Christmas, part 1

Curtis, always a ham for pictures.
Karen, Gracie & Vanessa in their new Christmas pajamas.
Jordan, Jon's dog--she's now about 13, and has quite the old dog face.
Can you tell we think Curtis is cute?
Sydney, 4 months.

Oregon travel mania

On a lighter note than the previous post, we have definitely made our mark on this state since we got here. We flew in Monday afternoon (an hour and a half late, thanks to a broken air conditioner in Atlanta), in the midst of snowy/icy conditions in Portland. Our lunch plans were foiled, and we headed straight for The Dalles, where Jon's parents live. Because of the winter weather, the trip took twice as long as usual (2 hours instead of 1), which wasn't necessarily fun since we'd been traveling since around 4am Central/2am Pacific. Tuesday morning we headed off to Ontario, OR, which is about 15 minutes from the Oregon-Idaho border. We stopped in Pendleton, where Jon's parents used to live, at our favorite Chinese restaurant, Kwong's. The trip was about 5-6 hours, and I chose this time to catch Jon's stomach flu that he'd had on Saturday--super. Anyway, we arrived at Jon's grandparents' house in time for dinner (it looked great). The next day we headed over to Boise, ID to have a Christmas gathering/dinner with Jon's Aunts & Uncles that live there. I was feeling better, and had a great time visiting. Thursday we headed back to The Dalles from Ontario, the trip going much quicker this time with better weather. Paul, Larisa, Karen, Curtis, and their 3 foster girls came to The Dalles later in the evening, and we had a great weekend with a full house. Kim's arrival on Saturday brought the house total to 12, including two babies less than a year old, with no sleeping space left. We took tons of pictures which we'll have to post later, when we either find a cord to connect our camera, or go home.

Christmas

This is our third Christmas as husband and wife, and yet it was full of firsts. The last two years we have stayed home, and done Christmas our own way--this was the first year we went to one of our parents' homes and specifically joined in on their traditions. And I have to admit, for me, it was weird. Those of you that know me may know my family's traditions--Christmas with my mom's side somewhere before Christmas (it used to be Christmas Eve until I quit coming), open stockings before church on Christmas day, attend Julotta (the wonderful 6am service), open presents with immediate family at home, and then go to the Hale side for dinner and presents there. And maybe it's the fact that we had such set traditions that makes it so strange to do something else. I mean, the last two years we were in the homes of our friends, so there weren't really traditions to think of. But this year I was in a setting where I noticed the differences. We went to the Christmas Eve service, then came home and had the big dinner. We opened all presents on Christmas Eve--and no waiting, everyone kind of opened them at once. The kids all had stockings to open this morning, but we didn't really do that. We went to church, came home, and had leftovers. Maybe I'm just thinking about traditions because we're going to have to come up with our own very soon. Maybe I'm pregnant and nostalgic/emotional. It just felt...different to me to do nothing today that was significantly Christmas after 27 years of having it be the "main" day. It'll also be strange to go home to the presents from my family--a very delayed Christmas, but enjoyable nonetheless. I guess I won't get all of my celebrating done at once.
It's important to note that I'm not trying to knock the Steele Christmas in any way--I'm just noticing the differences. I guess I've never known another Christmas "style," and didn't know how it would feel.

Baby Steele

We're going to have a baby! As of Friday, December 23rd, I was 11 weeks. So I'm due somewhere around July 14th. My parents got the big surprise yesterday, and we'd told Jon's parents earlier in the week. Church won't know until after the 1st when we get back. I'm pretty proud that we were able to keep it such a secret for so long. This ultrasound is from Nov. 30th, and we'll get another on January 4th. Sorry the picture looks so weird--it was scanned in, and I'm not very skilled at adjustments yet. Don't worry, it just looks like a grain of rice anyhow.

