Friday Favorites

We have reached another Friday, yay! Sadly this is really the last friday of summer with school beginning on Wednesday, where has the time gone? We've had a long week of teacher meetings and professional development and I'm definitely ready to see all of my kids on the first day. Here are some favorites from this week!

Favorite Verse

At my school we practice agape love and the 8 essentials which are very much derived from this bible verse (even though we are a public school). It's a huge part of our school climate and so while we spend quite a bit of time during professional development this week talking about the 8 essentials I couldn't not reflect on this verse.

Favorite Song 

I am a country music lover and I like this song because I feel like there is always a 'Mama's house' in your mind that you want to return to. It will never be quite as good as it was when you were a kid but it's fun to remember. Plus, Time McGraw is so talented. 

Favorite Picture 

Last night was our first college football game and we happened to be playing my mom's alma mater, Rutgers! I ended up getting free tickets to the game and had enough to take my mom too. It was a really good time, sadly we lost, but my team went through quite the low point when I was in college so I'm used to that. It was so great to be back in the atmosphere and cheering for my Cougs! :)

Favorite Decor 

I'm a little embarrassed to admit it but I already started decorating for fall. I blame peer pressure, my best friend did it first, but I really like it and am enjoying the little fall ensemble on my mantle. 

Enjoy the long weekend! 

Wedding Wednesday : The Venue Dilemma

As soon as we got engaged I knew that I wanted to pick the venue so that then we could solidify our date and things would be smooth sailing. Little did I know that it would end up being so hard to pick! I've visited like 6 so far and have a top 3 to share. Maybe you guys can provide a little insight and help make this decision a little easier!

All three venues are equidistant from our apartment and my moms house (where we will probably have the rehearsal dinner) and there are hotels near all of them for a room block.

Venue 1

Pros: 3 rooms/areas for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Obsessed with the sanctuary for the ceremony, lots of beauty in the space that would require less decor
Cons: Reception space is small, it would be crowded but she says they're done up to 180 in the room and we are having 150, not enough parking for all of our guests
My response to the Cons: We will make the reception space work...the wedding cordinator says they have done 180 before and it fit, so we should trust her since she's the expert. I was thinking about getting a party bus or other transportation to bring guests (who will be intoxicated) back to the hotel because I'm very anti-drunk driving and I want everyone to have a good time. So we will have less cars there anyways.

Venue 2

Pros: Beautiful brick and exposed wood, lots of space, lots of parking
Cons: The reception room isn't big enough for tables and dancing so it would be dancing in the room that the ceremony was held in and I feel like that will exclude people who don't want to dance. Not as many opportunities for a variety pretty indoor pictures
My response to the Cons: No idea what to do about the dance floor, but we could bring in pipe and drape or other things to make different backgrounds for pictures

Venue 3

 

*they have ivory chairs, apparently these people thought the blue and purple were a good color combo...

Pros: Super cheap and we can rent the entire building, they do all of the set up for no extra cost, we have the building for 14 hours, gorgeous lake views (before it gets dark and you can't see it anymore)
Cons: Not many indoor picture opportunities, needs more decor to make it look less events center and more wedding
My response to the Cons: Since everything else will be less expensive we can spend the money on decor to make it exactly how we want and have pretty spaces for pictures


So there's my dilemma, my fiance doesn't have much of an opinion but he hasn't seen venue 3 yet so i'm trying to make another appointment so that he can see it and decide if he likes it. Did anyone else have this much trouble selecting a venue, it's seriously stressing me out!

What do you guys like? Any input on the pros and cons?

Weekending: Roadtrip!

We spent this weekend visiting my fiance's family on the other side of the state from us. He was lucky to be able to get off work early and we headed to his hometown. The drive is about four hours long, he alternated between sleeping && drumming while I rocked out to Taylor Swift.

When we arrived we met two of his friends at the fair where we promptly ate some delicious fair food. We went and looked at the FFA animals and then headed to the rodeo! It was my first rodeo and I loved it! I just finished reading Nicholas Sparks' latest book which was about a bull rider...that makes me an expert on rodeos right? I didn't know what was going on half of the time but now I really want to go to another one!

