smart iPhone...I know - I'm "one of those people" now!!  LOL!
• Bachelor PARTY!!  On March 4th The Women Tell All is going to go down & my teacher peeps are coming over for some Mexican food, Bachelor, & we will DISH people.  Who could miss a gossip about "the Tiara-ist"???  It's gonna be a blast...with a side of margaritas, O.L.E!!

Just enjoying family & friends - living the dream.  What have you been up to?

Kristan

Christmas Time is Here!

My living room looks like Christmas threw up!  I am only 2 boxes short of having it all wrapped up though.

I love that I was able to get some great ornaments for my unique family members.  Ever been to the Holly Leaf in Old Colorado City?  It is where I found all my Christmas ornaments this year.

Today I got my report cards & all my gift shopping done.  My favorite purchases are what I got for my Mom & Addi - they're gonna love 'em!!  I also love that I stuck to my budget & everyone pretty much got the same amount spent on them this year.

I made some cute parent volunteer gifts - snowmen candy bars with fuzzy sock hats {click this link & see a sample}.  It isn't my idea & I use BOTH socks, so the recipient gets something warm & tasty!!  I added a cute little tag, saying: "Thanks SNOW much for volunteering!"  It wasn't oober expensive, because the socks are sold in 2 packs & you can get a 6 pack of candy bars.  Plus, I only needed 5 - so I  added 1 to Clare's gift, it was perfect.

I got some pretty nice gifts from my Kinders - my fav...personalized stationary!!

And, thanks to my thoughtful pal, Clare, I am now the proud owner of an infinity scarf.

Merry Christmas,

Kristan

All the Small Things...

So the devil is in the details...it's the little things...good things come in little packages...

YOU GET IT, I KNOW!

You might also recall, a post last year...divulging in a little ornament fixation I have...well, actually - that my Mom, Sis, & I have...it's genetic {look it up}!

Well, last year no dice - this year, I'm singin' a different tune!  WHY, you ask...well check out these finds at Ross:

AND, I finished my Rockefeller Rival quilt.  Took a chance on some felt poinsettia buttons & gold buttons for centers - instead of the 45mm flat, red circles called for in the pattern.  I like 'em, what say you...good call?

Gather 'round the Hearth!

I haven't had a raise in 4 years...finished my Masters & got a bit more to take home.  Then, late last year our board announced we'd get steps & a signing bonus for 2012-13.  Look what I got with my bonus:

I can't wait to get my TV wall mounted & decorate the mantle...