Hush Day

We had a hush day at school today. While I was skeptical about it, it turned out to be our very own Christmas miracle. We gave each of the students a name-tag sized sticker with their name and 7 mustangs (our mascot). They were to be completely silent in the halls, classes, and cafeteria unless they were given permission to talk. If they did talk, we'd mark out a Mustang. At the end of the day they announced how many they had to have to go to the patio for the last half hour of school. It ended up being 5, but they didn't know. This helped with the "I already blew it" trouble-makers. There were still a few, but they were sent to the office. Anyway, it worked insanely well. I only had one left in class that actually deserved it--the other two chose to stay and help me clean up.
Second Christmas miracle--I had three kids transfer today. Two of them made me want to do the happy dance, the third was kind of in the middle. This was the best Christmas ever!

Pet me, please

This isn't their most pathetic faces (Deeds looks kind of annoyed), but it's close.

Cheater

We're used to Kronk sitting on the couch, but yesterday he went a bit over the line. I was doing something in the kitchen, and glanced over to see him sitting on the TOP of the couch, like he normally does on the seat part. Then apparently that was too exhausting, so he laid down. I was hoping you could tell how stinking big he is from this picture.

Christmas Vacation

Sorry you haven't heard much from me recently. I've been enduring that lovely week that is known as "the last week before Christmas break". I'm also wondering why a good God would place a full moon on the last day of school. It has been a pretty busy and hectic week, and tonight is our last basketball game, so they're really pushing us until the end. I'll be there until 6ish selling either concessions or tickets and then head to yet another Christmas party. I don't think that family gifts actually make us broke, I'm pretty sure it's all of the "bring a $-- gift to exchange" parties that make us broke. You can't really budget or plan for them. No fair.

The few days before Christmas break I am reminded of why I teach sixth grade and not high school--the presents. Ha--you though I was going to mention something about their innocence or excitement, didn't you? No, sixth graders, still in their little elementary school minds, love to give their teachers presents. I think this year I actually came out better than last year, and it's not even Friday yet. I mean, I may have the same quantity, but a much higher level of quality. Hooray for smart moms.

Leaves

Our tree sneezed. This literally happened in one day. I can see no lawn. Good think I hate raking.

It's cold

After a pretty balmy Thanksgiving, and even a warm last Saturday, the weather has turned cold, and I can once again pull out my Oregon sweaters. I took this picture yesterday morning when I got to school. Tomorrow the high is supposed to be 39. We're supposed to get sleet tonight (much as I pray for a snow day...), and the snow will be north of us. Crazy.

Quote of the day

A few days ago, two teachers that I work with, Lisa and Toni, told some students that they were twins (they look nothing alike). The students have kind of been talking about it and asking them questions, etc.

Student A (finally dawning on him): How can you be twins if you don't have the same birthday?
Student B: Duh, they're not identical.

Wow. I think I'll say it again with you. Wow.

Box Tops for Education

If you are not collecting box tops for a school near you, may I suggest saving those tops and mailing them to me? If you're not familiar with them, they're on all sorts of products, from flour to cake mix to Bisquick to yougurt case boxes to cereal. They're each worth 10 cents to a school--which doesn't seem like a lot, which is why we need your help. It really can add up. Plus, my homeroom could win a popcorn party, and you know how I love popcorn. No need to mail them as you get them--just save up a bunch and send them every once in a while.

Goodbyes

Kronk didn't want Jeff to go.
This was actually after we came home from dropping Jeff off in Dallas--he was mourning on the bed.
We we SO excited about getting to eat at Carl's Jr.--the closest is in Texas, about an hour and a half away.
This is why I'm not in very many pictures on the blog--not such a great picture-taker.
Jeff and all of the puppies--not that they're looking.

Family pics

Jeff and Kronk, aka "cow".
The dogs pretended to be in turkey comas.

Kronk isn't even fully extended in this picture--I'm pretty sure he was terrified of being on his hind legs.

Rednecks

We may create a separate blog for our lovely redneck neighbors, but for now we'll post the laughs here...
Push-starting the motorcycle didn't work, but by golly, they tried.
Isn't this what you wore on Thanksgiving?
So, these weren't really our neighbors, but we can imagine them doing it.

