Instagrams Of Our Month

 

Golden Harvest with Nate/ Dogwoods in bloom/ Bookstore in Grand Rapids/ Our Bronner's purchases/ VanDyke street in Holland, MI/ Nightly bike rides/ Vera Bradley outlet sale/ New Life International retreat center/ Lunch with Grandpa/ Aud and Em at Emily's bachelorette 

Bits and Pieces

 

Quality time with the sister/ Saturday morning/ amazing youth group talk on Captivating/ dinner at Lil' Charlie's/ friend date with Kels and Aud/ baking lots of zucchini bread

Old Movie Marathon

Miss Aud and I love old movies. When we got together to watch White Christmas this winter, we made plans to do a movie marathon with some of our favorite movies that have been around for a few decades. Our eight hours consisted of...

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

West Side Story

On the Town

Meet Me In St. Louis

One of the many things I learned from these movies is that it is fairly common to meet someone, fall in love, and marry all in one day. They also give some great dating advice. See this case in point from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers called "Going Courtin'".

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers-Goin' Courtin' - Watch the top videos of the week here

Oh, if life were only like the movies. :)

Christmas Traditions

My favorite Christmas movie of all time is an oldie but a goodie: White Christmas. I make a point to watch it every year during the Christmas season. I was lucky enough to watch it with Miss Aud, who also appreciates older movies. Yes, it might have a few self-indulgent dance numbers. But there's something about breaking out into song mid-sentence that just steals my heart.

Another tradition that I have come to expect every year as an elementary Spanish teacher is the request for the #1 Spanish Christmas song of all time: Felíz Navidad. Don't get me wrong, I like this song, and I see its importance as being catchy enough for kids to remember, but listening to it seven times a day for weeks on end gets a little much. I somehow got away with only playing it a few times this year. Just don't tell my students, they may revolt and demand it if they knew my evil plan...

(Christmas cards from my students, now en route to kids in Honduras)

Dinner Date

Had a wonderful dinner date with two of my favorite people in the world: Jake and Miss Aud. It didn't hurt that said date was at one of my favorite restaurants in the world: Lil Charlie's in Batesville. A huge bowl of Tuscon Pasta and some great conversation later, I am one happy camper.
Sometimes it's nice to talk/gripe to people who see the world the same way that you do. For example, if someone emails you, the considerate thing to do is respond. Foreign concept, we know, but work and life would be a more simple place if this was the case. At least we think so. :)

Here's a neato photograph of Aud and I from the shower on Saturday.

Letting Love and Mike Mains

Jake put on a concert for all of the youth groups associated with his church last night at Davis Park. He had a great turnout (over 80!) and three wonderful bands played. Lots of fun was had by all.

Fist up, Letting Love! 

(I really enjoyed the new song, by the way)

And then, Mike Mains and the Branches. They're kind of my new band crush. 

We even got to hang out with Mike and the band after the show. I wish they lived closer because we'd totally be friends.

We even share a love of Steak n Shake. 

It was a great night full quality music, meeting new friends, and spending time with old ones (Aud, Kelly, Jason, thanks for coming!). My fiance puts on a great concert. :)

Harry Potter: The Final

Well, I saw it. Miss Kelly, Miss Aud, and I went at midnight to see the last Harry Potter installment (Miss Tessie was there with her peeps, too). It was wonderful, and the ending was everything a true Potter fan would want to see. Usually I come out from the midnight showings on edge, basically because Voldemort is still out there and I'm afraid he's going to jump out of the cornfields at me. It was nice to be so happy and peaceful leaving a HP movie.

Sidenote: Neville most definitely wins "Most Improved". Way to have your moment. :)

Here's an oldie, but a goodie:

Mr. and Mrs. Stutler

I had the great pleasure yesterday of being part of the wedding of two very dear friends. I've known Miss Erin and Jeff for over a decade, most of which they have been dating. Their wedding was so creative and fun. I kind of had a blast. Plus, it was a great excuse to get the whole high school gang together once again. Some things never change, and I mean that in the best way possible.

Miss Erin and I before the ceremony

 me, Miss Aud, Miss Erin, Miss Kelly, and Miss Amanda

House of Heroes Concert

Holy moly, I had a great night last night. Miss Aud, Miss Kelly, and I headed to The 86 Club to see one of my very favorites, House of Heroes. They always put on an amazing show and are so willing to talk with fans afterward. They really make it a great experience. They come highly recommended!

Aud and I with Jared

HOH with Kelly, Aud, and I (and a photobomb!)

I'll try to post a few HOH videos from the concert very soon!

Friends and Wedding Planning

Miss Erin and Miss Aud stopped by tonight for some wedding hair preparations (for Erin's wedding), invitation consultation (for my wedding), and to complete one of my summer goals: make a homemade pizza! We had to add some strawberries and nutella in for good measure. It was a great night. Here we are in action:

Who DOES that?

Today was an errands kind of day. Ate lunch with Dad, did some wedding shopping, and even got a swim workout in with Miss Aud. And through all of this running around, here is the back of my car...

Why in the world would I have a headless dummy and an ear canal in my back seat, you might ask? Because I'm a teacher, and a very frugal one at that. Church wanted to get this out of their closet and I found a teacher friend that wanted it for her classroom. However, being 90+ degrees, I wasn't in the mood to lug it in to my classroom just yet. I'm lucky I wasn't pulled over for having a heinous crime scene in my car...

Something Borrowed

Heading to the movies tonight to see Something Borrowed with some family and friends. I feel more legit seeing this movie because I read the book before I even knew the movie was coming out (mad props to Miss Aud for recommending it!). I highly recommend reading the book, even if you go see the movie. It would make a wonderful beach read this summer!