Merry (belated) Christmas!

Well Cody and I had our first Mr. & Mrs. Christmas, it was great. While we didn't spend it with our families (his job kept us home) we spent it together and we both enjoyed it. We spent Christmas Eve and Day with his partner John and his family. They were nice enough to invite us over so we didn't spend the day totally alone. We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and that Santa brought you what you asked for. :-)

Much Love,
Cody and Beth

Wow

Already halfway through my first year of teaching. My last day of the semester is tomorrow and I only have two classes. As most of you know it's been a little rocky, but according to every teacher I've talked to that's par for the course your first year. I've made some awesome friends and enjoy what I do most of the time. Some days I'm surprised I haven't gone ballistic or broken down crying.

Tomorrow Cody and I are going to College Station to see Grego, Cody's brother, graduate from A&M! Saturday his cousin Amber is graduating from Sam Houston. So we have a jam-packed weekend. We'll more than likely be heading back to Eden extra early on Sunday because Cody has to work 3-12 since his Sarge didn't give him Sunday off like Cody asked. Then I get to go pick up two dogs by myself. Yay

I'm off for two weeks which doesn't seem nearly long enough and will be going back to work the 4th. I don't know if I'll get to see family over the holiday, which stinks. It's hard to travel during this time of the year what with Cody's job. So if I don't see you, Love you and have a great Christmas and New Year!

Long over due update

For those of you who haven't heard:

• We adopted a new dog, his name is Chico. Currently we are dealing with his seperation anxiety (in other words, he's chewing up things)
• My sister Katie had her baby a little early but everything is fine, Charlotte is doing awesome and is overcoming adversity by leaps and bounds. Like a tiny Supergirl.
• I'm still working at CFC, things are great but preparing for TAKS is exhausting. Oh and they won't turn on the boiler so we can actually be warm.
• It snowed today so I stayed home with the boys, by the time the snow and ice started melting it was pointless for me to go to work (I would have had an 1 and 1/2 left).
• Our Christmas Tree is up, lights are on the house and the Nativity set is up! Yay Christmas :-) I so love this time of year.

Buttercup

I present the newest member of the named vehicles, Buttercup! She is a 2010 Toyota Prius hybrid, amazing sound system with a GREAT bluetooth that is SO handy while driving. Leather seats, driver and passenger seats are even HEATED how cool is that?!

Oh and even better? I have headlamp washers. As Cody says, the guy could have just shown me that and I would have bought the car. Not really but it's a fun toy, I bought her for the gas mileage. Mom took the pictures and I stole them off her flickr. I figured she wouldn't be too upset if I did that.

Oh and that awesome strand of pearls I'm sporting? Cody got those as a "Yay you got a job I thought these would look pretty on you" gift. Isn't he the most awesomest hubby ever?

Um more information about Buttercup, she has a six CD changer, SAT radio built in (which we will add to our account shortly), and awesome center console set up that I freaking adore (everything is easy and at my finger tips which was NOT the case in Hoss (that's Cody's truck, yes I named him too! I thought naming him after the big guy from Bonanza was appropriate.)

Oh and if you haven't quite figured it out yet, Buttercup is named after the green Powerpuff Girl. She's mah favorite!

Long Overdue

It's been awhile since we posted anything. Sorry about that, I completely forgot about this in the hub-bub and then continued to forget it.

Updates since the wedding:

• Beth got a job! Yay me!
• Bandit is still happy as can be and is starting to spend more time outside as it gets cooler (in the mornings and late evenings)
• Cody is still loving his job

I have multiple meetings and workshops to go to in the next two weeks. Can you say "Freak out"? I have two weeks to get ready for school and I'm not sure where to begin. Hopefully my department will help me out.

Even better? My jaw started bothering me a couple days ago and yesterday felt like it should be twice the size it was. Today it hasn't been as bad but still uncomfortable. Called the dentists office and had to leave a message. Hopefully they'll call back soon and I can get an appointment or something.

Okay so....