Thanksgiving

The menu included turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, yams, bread, and twice-baked potatoes. Oh, and pumpkin (gross) and apple pie.

We really should've bought the bigger BBQ when we got married...
The temperature was great--I'm guessing it was a lot different than Oregon would've been.

Jeff's visit

I know I was supposed to be taking pictures & posting them all week, but I just haven't. Sorry. Here's my photo-less account of my Thanksgiving vacation so far. Saturday was my birthday, and we went to Dallas to drool in the new Ikea before picking Jeff up. Sunday was church, naps, and our Bible Study. Monday was grocery & Christmas shopping on base, and some touring for Jeff. Also a visit for me to the doctor for yet another wonderful bout of poison ivy. Tuesday we went to the gym and took the dogs out for a walk. We went to a catfish place for dinner and then hit the casinos for some Paigow, which was surprisingly very fun. Yesterday Jeff and I saw "Rent" and after youth group we all went to Shogun for dinner, which is something like Beni Hana's (or so I'm told). We're currently watching the parade, and counting the hours until the real eating begins. So far it's been a great week!

Genius (I think)

Yesterday I decided to love on my car a little bit. You know, break out the Armorall & the shop vac. You see, we have these weird seed things that fall from our tree, and they look like opened sunflower seeds. They get tracked into the house & car, and there were huge piles in my car that I wanted to get rid of. So I'm vacuuming, and I get to thinking, "You know, shop vacs can blow as well as suck..." Hence, one does not need a leaf blower to remove leaves and said seed thingies from a driveway, just a shop vac (3 hp or more) and an extension cord.

Temp

Today was the first day below 85 degrees in several weeks. In fact, it was only 52 degrees, and the low tonight should be around 26. FINALLY it feels like fall. Our trees still have our leaves, and it's nearly Thanksgiving--weird. Anyway, hopefully I'll be able to actually pack my shorts & tank tops up this time (even the ones I wore yesterday).

Another holiday first

Today I had my first eggnog latte. Mmmm... I love eggnog.

Birthdays and Christmas

Yesterday was Kronk's first birthday. We didn't really do anything to celebrate--just told him, "happy birthday".
I started the Christmas season on Saturday by watching "Christmas Vacation". I love that movie. Jon wanted me to wait until after Thanksgiving, but I just couldn't . He's lucky I made it to November.

Been a while

Sorry that it's been a while since I've blogged. Something was goofy with the camera connection, and I couldn't download any pictures. Here are some updates:
Congrats to Jon who earned not only an A on the Halloween paper, but also in the class.
I passed my final (hopefully) Praxis test, and will hopefully never have to take it again.

Jon turned the big 3-1 yesterday (the 7th), and sadly, it was pretty uneventful. We really celebrated it on Saturday, because we knew Monday wasn't good. Last night I surprised him by picking up Olive Garden (to go)--he was doing homework and didn't have time to go out. He has totally appreciated all of the cards and gifts. I think his quote was, "Wow, I've never had this many cards before--I love your family!" He did get plenty from his family, too. I got him a router table, to encourage the making of my bed :).

Replaceable

Apparently, I'm pretty replaceable. Saturday morning Kronk climbed on the bed (they know they're allowed on Saturdays--laundry day). It woke me up, but not Jon. He was originally laying on his back with the dog and I snuggling on either side of his chest. I went to get the camera because I thought it was so cute, and when I came back, they looked like this...

Quilt

I finished my quilt last Sunday, and cut the fraying parts until Tuesday. Thursday it got its first wash, and someday it'll get the other two. Laundromats are expensive, and I feel bad going when Jon's around, so I went last Thursday when he was at Bible study. It is HUGE, and very, very warm. Soft, too. I'm definitely glad I made it.

You can also see our new couch covers--red and khaki. It helps with dog drool and other dirt.

New car

Here's our new car. We still haven't sold the BMW yet, but wanted to get the hurricane discount. It's a Mazda 3, basically the Civic of Mazdas. I LOVE it!