We spent most of Saturday hanging out at C's house with his family. He watched a lot of football and I watched the National Championships for gymnastics. It's one of my favorite sports to watch and since they only compete like 3 times a year it's a special occasion for me. We went out to dinner at his favorite restaurant, Texas Roadhouse. Their rolls are the best with the most delicious cinnamon butter, yum! I always fill up on them and never can eat my dinner. 

On Sunday we spent the morning with his family then headed home around noon. We hit a ton of traffic on the way which was frustrating but eventually we made it. My car was having troubles starting all weekend so I had to take it to get looked at. Thankfully Sears Auto was open until five and we snuck in right before it closed. They replaced the connector on my battery and got it running perfectly in the half hour before they closed and it only cost me $15! I was thinking it would be hundreds and they would have to keep it overnight and I'd have to scramble for a ride to work Monday morning. So thankful! 

We celebrated the car victory with dinner at Pita Pit because we all know I'm not going to cook after being gone all weekend and then driving for five hours. 

SO GOOD.

Work officially starts for me tomorrow. Convocation in the morning with all of the teachers in my district and then building meetings all day Let the fun, begin! 

Friday favorites

It was my last official week of summer but I spent most of it at school working with my FFA students. I got a lot of my classroom prep done (pictures to come next week) so I feel good about that. Next week during all of our professional development I plan on getting my content all figured out. Anyways, here are some favs from this week.

Favorite Song 

Taylor's new song did not disappoint. I'm in love with it, so catchy! && is she not so adorable in this video?

Favorite Verse

Favorite Purchase 

I've finally started my back to school shopping and these are two of my favorite things I got this week. First, a simple pair of dark jeans from Gap. They are bootcut and super comfy, also long enough for me which sometimes it's a struggle. The shirt is long and a little flowy. I love the crimson color and gold accents, best of all it was only $12, score! 

Favorite Thing that Happened This Week
One of my best friends from 5th grade got married two weeks ago and we don't see each other nearly enough (like maybe twice a year?). At her wedding she was like, let's hang out before you start school again. I wanted to but we all know how life gets and it doesn't always work out. Well this time we made it happen, she came over last night and had dinner with me and C (sadly her new husband was working) and we chatted for hours. It was SO NICE to just sit and catch up. There is nothing like old friends who you can pick up with from right where you left off.

Favorite New TV Show

Does anyone else watch this show? I've watched it for many seasons and I still enjoy it. I think half of the time I am just mesmerized at how talented and beautiful the girls are. I wish I had hair like that!

HAPPY FRIDAY! :) 

Wedding Wednesday - The Engagement

I love the story of our engagement and while it's still so fresh in my mind I want to share it so that I have it documented again and will never forget it.

I'll start by saying, I kinda knew it was coming. C had let a few things slip and was acting a little off, so I knew that it was going to happen that week but I didn't know how and I didn't know exactly when. It all started around 6pm on a Tuesday evening, so random, with a text telling me to go look in my backseat.

Sitting there was clue number 1, filling me in on what was going on and telling me that I need to head to our church, a place very important to both of us, to find my next clue. I was at my best friend's house, I gave her a big hug and laughed because I knew she knew what was happening...and off I went.

Found it! 

Next I was headed to my apartment so that I could 'get cute', how thoughtful. :) 

You can believe that I got ready just about as fast as possible and I was headed to my next location. He sent me to school because he knows it is so important to me and 'the kids will be so excited to hear that you are engaged.' Almost every day last year my kids would ask if I got engaged and then I'd say no and they were all disappointed it didn't happen before the end of the year. They're gonna be so excited when they find out. 

This clue finally sent me to meet him, out at the waterfront. We had gone there for a couple dates and it's so picture perfect. It's also like a 25 minute drive and the whole time I'm just trying to not freak out. I was bursting with excitement! When I got there I found him sitting and he made me sit and talk with him for a little bit, I could tell he was really nervous! It was so cute.

Then finally I was like...do you have something to ask me? && he did. 

I say YES! We stand there and hug, enjoy the moment, then my best friend (who's house I was at when this all started) comes out from behind the bushes...she had been following me the entire time and I didn't even notice. Priceless! He was so sweet to have included her on this adventure. 