...not so much with the internet. I'm at my parents house typing this up, Cody and I haven't had time to get a phone line set up, life is kinda busy. We've settled comfortably into our home and schedules, well his is a little wonky but mine is just fine.

I passed my PPR with a 272 and have taken my Content. I don't know the score on that just yet and will have to wait for a while before I do because of the written portion. I should get the report by early May, keep your fingers crossed for me!

I have three weeks left in my semester and am looking forward to the end of student teaching and my college career and am ready to move in to the next phase of my life: marriage and full time teacher. There aren't many openings for a secondary English teacher in the area, the school I'm doing my student teaching at has an opening as one of the English teachers is retiring at the end of this year. Of course I'm applying for it but what some people don't realize is that the line to apply at this school is about a mile long. More experienced teachers will be vying for the job so I'll apply but won't hold my breath. Keep me in your prayers and keep your fingers crossed with me that I find a job, I'm told not to worry but I still am and won't stop until I have a contract between my skinny fingers.

I'll be observed for the final time next week so far my observations have been fine. 2's and 3's next time will be the first time I can receive 4's so I'm hoping I can make it up to a 4 in some areas. My supervisor has told me that if I don't not to worry about it because a lot of what they're scoring us on is stuff that will come in time. Of course I'm one of those impatient people that wants to be perfect now and beats themselves up when they mess up.

Cody's fine, he's adjusting well to the new station. He and his partner get along great and he's enjoying the area. Hopefully I can find a job in the area so we don't have to pack up and leave right when we're getting settled.

Keep us in your prayers, hope everyone's Easter was excellent, Cody and I spent the day with my parents. I'll update with pictures next time, I left the camera in Eden. Hopefully the next time I update I'll be updating from my own home!

Wow

A lot has happened since I last updated.

We closed on the house a day later than initially planned. Started moving that Saturday (March 7th). Kim and Mike, Cody's mom and stepdad, brought his furniture and clothes that was left in Ft. Worth to the house the Saturday after we closed. They helped get us started on moving in, which I'm grateful for. I think it would have been awful if we hadn't had the help.

I had my second observation right before we left for Spring Break. I didn't improve as much as I wanted to but we're working on it.

Cody finally got all his stuff out of the Trailer and into the house last Saturday (March 14th). I don't know how we crammed so much junk into that Trailer. Then Sunday we met with our minister for our first of three meetings. She gave us homework and got to know us. Pointed out a few issues we need to talk about. She seems really nice, Cody and I both liked her. Monday I went through the stuff we brought into the house Saturday while Cody was at work. Tuesday and Wednesday weren't that eventful.

I was cleared by the English department to take my Content exam and will take that April 4th so send happy thoughts my way on that day please. I took my PPR exam on Thursday before Mom and I left for New Braunfels. I don't have the results on that just yet so I'll have to keep y'all updated.

Thursday after I took my PPR Mom and I left for New Braunfels and to read about those adventures head over to the wedding blog.

Student Teaching/ Troop Update

Well to start things off, I was observed on Tuesday this week. It went well, I received 2's and 3's (the highest I can receive at the moment is a 3). I know what I need to do bring my performance up to a 3 in every category, most of it comes with practice and experience.

Over all the week was good, I had two parent teacher conferences, a tornado drill, and a faculty meeting. They all went fine, nothing to complain about.

As for Cody, he received an email today at 5pm stateing that his transfer would be effective March 1st. Yes that would be this coming Sunday. We were expecting his transfer to go through April 1st. So everything we had to get done during March we have to get done in 2 weeks. We're not worried about it, just letting everyone know what's going on. Just keep your fingers crossed that we can get someone to appraise the house by the 5th.

Car Woes

Ugh.

So my car (Timmy) has been misbehaving. I'm not sure exactly what's wrong with him but he's been at it for over a week. He's left me stranded three times. It's not the battery, I promise. When I try to turn my engine over he makes ONE "tch" noise and nothing. Some times he works and sometimes he doesn't. After he messed my morning up I decided I'd had enough. So I dropped him off at the dealership today and am praying that they fix the problem by 5 tomorrow and I can go see Cody and Bandit.

