steak, medium please. US? we're well DONE

Wow! I told you guys I wouldn't have much time to blog in the month of November. Didn't know it would last half way through December! This may be it until January because I am completely worn out (DONE)!
You are looking at one of the most amazing steaks I've ever eaten, thanks to Mr. Husband. The Friday night after the home tour, he surprised me with a steak and shrimp dinner! Okay, I bought the shrimp because I was craving bacon-wrapped creatures, and B got the beef, but it was still a surprise as we both walked in the door! The shrimp didn't make the photo because they don't last long in this house.

We have both worked so very hard this semester and are looking forward to some big time R and R. Lot's of people say they wish they were teachers so they could get summers off and long holiday breaks as if the other nine months of the year were easy peasy lemon squeezy. Yes, I say that to my kids.  If you are one of those people, please think hard before you jump into the education world. IT IS HARD.  VERY HARD! Being at work from 7:00am until at least 5:00 on most days with maybe a 15 minute lunch in there somewhere and then at least 3 hours on the weekends planning, grading, prepping for the next week. Not to mention just thinking about all of your students and their families and their hearts. It's pretty much 24/7 from August to May. I really can't even believe I just wrapped up the fall semester. It continues to FLY by. Anyway, I didn't really mean to go off on that little rant, just wanted to say I am SUPER happy I have two weeks OFF! Time to rebuild! (but quick, thank God for all of the teachers you have EVER had. Even if you didn't like them or didn't think they were the best. They do a lot for very little... I'm thinking about asking Mr. Pujols if we can be his live in personal educators. He has kids right?? ;)

Brent continues to love Myrons (even brought home some yummy seasoning for the steaks!) and tolerates school. He is gathering all of the patience he can to finish one last semester and then eagerly awaits his next calling! Can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for him! I am very grateful for all of his dedication to our family and our goals. If you don't know what I am talking about, ask him! He has put in his time and has loved teaching the kids he's taught. He knows there is something else out there for him though.

I just shipped out my 20th CD of photos for customers! Ah, cannot believe I was that busy. I thought it'd just be a part-time thing. Obviously it was crazy due to the holidays and I'll probably have to work on some marketing in the new year, but still...doing four photo sessions a weekend and teaching 20 five yearolds five days a week almost did me in. Well it did actually. I spend two days at home this week sick as a dog! Thankfully, I got some meds and was back at work to celebrate this most amazing season of our Lord's birth with my students.No matter how hard my days get, I am so humbled by the fact that God continues to allow me to instruct and guide his precious children. I can only hope that I am bringing glory to him and doing justice to his name. They bring me such joy and have taught me far more than I could ever teach them.

We just wanted to say thanks to all of our friends and family for loving us so very much this past year and always. 2011 was incredible and we can't wait to spend 70 more years together enjoying even better moments to come. We've had some tough moments and made it out on top because of the love and support we get from each of you. Thanks for encouraging us to follow our hearts and work hard. Thanks for inviting us into you homes and sharing your hearts with us. We love you all and pray many many blessing to you in your new year.
Merry Chritmas to our great big family out there! If we don't see you, know we are missing you and hope to connect soon! the j's