Congrats Jessica & MBC

I need to brag about my friend & alma mater for a moment. Multnomah FINALLY won regionals, and gets to go to Nationals. Of course, our region is no longer big enough, so winning didn't guarantee them the spot--they had to earn a wild card spot. AND, Jessica was the regional Coach of the Year!!! Congrats Jessica!!!

Halloween

So I've just spent about 20 minutes looking at all of the cool Halloween pictures on my friends' blogs. And yet our Halloween was so very different. We were supposed to go eat at a friend's house and pass out candy. Then we were going to take their 1-year-old around to get some candy for us. But at about 3pm it started pouring rain, so they canceled. Jon had the day off and worked most of the day on his term paper that was due at midnight. Then at about 1pm, the power went out. When I got home at 3:30, we took the "brains" of our computer (not sure what you call it) to my classroom, where he hooked it up to my monitor & stuff. Only one and a half of his ten pages had been saved, so he basically had to start over. So we spent the next 3 hours there--I did some school stuff and worked on cutting the little pieces that will fray on my quilt (an endless job). Then we came home and he did more homework while I made Taco soup. We didn't get a single trick-or-treater, but I'm guessing the inclement weather was the reason.

My first witch cake

Not bad, for my first one. Not as good as my mom's but I'm sure I'll get better. I'm also not as good as Sarah, and didn't make my cake from scratch, but it sure did taste good.

An "oops" day

Yesterday Jon and I apparently had a case of the Mondays. I accidentally went to work with his wallet in my purse. He can't very well get on base without his ID, so I had to come home and give it to him, making him late-ish for work. He was still the first person there and arrived about a minute and a half before he needed to be there, but it was stressful and he's supposed to be there early.

Then, when Jon came home to change before going to the gym, he threw his boot over toward the couch. Only it didn't just go "toward" the couch. It went into the couch, tearing a huge hole. So now we're taking donations for slip covers. Or Jon's going to sew one this weekend. We'll see.

More lake shots

Deeds is usually the swimmer, and Kronk believes water is only meant for drinking, but they both enjoyed it today.
They ran across this shallow part several times like Baywatch dogs.
And, we're pooped on the way home.
Poor Smalls, she sleeps in the weirdest positions.

Look how tiny Kronk looks!
Deeds: Why are you taking picutes of me? I'm soaking wet and smell like swamp. Honestly.
Kronk: Hmmm...this grass tastes kind of good. Maybe I can eat it now, then puke it up on the tiny cloth part of the Pathfinder on the way home! Sounds great!

Beautiful day

Today was gorgeous, and about 73. It's almost pants weather! Anyway, we decided to take the dogs to the lake since we could do it without having a heat stroke.

Smalls immediately goes for the door when she sees her leash, and will not leave for anything.

Kronk reminded me of the dog on the Flinstones--he was like a stinking dinosaur! The cars next to us were filled with laughing passengers.

Mean Mrs. Steele

I was so proud of myself on Friday, because I was successfully the "mean teacher." Okay, probably not really, but I sure felt like it. I had left school early on Thursday because I was sick, so my last two blocks had a sub. Well, the sub wasn't a very good one anyway, but apparently my kids were PSYCHO. Anyway, that meant I had to play bad cop on Friday. They kept asking me Friday morning and at lunch, "Are we in trouble?" So of course I had to say "Yes, you are not going to enjoy today at all," with my most serious & ticked off face. Then they would spill their guts about what happened, ratting out even their best friends. It was great. As those last two classes walked in, I stood in the hall saying, "It would be best for you if you just walked in and sat down without saying a word." Needless to say, that was the most effective I've ever been! Not a word was said the last four periods without permission. All work was completed. They were terrified. I didn't even have to raise my voice--apparently I can be scary!

On a sad note, my big TV in my classroom died. So no more powerpoints. I knew I should have chosen the projector over the computer when I had the chance!

Christmas

We got our tickets to Oregon for Christmas. We'll be there Dec. 19-31. I'm really excited to see my friends & family after a year and a half!