I'm growing a wee-bit tired of him. So if anyone has the overwhelming urge to give me a decent car let me know!

House Pictures

Front of house 2
Originally uploaded by Tex05

Cody and I went back to the house on Saturday to meet with the inspector. He was pleasant and courteous and let me fill in words for him when he couldn't think of any to say. (I have a habit of providing words to speed people up).

The house checked out, the only suggestion was we ask them to replace the water heater. Considering what we're getting the house for we decided we could eat the cost of a new heater.

My flickr account has more pictures that are available to view. Head over and take a look!

Whew!

Wow, what a week. Cody had to deal with a lot of crazy stuff. They had really high winds Tuesday and people wrecked left and right because of it. He also had several OTHER things happen too. His family and a select few of mine know about what I'm talking about, but I don't want to plaster it all over the net. Let's just say that Karma is awesome in it's justice.

My week was fast paced. Pun intended. I got pulled over Tuesday and was ticketed for speed. I accepted it gracefully and hunched in on myself at the thought of telling Cody. He's understandably irritated when it comes to speeding especially when the person speeding is me. Ugh off that horrible subject and on to another!

The students turned in their projects this week. I have 73 students, that doesn't sound like many (thankfully it really ISN'T). I've been grading all of the projects so far. I've had some AMAZING projects (highest score is 110) and some HORRIBLE projects (lowest so far 56). I'm no where near finishing grading but it's obvious some students didn't pay attention at all.

My favorite excuse this week was "I was sick Monday that's why I don't have it." I gave the student a confused look and replied, "The project was for homework, and you've known for two weeks the due date was today. Sign the book and turn it in before Friday." Students have to sign a "Homework Notebook" if they don't have their homework, the first is a freebie the second and third are detentions.

Wednesday we came to school and half the school didn't have power. The night before we had high winds (the ones that Cody had to deal with). After they restored power we didn't have a network. Wednesday was one of those days.

Thursday we had TAKS General Training. Holy cow, we have to do that EVERY year? Talk about boring. Luckily I can use the experience towards my continuing education requirement for Student Teaching.

Today wasn't too interesting, we continued TAKS scoring with the students. Hopefully they're paying attention to what we're telling them and they'll be able to recognize their work as 2's or 3's. (On the short answer portion of the TAKS the highest a student can score is a 3, 2 is a good answer 3's are above and beyond the call of duty).

Next week we'll be doing the same thing. My first FORMAL observation is next week, I'm a little nervous but I think it'll be okay. I have to email my supervisor and set up the day and class period before I go to sleep tonight. So keep your fingers crossed for me and send happy thoughts my way :D.

Tomorrow Cody and I are going to get the house inspected. We'll be taking pictures for you so be expecting them!

Forgive any errors I'm a little tired...

Week Three - Student Teaching

This week and last week have been awesome. I didn't update last week because of the house, I was too excited and then quickly distracted by life to post anything. Nothing to out of the ordinary has happened at school. I've fallen into a comfortable routine of classes and what's expected of me. I taught two lessons this past week, it was a lot of fun but I felt awkward. I'm sure that's because I didn't plan the lesson myself from conception to practice. My cooperative teacher thinks I did just fine. My supervisor dropped into see me once last week and once this week. The first time I was expecting her, the second she just appeared out of nowhere. She's a sweet lady, but she likes to talk. I did, however, make clear that I felt the "training" we interupted our Wednesday with was useless.

I received an email last week about going back to ASU for "Taskstream training". That's silly, I thought, We were trained during Orientation. Why do we need more? Surely there isn't something more important than being in the classroom and making lesson plans?

You see, this "training" took place during my planning period AND my lunch time (1230 to 130). Oh buddy that ruffled my feathers. Why have the students that are out of district TRAVEL for training in the middle of the day? I grudgingly attended because it was required. I was more than astonished that my English buddy, who is doing her Student Teaching in Midland, appeared. She had a 3 hour round trip for 15 minutes of wasted time. They taught us nothing we didn't already know, just repeated the same thing they told us the first week of school during Orientation.