I can't believe this was almost a month ago, it feels like just yesterday. Absolute perfection && now I get to marry the man of my dreams. <3 

Linking up below

School Clothes

Each year at the beginning of the school year I can't help but want a completely new wardrobe. My school is super casual, there are teachers who wear jeans every day, but I try to dress up a little since I'm young and I like looking more professional. By the end of last year I was so tired of all of my clothes and I want all new clothes, too bad my bank account doesn't agree. 

Here are some of the things I've been looking at and am hoping to get this year:

Some new skinny jeans. These are a necessity && I like the dark washes the best. 

Flowy chiffon tops are my go-to. I have them in so many colors and I love that they are super comfy and I can wear them even when I'm not feeling my best about my body. 

My classroom is like an ice box so I almost always have to wear a cardigan. I like the longer length of this one and that green color is one of my favorites. I wear so much black and grey that I really need to add some color into my life. 

I wear ballet flats almost every day and a lot of my old ones are pretty worn out so some new ones would be a great addition to my wardrobe. I like having ones with some pattern or a little bling. It's a fun way to add a little something to my outfit. 

New boots! I would be happy with like three new pairs of boots but I know I will probably end up with one or two. I love these with skinny jeans or with leggings and a cute dress. They make a comfy outfit look so much better. 

Those are the things on my wishlist! What clothes are you hoping to get for fall? 

All of these looks are from Old Navy, one of my favorite stores and an easy place to find so many cute teacher clothes in my budget! 

Weekending: Wedding Number Three

This weekend was the perfect mix of fun and relaxation.

Friday evening my fiance and I ordered pizza and hung out at home watching the Seahawks game. In the years that I have known him I've gone from a girl who knows nothing about football to one who actually enjoys watching it and is actually in a Fantasy Football League this year! I'm ready to show those boys how it's done! :]

Saturday morning we went and picked up my ring from the jeweler because it had to be resized. I missed it this week so I was happy to have it back.

That night we went to another wedding, the third in three weeks for us, and that was a really fun time. It was for a girl I've known since elementary school and her and her fiance both went to the same college we went to so there were a lot of familiar faces. It was a very young wedding which is how I hope ours will be, a good party && lots of dancing. I didn't take as many pictures as I should have but here is one I snagged from the instagram hashtag of some of their decor.

Today church was good, like...really good. Some days I just have constant chills and goosebumps and feel so present in that moment with the Lord. Today the service was amazing && we sang this song is response to the message, it was powerful. 

I went shopping with my best friend && got a new pair of jeans && cute top from the Gap. I'm desperate for some new teacher clothes so those were a good addition.  This afternoon I've been continuing my hunt for the perfect wedding venue, catching up on shows on my DVR, and creeping on the facebook/instagrams of my other friends who got married this weekend. 

Linking up with these lovely ladies.

I'm planning to spend at least 8 hours in my classroom tomorrow...hello, framework writing, decorating, and Nationals planning! 

Happy Monday! 

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday! This is my last weekend before school training begins, I'm planning a day trip to the mountains with the fiance && maybe some bowling tonight. I'll be here on Monday to share all about it.

Here are a few of my favorites this week:

Favorite Song

I think this is such a sweet song. Its different from the typical country love songs and I really like his voice. :) 

Favorite Verse

I was looking up verses to be read at our wedding and this one was one of my favorites. It's sweet and incorporates the bigger picture, that we are making a bond with God and that needs to be at the front of our marriage. 

Favorite Summer TV Show 

I've been watching this show for years and even though it's pretty stupid and probably fake, I can't resist. 

Favorite App

I joined fantasy football with my fiance && his friends this year, I'm hoping this app will help me to stay organized and do well. I want to show those boys that I know a little something about football too! 

Favorite thing about friday?

It's a blue friday! No need to pick out an outfit, just wear some Seahawks gear. Go Hawks! 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! 

