Once a student, always a student

This summer we got the piano that I had when I was child.  We joked that we spent more moving it up here than it was worth- but honestly, for me, the sentimental value of the piano is priceless.  I've been itching to learn how to play again (and hopefully excel past the basic level I mastered as a child).  I finally enrolled in a piano class at work.  The class is a 30 minute private lesson once a week for a semester, and the tuition was waived (but I did have to pay a lab fee).

An added bonus is that Nathaniel loves hanging out in the basement when I play the piano and often encourages me to go down and practice (probably because I'm paying absolutely no attention to what he is doing while we are down there).  Also- Nathaniel is so encouraging!  Telling me to play certain pieces "Again!" or "More!"  And if I do a particularly good job, he will tell me "I like it!"

I don't have a picture of my piano or of me playing the piano, but I did snap a picture of the sign where my class is located.  Mainly because, as Nathaniel points out every time he sees the letter K, it's "mommy's letter."

Tenure

I'm excited to report that I was awarded tenure last week!  Being awarded tenure aligned perfectly with my time to serve in the January battle in the War On Colds.  Unfortunately, the cold won.  Besides being miserable, I missed my surprise tenure party at work (which they decided to have without me- I sure hope everyone enjoyed the cake!) and a scheduled celebration with some colleagues for drinks after work on Friday. While everyone was having fun, I was sitting on the couch contemplating the cruelty of life while watching an obscene amount of movies on Netflix's Watch Instantly.  Note- About a Boy is a Really. Good. Movie. (and if you don't think it is, then you can blame my judgment on being sick).

It does feel good to work hard for something and then be acknowledged for the work you've done.  So, despite being sick I was ecstatic about the accomplishment.   Here is a picture of the cohort of colleagues I went through the tenure process with:

The college encouraged family to attend the board meeting.  I was happy I could share this moment with my family.

The Body of Christ...Denied.

At church today, Nathaniel was quick to pick up that the "cookies" handed out during communion were called "the body of Christ."  He looked up at me and told me several times, "I want body of Christ."  He even asked the priest for the "body of Christ."  Unfortunately, Nathaniel did not get "the body of Christ" because he is not baptized.  Needless to say, he was not happy with that turn of events. Even as we walked away he was whining over and over "body of Christ!"

In December, Nathaniel made his debut in the Christmas pageant as a Shepard.  Here is a picture of the cast:

Just because...

I've always been a sucker for flowers.  I love their delicate nature, their scent, the softness of their petals, and their vast array of shapes, sizes, and colors.  The first tulips in spring can make me teary-eyed, and I have an immediate soft spot for any restaurant that has fresh flowers on the table.  If money was of no concern, I would always have a vase of fresh flowers in my home.

Therefore, I find it especially touching on the days when my husband shows up with flowers.  Most of the time he just picks them up at the grocery store- so it's not the expensiveness that's touching but instead the thoughtfulness and randomness of it that carries the meaning.  I feel loved knowing that despite being bogged down with errands, to-do lists and not enough time, he still stops to pick out the best flowers he can find to make me happy.

Today was one of those days...

We interrupt this life for a brief visit to paradise....

This last semester was insane for us (you may have noticed a shortage of blog posts).  About midway, I decided we needed to get away over the break.  We didn't even have time to plan the trip, and it hit me... isn't that what travel agents do?  My requirements: warm, relaxing, and no kids (an extra huge thank you to my family for watching Nathaniel).  We ended up going to an all inclusive resort in the Rivera Maya (about 30 miles south of Cancun).  It was perfect for two frazzled working parents.  Below are some highlights, but you can check out all our Mexico Pictures on Flickr. 

Where we stayed: El Dorado Royale



Spent time on the beach





Relaxed by the pool





Celebrated New Year's Eve





And enjoyed delicious gourmet food and drinks at all the restaurants and bars

Before and After

Houston, TX- May 2008




Houston, TX- December 2010

We need your vote...

Every year Christopher likes the family to wear Santa hats for a family Christmas picture.  I'll admit it's not my favorite tradition, but this year Nathaniel made it extra special.  We couldn't decide which picture was the best, so we need your help.  These pictures are not just posted to be funny- they are literally THE BEST PHOTOS we have to choice from.