The rest of the week was uneventful. The students have a project due Tuesday and Wednesday (they are on block at Wall). So I get to see who has been bald-face lying to me and my cooperative teacher about getting their work done. I'm sure I'll update about it next week.

Got Tagged...one word only

My friend Jenn tagged me so here I am we'll see how I do.

1. Where is your cell phone? table
2. Where is your significant other? road
3. Your hair color? Brown
4. Your mother? kitchen
5. Your father? tvroom
6. Your favorite thing? Cody
7. Your dream last night? Bizarro
8. Your goal? Certificates (2)
9. The room you are in? bedroom
10. Your hobby? learning
11. Your fear? Losing my family
12. Where do you want to be in six years? Mommy :-D
13. Where were you last night? here
14. What you are not? sad
15. One of your wish list items? photographer
16. Where you grew up? sanang
17. The last thing you did? work
18. What you are wearing? casual
19. Your TV? WAW
20. Your pet? Bandit
21. Your computer? Dell
22. Your mood? tired
23. Missing someone? Cody
24. Your car? Timmy
25. Something you are not wearing? shoes
26. Favorite story? Mine and Cody's
27. Your Summer? Wedding!!
28. Love someone? my Cody
29. Your favorite color? pink
30. When was the last time you laughed? 8th period
31. Last time you cried? weeks ago

Okay I tried only a few are more than a word. I tag Amy, sorry Maime have to pick someone.

Big news!

We got a house!

Cody and I decided a while back that we would prefer to stay in this area for a little while, and a few years down the road re-evaluate if we wanted to move or stay put. So, we started talking about a house in Eden. Cody browsed for houses online to get an idea of the market. We saw one online that looked good but when we went to view it, we decided "not so much". Our agent showed us a few more houses that we again felt "not so much" but made the first house seem more desirable. He showed us one house where the living room was smaller than Mom's office and the bedrooms would fit a queen sized bed and that's it. Another house was right next to roosters and totally gutted, he wouldn't have had it ready in time for us to move in.

Then after Cody asked, "You have anything else?" he showed us this ADORABLE house! We didn't have our camera with us so we couldn't take pictures so you'll have to take my word on how cute the house is. When we were pulling up Cody and I both "ooh'ed" on it, then we went inside, I saw the dinning room/living room, and HOORAY, it was BIG! The two bedrooms are reasonable size bathroom in between. Even the bathroom is cute! The kitchen is a nice size, and there is a laundry room (HUGE!), an enclosed sun porch (cozy reading spot!), a front porch and a nice sized backyard. I can't wait to go back and take pictures!

Just to give you a time line on how fast this all happened. Cody and I went and viewed houses on Wednesday. Cody placed an offer on the house while I was at work on Thursday. Our agent guy called Cody and told him that the woman selling the house signed the contract THIS MORNING! Eek! I'm so excited.

Now I just need everyone to pray REALLY hard that Beth finds a job in the area! Cody's working tonight so I doubt we'll hear his side of this story until later.

Oh, by the way, Mrs. Sefcik says "hi!" to all siblings. She teaches at Wall Elementary and when she found out that I was student teaching there, she came to say hi and we caught up. I'll update that tidbit tomorrow probably.

Troops Update

Well my update is a little less exciting, I did get to experience a new event in work, and I (maybe we) am getting more excited about moving closer to Beth. It is looking like mid-March I will be in Eden. I will miss the friends, co-workers and work experience I have here in Iraan, but I feel I need to be closer to our close friends and each other. So here is a run down of my week.

• Monday-Cade and I went to the gun range, then went to dinner with a close group of friends (something I have missed since being in Iraan).
• Tuesday-I was assigned to help with the Presidential Duty for President Bush in Midland. It was Bush's welcome home party after he left DC. I was assigned to block an intersection for the motorcade route. It was a neat experience and a good welcome home. I got to see the motorcade but have no clue which one was his vehicle. It was a long day but definitely worth it at the end of the day.
• Weds till today-I was back on the Highway.

