End of the Semester

Currently, Tyson and I are watching The Dark Knight Rises [naturally], but I thought I could do a little multi-tasking since this is like the bazillionth time I've watched this incredible movie. Anyway....

This semester went by faster than I ever imagined it would--almost in the 'blink of an eye' as some would say. In a few short weeks I will be starting the next chapter of my life--student teaching [I got my placement: teaching History and English, 8th grade at Centennial Middle School]. By the end of next semester I will be graduating, looking for a teaching job and starting 'real life.' It's crazy to think that my college experience is almost done. After being in school since Kindergarten, I'm not really sure what life will be like, but I'm excited to find out!

Tyson also will be done after next semester. He has 2 psychology classes and will continue working full time [which he loves!]. We are both excited for what the future will bring.

We had a great Thanksgiving break spending time with family. We were happy that Sarah, Ben and baby Teancum made it to Pocatello and had a good time spending time with them. Baby Teancum is such a good and happy baby and we both loved getting to cuddle and hold him (and we love his hair!). We had a lot of fun at the Ranch in Swan Valley and enjoyed the food, the laughs and the good conversations! We are grateful for all the love and support of all our family and wish we could spend more time with all of you.

The beautiful Snake River by the Ranch

Sleepy Teancum

I haven't talked about this much, but some of you know one of my best friends passed away a few weeks ago. Her funeral was the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I was able to sing at her funeral, along with some of her other good friends, and other Poky High School choir members. It was a very touching experience and a great tribute to a great friend.  She got into a terrible car accident and didn't make it. To say that I was devastated would be a serious understatement. It is so hard losing such a good friend and someone so young. I will always remember Chelsea coming over to my house for sleepovers and for long chats about anything and everything. Or going to her house to help her clean her room while eating candy, talking, and joking around. I think I'll miss our talks the most. Chelsea had a way about her--she could always make you feel loved, and when you were with her you felt like the most important person in the world. She cared deeply and loved deeply and I'll miss her.  And even though her time on this earth was short, she made an important difference in my life and countless others.

Me, Chelsea, Kim

After I heard about Chelsea's passing I kept on thinking of this part [the finale] from Les Miserables [see attached video]. Especially these lines:

FANTINE:
Come with me
Where chains will never bind you
All your grief
At last, at last behind you
Lord in heaven; 
Look down on him in mercy

VALJEAN:
Forgive me all my trespases and take me to your glory

FANTINE, VALJEAN AND EPONINE:
Take my hand
And lead me to salvation
Take my love
For love is everlasting
And remember
The truth that once was spoken:
To love another person is to see the face of god

Chelsea truly made me feel loved and I'll be forever grateful for her friendship. I love you Chelsea, you will be missed. It's hard to say goodbye, but I know you are doing great things on the other side. Until we meet again, my friend.
_______________________________________________________________

On another note, I though I would give you our current updates.

Currently: We saw The Hobbit at the midnight showing this passed Thursday night. Although it may have been foolish since I had a final at 8:30 am the next morning, I could not have passed up this opportunity. Plus, Diet Coke was made to get me through this circumstance anyway. Needless to say, The Hobbit was awesome. Still not sure how I felt about the high speed rate [48 frames/second], but Tyson liked it. The scenery was gorgeous, the music was awesome and I gotta say Martin Freeman did an incredible job as Bilbo. My favorite scene was hands down 'Riddles in the Dark.' Andy Serkis did a great job with Gollum [of course!] and I just could not wipe the smile off my face. I just loved it. Also, my overwhelming desire to visit New Zealand has been reawakened. I think Tyson and I will leave tomorrow [I wish!!!!]. Go see it. You won't regret it.

Our Hobbit Tickets--the information was too long to actually have the title on the ticket.

Currently: Making these delicious Nutella stuffed cookies. They are the best cookies ever. Please follow this recipe and make them yourself:
[http://martylovesash.blogspot.com/2012/11/nutella-stuffed-cookies-yes-i-just-said.html].
You won't regret it. Promise.

Currently: Enjoying these beautiful sunsets [though they come early] and dare I say it--the snow? Yikes. Never thought I'd say that.

Currently: Loving this t.v. show

Currently: Celebrating the end of a successful semester

Martinelli's, Pizza, and Home Alone.

Excited to watch these over break.

Best Friends--Celebrating Kim's impending marriage [which happened yesterday! Congrats Kimberly!]

Currently: Getting called to Sunbeams [me!] and primary pianist [Tyson!]

Currently: We are loving life and happy!