Stephen and Amber

Happy Birthday Tavis

2008-06-18T18:01:00.003-05:00

What can bring me out a blogging lag? Only a birthday!
Happy Birthday Tavis. We are looking forward to the wedding and spending more times with both you and Chryslyn.

Spider Webs on a Morning Walk

2008-05-25T06:31:00.003-05:00

A Grey Heron

2008-05-04T19:07:00.000-05:00

We watched this Grey Heron fish about an hour ago. Beautiful.

Senator Obama

2008-05-01T06:45:00.003-05:00

We saw Obama last night in a packed out Assembly Hall. It really was inspirational. Could America really be changed in this way? You so want to hope so. I am going to try to upload a video at the end so you can hear that he sounds the same in real life as he does on TV.

Happy Birthday Sue!

2008-04-26T07:11:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Susan! I found this cool photo of your in your classroom. Despite the fact that you are just moving in, you are looking extremely professional with the ear piece you are wearing!

We hope you have a wonderful day and know that we love you!

- Amber and Stephen

Senator Clinton

2008-04-25T15:16:00.003-05:00

Stephen and I went to see Hilary Clinton today. It is so neat to be able to see these candidates in person. As you can see from the pictures, we had a great view.

A Morning Walk and an Eagle's Nest

2008-04-20T13:19:00.005-05:00

Feist

2008-04-13T10:57:00.003-05:00

Feist came to town on Friday night and I happily went with a friend. Creative, anti-star, and a Canadian. She talked about knowing how she was south of Canada and somewhere in the midwest of the States. I can relate to trying to figure out where Indiana was.

She did some beautiful shadow art with a screen and on the backdrop of the stage. I took pictures but they did not do the beauty justice. The pictures are exactly what I saw, but are taken from Feist's fan site, http://www.listentofeist.com/

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds

2008-04-07T11:48:00.007-05:00

So, last night we went to see Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds play for free at Assembly Hall (the same place we watched basketball). The saga began when I got home last Wednesday to find the announcement that Obama was hosting a free concert at our school, but you needed a ticket. I proceeded to pick up Stephen from school and together we waited for three cold hours outside to get our hands on what became known as "The Golden Ticket" (a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory reference). 13,000 tickets were given out and here are some of us. The tickets secured general admission so again yesterday, we found ourselves in a crazy line but this time is was nicer weather.

When the doors opened, the pushing began and we were able to secure great seats! Dave and Tim proceeded to play together, just two guitars and Dave's voice. It is suffice to say that it exceeded both our expectations and was so great.

Stephen and I used to blast Dave as we drove to and fro from Vancouver to Lethbridge. In fact, the crazy trip where we left after work on a Friday and drove all night to find a place to live...Dave Matthews pulled us through. One of our favorites is a song called Bartender and to our delight, they opened with it last night. Anyways, a great night!

Happy Birthday Darcen!

2008-03-30T08:31:00.003-05:00

So Darcen...

Thank you for being a wonderful brother and friend.
Thank you for marrying a wonderful girl who fits so well in our family.
Thank you for making the effort to stay in touch despite the distance.
Thank you for telling us about your job, school...we are both amazed and proud of you.

We love you. Have a wonderful birthday.

Amber and Stephen

Listening to Chelsea

2008-03-24T20:17:00.004-05:00

Tonight I went to see Chelsea Clinton talk and answer questions on the IU campus. She is an articulate, intelligent woman to say the least. She was able to answer questions on standards such as health care and college tuition with ease. Even more impressive was her ability to handle off collar comments ("Sir, I will try to answer your questions but please stop interrupting")and comments she did not agree with ("I actually don't think that is true.") Obama's name did not come up in any of her responses. It was neat seeing a snapshot of a campaign that is historical.

You will also notice the picture with Sean Astin. A bit of a goof when it comes to public speaking but we are Lord of the Rings fans and our cat is named after the character he played. He opened for Chelsea.

I love my Netty Pot

2008-03-21T13:43:00.003-05:00

If you have allergies or sinus problems, try it. I love it and credit it for stopping an approaching infection. I promise, it doesn't come out of your ear!

Chicago St. Patrick's Day

2008-03-16T15:40:00.005-05:00

Yesterday we went to Chicago fir the day with our friends Joel and Chris. Joel is in the HPS program with Stephen. We loved their idea of going for the day to see the St. Patrick's Day parade.