Ring

Two and a half weeks ago in church I glanced at my diamond, and it looked like it wasn't touching one of the prongs. I touched it, and it spun around and totally wiggled. I half freaked out, very grateful that it hadn't fallen out, especially since the day before I'd done a ton of yardwork (that was the day we tore down the fence). Anyway, it's been at a jeweler's, and I've been "naked" for two weeks. I finally got it back yesterday, and it is SO SHINY! I didn't remember that it could be this sparkly! Anyway, I'm more than happy to have it back.

Weather

I don't mean to just talk about the weather, but I feel like 93 is too hot for October. They're trying to kill me down here! That cold front break was so nice with some cooler weather for a change, and now we're back to setting record highs. Gross.

I am allergic to Louisiana

This is the conclusion I've come to. The doctor wouldn't say/couldn't tell if my current hives/rash are a result of poison ivy or some other allergy. So I have a new cream and Zyrtec. And a cortisone shot in the booty. At least I didn't have school and didn't have to get some crazy appointment time.

Quote

Sadly, this quote is not from my class, but it's funny just the same.

"Mrs. Parrish, there are mice living in our vents, and when my mom runs the dryer it makes their feet hot and so they run out on the kitchen tile to cool off their feet and then my dad shoots them."

Same size

Kronk and Jon currently wear the same size T-shirt.

Fall Break

It's finally here. Report cards have been passed out. Parents are greeted with my cheery voicemail when they call. And I won't have to call them back for four days. I didn't vote for this school calendar last spring--I didn't like the idea of going back on August 8th. But now, I'm more than thankful. Especially since it coincides with report cards.
Fall break is kind of funny, though. It takes me back to my Multnomah days. Probably because I know of no one else that actually has a Fall Break. Still, I remember the first one where I went to Jessica's and had a surprise birthday party for her. Or the next year when we went on her home church's women's retreat in Sun River. Or the year when we had volleyball and couldn't go anywhere fun (not that volleyball wasn't fun). Anyway, it makes me glad to be a teacher, with senseless paid breaks.

Parent Conference

I had the worst parent conference in my life this morning (yes, this is only my third year teaching). It lasted all of first period--7:30-8:30 (good thing she came at 7:15 like she was supposed to...). It was just our asst. principal, the mom, student & myself, but I'm pretty sure we covered ALL of the bases. It's a student that I've talked about before, and I'm not sure I have the energy to even begin to describe what all happened, but it was crazy. Mr. Daniel actually said, "That woman is nuts," as we were leaving. And she was. My eye has finally stopped twitching and I think my back muscles are finally beginning to relax. I don't get paid enough for this.

I love Canada

Canada is great. Mostly because a cold front from there is pushing through here today. Which means that instead of 94-degree weather, like we had yesterday, we'll have 83 today. And 71 tomorrow. Hooray for no sweating! And pants!

We're still trying to sell the BMW. We thought we had a sure sale on Sunday--a guy asked us for two days to get the money together. But today is day four, and we haven't heard anything.

Fall

After 100+ degrees on Monday through Wednesday, Thursday and Friday finally brought some cooler temperatures (80s). Today was a bit warm (98), but still somewhat bearable. I'm just grateful to not sweat at 6am when I go out to the car.

Someone actually test-drove the BMW today. We had a small freak-out stage when the windows wouldn't go up or down, the onboard computer didn't work, and the radio wouldn't turn on. Luckily fiddling with the fuses solved the problem before she got there. We just hope she convinces her husband!

No more fence

The dogs knocked out two planks on either end of our old, rotting wooden fence, and were runnign in between that and the chain link, where apparently someone was harvesting poison ivy plants. So, we tore down the fence (and by we, I mean Jon) and sprayed Roundup on the enemy poison ivy. It's strange too look in our backyard now with the fence missing. It was our one shred of privacy in a chain-link neighborhood.

The real wrath of Rita

Some of you know that I hate raking. Needless to say, Rita left plenty for us, especially in the back, aka poopie land.