Time for the heat...

Goodbye, warm, summer weather. Hello, blankets and furnaces! I can't wait to *cuddle* up in blankets on the cold days!

I guess it's time to turn on the heat!

"Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist"

Following dinner and birthday cake for Nane's birthday, Rachel, Matthew, Jeffrey, Nane and I went to MJR to see "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist". We were contemplating a few different movies and rested on Nick and Norah mostly because it fit into our time frame. We should have made a different choice!!!

The acting was mediocre, the storyline was predictable and there were WAY too many moral issues for me to handle. There were a few memorable lines and was sort-of a cute 'teenage love story', but overall, I would have much rather seen something else. But, I did get to hang out with my family, so there are certainly no complaints about that! LOVE YOU!

Happy birthday, Nane!! (and, Nicole) =)

Turkey Stew?

Okay, so let me first apologize for the picture you are about to see...

Every 3rd week at work, I only get a 20 minute lunch because I have to cover recess duty. During those weeks, I make something on Sunday night that I can heat up and eat quickly before I go out for recess.

Since the weather's been getting colder, I thought it was time to bring out the slow cooker and make something warm. I don't eat red meat, so pot roast and beef stew is out of the question and since I've been on a turkey kick, I figured ground turkey would be a great replacement for beef.

All I can say is that I'm thankful I'm brave enough to get past the 'presentation' of the stew because it looks absolutely AWFUL!!!! The taste, however, is excellent and I feel that if I close my eyes, I can get by with eating this for lunch this week.

My recommendation is to stick with the beef. (ew) LOL (I am laughing still that I am posting this)

Go Chelsey!

Chelsey's parents, Rachel and I watched Chelsey and the Lancers *smoke* Marysville in 2 quick games tonight!! 25 - 18 and 25 - 14!!









*My niece did an awesome job setting, passing and serving. She was consistent with every set and her serves DOMINATED for 8 straight points in game 2! Way to go, Chelsey! I can't wait to watch you play VARSITY!



There's volleyball in the Ketelhut blood!!

Sweet or a sign?!

Several of my students came equipped with belated birthday presents for me this morning. Here's a sneak peek of all the 'food' they brought...


I'm not sure what to think of this!!!

Almost Mrs. Woehler!!!

Cheers to Julie, who in a matter of hours will be the new Mrs. Woehler! I'm SUPER excited for her!!! I met her when she first started dating Kevin 6 years ago... (...making pizza at Dolly's when Sean first opened his store)



And, here we are just a few days ago celebrating at her bachelorette party...

My Candle Day!! =)

Today's the day I blow out my candles! Yay-hooo!!! :) I love birthdays!!!

This day has been just another reminder of how incredibly blessed I am. God has filled my life with SO much to be thankful for!!

Here's a little recap of the blessings he sent me just today:

- a perfect 'good morning'
- a pink gift bag with gifts and an incredible card
- a mini-cake waiting for me on my desk at work, along with a Panera gift card!! :) (WOW)
- countless hugs from my students (even the boys) wishing me a "Happy Birthday"
- coffee made and delivered to my classroom this morning!
- a birthday email from an old student that left our school, but remembered MY birthday!
- one of my students from last year even bought me a present and wrote out his OWN card to me!
- the 'new' birthday song sung to me by my students! I just taught it to them two weeks ago and they rehearsed and practiced it so they could perform it for me!
- my volleyball girls came with big grins and smiles to wish me 'HB' prior to the start of school.
- LOTS of texts and phone calls from family and friends with birthday wishes. It's especially nice when friends from long ago remember!
- LUNCH and a lunch date! YAY!!!! =) Cabbage soup and lasagna at the local New Haven diner!
- DINNER and my favorite dinner date! Even more yays for that one!! PLUS, it was at one of my FAVORITE restaurants - The Fondue Room. YUMMO!

- A homemade card from a friend
- A card from a co-worker with some yummy M&Ms!!
- My students from last year had their 6th grade teacher call me so they could all yell out, "Happy Birthday" into the phone!
- The other 5th grade class 'snuck' into my room while I was gone and 'decorated' my room with cards, streamers and PINK things to surprise me! They were SO proud of themselves to pull off the surprise! lol
- Sharing a favorite snack of mine with my class... ice cream!

ALL THIS and it's not even 3:00!! I have SO much more to look forward to and SO much to be thankful for!!