Rainy Retreat

I spent the past two days leading a retreat for our FFA chapter officers. FFA is a national student leadership organization that I am an advisor of and we have 6 officers who lead the chapter. The officers get to pick where they want to go for the retreat and while we are there we work on planning the upcoming year, goal setting, and they have the chance to bond as a team and have a little fun.

First things first, I'm not a camping kinda girl. I'd much prefer being in a hotel, enjoying a day on the beach, or sitting in the sun. The weather was a little sketchy and we ended up being covered in mud, soaking wet, and huddling under tarps most of the trip. Here is a look at the campsite, notice the high amount of tents for only 8 people. The girls had a 'sleeping tent' and a 'changing tent' ...they didn't even sleep in the 'sleeping tent' since it was raining so they slept in the suburban, maybe they aren't campers either.

Our entertainment for most of the time there was playing cards, our favorite game was spoons. The kids even decorated their spoons because they were that bored.

We had the craziest thunderstorm I've ever experienced and I was a little scared for my life. The thunder didn't just boom, it was rolling thunder that lasted quite a while. Not to mention lightning strikes that completely lit up the sky, and this went on for about three hours throughout the night.

Needless to say, I'm happy to be home, warm, showered, and dry. It's going to be a lazy day on the couch.

Weekending: Moving in && wedding fun

As my summer comes to a close I am trying to soak up every minute and enjoy even the crazy busy weekends. This weekend was no exception with plenty of things scheduled into a really small amount of time.

Friday night I went to a local high school where my fiance is teaching their drumline. They just finished their band camp and so they were performing for their family and friends. I love watching him teach and seeing his passion for music in action. The kids still have a long way to go but they did a good job. That was followed by dinner at Applebee's and an early night.

Saturday morning my mom picked C and I up to head east to move my little brother to graduate school. He is attending school where we both did our undergrad so it was wonderful to go back. We walked around campus and took some pictures since that is where we met 6 years ago.

That night we went out with some of our friends who are still in town. I love that with good friends no matter how long it is since you see them its still a good time. I'm so thankful for those types of friendships.

On Sunday we headed back home and then went to a wedding that evening. It was for one of my friends who I have known since elementary school. It was hard since it was on a Sunday night after such a long weekend but we still had a good time. The food was amazing and it was a beautiful location. We didn't stay for dancing but I definitely took a few notes for my wedding.

Hope you all had a great weekend, linking up with the lovely ladies below!

What I've Been Reading

One of my favorite things about summer time is being able to catch up on all of the reading that I have been wanting to do all year. As a student it was something I looked forward to and this summer, as a teacher, it was still a highlight. Here's a peek at five of my favorite books I read this summer.

1. Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands 

This book was different from books that I normally read because it was a little dark. It's a young adult book based on a teenager who's life is turned upside down when a nuclear reactor in her town has a meltdown and both of her parents are killed. It follows her struggles in the following weeks including living as a homeless teen and attempting to get back to her abandoned home.
Rating: 4/5 stars

2. The Wedding Girl

I read this book because I had weddings on the brain since I was MOH in my best friend's wedding this summer. This is a fun, easy read about a love story that takes a complicated turn. This book has some humor but also has a decent plot. There are twists that you won't see coming and characters that are funny and relatable.
Rating: 4/5 stars

3. To Live is Christ 

This book follows the story of Paul and it is so inspiring. I have loved learning more about his man and how he lived his life for Christ and the church. I haven't finished the book but each time I read it I learn something, even if I only read a few pages. 

Rating: 5/5

4. The Selection

If you pictured a mix between The Hunger Games and The Bachelor, that is exactly what this book is. It's actually a series of three books and they were all really good. It is a little predictable but for young adult literature, it is an enjoyable read. I have always enjoyed reading anything that involves royalty and since this book provides a glimpse into this fictitious kingdom, it's a lot of fun. 

Rating: 4.5/5

5. Shore Lights

This book is set in a quaint little beach town in New Jersey and since I spent many summers in those towns it had a special meaning to me. There's stories about family, friendship, and loyalty. It's also based around Christmas which is such a magical time. This was a free book on kindle so it's not high quality literature but if you're looking for a light beach read, I would recommend it.

Rating: 4/5

Linking up for friday favorites  && oh, hey friday!