I learned next time not to leave Beth both Bandit and the Xbox. I not only had to go through the week without Beth, but also no Bandit or an Xbox to occupy my time.

Week 1 - Student Teaching

Whew.

I don't think I have ever been as tired as I am right now. This week was long, stressful, and a lot of fun. I had so much information thrown at me all at once that I don't know what to do with half of it. I'm not used to the long school hours anymore; college spoiled me rotten.

Just to give you a run down of my week:

Monday:

• Cody and I met friends for lunch.
• Cody spent the rest of the day with his friend while I relaxed with Bandit.
• We went to dinner with friends (and babies!) hope we can do it again soon.
  

Tuesday:

• Student Teaching Orientation from 830 AM to 330PM
• Cody left for work around 9AM
• Took Patrick to lunch
• Met up with Kat for a few hours after Orientation
  
• Had a hiccup with the bridal party around 7PM
  
• Went out with Kat for a few hours because of hiccup, planned Bachelorette party and Bridal Shower
  

Wednesday:

• Student Teaching Orientation from 9AM to 330PM
• Huge gap of free time spent with Bandit at Parents house
• After Orientation fixed hiccup by making a few phone calls

Thursday:

• Met my Principal and Cooperative Teacher, both seem awesome!
• Drove to Eden out of curiosity (almost ran out of gas, didn't think that one through very well)
• Timed drive back to Wall from Eden (just shy of 30 minutes if you're curious)
• Time drive back to San Angelo from Wall (right around 10 to 12 minutes depending on lights in San Angelo)
• Went back to ASU for final part of Orientation day ended at 330
  

Friday (Today):

• First day of Student Teaching!
• Had a substitute, my teacher was sick (she picked up a stomach virus from her son)
• Students took a test - B day kids look awesome have a few to look out for but nothing to hard
• Realized just how long an hour and thirty minutes is...eek
• Came home tired but excited

That is my first week of student teaching! There isn't much exciting on Cody's front, he knows how to update the blog if he wants to. I'm now off to update the wedding blog.

Update time!

Well, I found out where I'm doing my student teaching! I'll start my student teaching at Wall ISD on Friday. I'm super excited and looking forward to the experience, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I get to meet my principal and cooperative teacher Thursday.

Cody and I spent most of Saturday shopping for clothes for my semester, we bought a bunch of cute outfits. Without hurting his "manliness" I want to say that Cody knows exactly what will look professional on me. He picked out 3/4's of the wardrobe and two of the three pairs of shoes.

Sunday Cody, Kat and I went to the gun range. Kat had never shot a gun before, 10 years of friendship and somehow the girl has never shot a gun. So after finding this out I called Cody and asked him (read: told him) if he would take us shooting. He did, and we had a blast. We shot for a good 2 and half hours everything from his 22 rifle to his 12 gauge (?) shotgun...we each shot a slug. Holy COW did that hurt. I knew I was in trouble when Cody, who didn't move with ANY of the other shells jerked back a little.

Monday, without either of us realizing it, made a year since Cody proposed to me! We have six months until the wedding. I'm so excited, words don't describe it :D.

Update on Troop's Transfer

I forgot to let everyone know about Cody's transfer.

We were informed that Cody's request for transfer to Eden was approved. The transfer to New Braunfels was given to a Troop with one year seniority. ONE year! I was amazed at the luck.

Moving on, Cody was also informed that he'll be detached until further notice. The sergeant area he is currently in is short handed so Cody has to stay in the area until they can replace him. The estimate right now is March, but Cody is thinking it'll be closer to April before he can leave Iraan.

So that's the story on Cody's transfer!

FINALLY!!

I finally received that email that told me what classes to register for. I registered immediately, of course. Now I just have to sit on my hands some more and wait to figure out where I'll be student teaching. I'll keep y'all updated!