There was a huge crowd gathered around the canal to see the water be turned green.

Stephen, Chris, and Joel at the canal. Notice the canal...

Stephen and me.

The dye being put in the canal and mixed in by the speedboats.

The parade...heavy on the bagpipes, Irish dancers, and politicians wanting votes. A highlight was that we shook the Illinois Governor's hand (like the Premier for you Canadians).

Stephen was taken by the intensity of this man's beard.

A bagpipe team. The man at the front would take a few steps and then sheepishly look at the crowd and raise up his kilt on one leg. Funny at first and then a bit weird as he continued to do it over and over.

Joel and Chris on the train that we took to get into the city.

We went to the zoo as well and I captured the lion chowing down on raw meat on a huge bone.

Us by the cool bean downtown. I don't know if I really captured how many people were actually downtown, or how cold it was. The wind off Lake Michigan was paired with a few snowflakes.

Happy St. Paddy's!

Happy Birthday Stephen!

2008-03-10T17:56:00.007-05:00

Today is my husband's birthday and the first day of Spring Break. We took to the road to do some wine tasting, exploring, and birding.

We started off by going to French Lick, Indiana. A billionaire couple in Indiana have refurbished a hotel which was created I believe in the early 1900's and since then has been a Jesuit seminary, a college, and then abandoned. They spared no expense and have kind of revitalized a ghost town. The lobby is magnificent!

We then drove to Madison, Indiana. It is a charming, historical town on the Ohio River. We ate lunch on the river...a great sandwich that a colleague made for me on the WV trip. Tomato, cucumber, chutney, and pepper jack cheese. We also ate a piece of Stephen's birthday cake. We made it last night...a lemon cheesecake. Stephen is a big fan of lemon.

We then went to two local wineries. Indiana is alive with wineries, with some grapes grown here, and some imported. We went to two and tried some wine.

Finally, we went birding at a bird refuge. We have been here before but never with the scope that Stephen is borrowing from his ornithology professor. Here we are in a bird hut on the water. We heard an owl, watched many a duck including some elusive wood ducks and a new one for Stephen, one that has a shovel-like bill. We also watched a beaver.

Tonight Stephen will talk to family, we will enjoy more cheesecake and Mediterranean pizza, and chill. Happy Birthday sweetie!

West Virginia

2008-03-07T09:09:00.003-06:00

I am back from West Virgina. It was successful as the assessment fort he grants went extremely well and I got to spend three full days in the Head Start Program that I am researching for my Master's thesis. I wanted to take a few pictures but I had little time to find really cool spots. Next time I am going to a cute little coffee shop I saw. So, my pictures are pretty reflected of the work I did but they will give you a bit of an idea of where I was.

We drove this time, making the 10 hour drive in a blue Prius. I got to drive a lot and it was a pleasure to drive this car. Someday I will own a hybrid.

This is Romney, WV. It actually has a very nice downtown (that is where the coffee shop is.) It is also home to WV's school for the blind. However, we were on the outskirts most of the time and this picture is kind of reflective of what many of the small communities look like.

This is the road to the school that I am at. Again, a lot of roads look like this. Windy, going up and down hills. No cell phone reception in these areas and no reading in the back seat without wanting to vomit. Very beautiful. I am excited to go in May and see Spring.

This is the playground of the school.

This is the school. It holds three Head Start classrooms.

Good trip, extremely nice people. However, it is good to be home.

An Article by Angelina in the Washington Post

2008-02-29T07:25:00.001-06:00

Staying to Help in Iraq
We have finally reached a point where humanitarian assistance, from us and others, can have an impact.

By Angelina Jolie
Thursday, February 28, 2008; 1:15 PM

The request is familiar to American ears: "Bring them home."

But in Iraq, where I've just met with American and Iraqi leaders, the phrase carries a different meaning. It does not refer to the departure of U.S. troops, but to the return of the millions of innocent Iraqis who have been driven out of their homes and, in many cases, out of the country.

In the six months since my previous visit to Iraq with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, this humanitarian crisis has not improved. However, during the last week, the United States, UNHCR and the Iraqi government have begun to work together in new and important ways.

We still don't know exactly how many Iraqis have fled their homes, where they've all gone, or how they're managing to survive. Here is what we do know: More than 2 million people are refugees inside their own country -- without homes, jobs and, to a terrible degree, without medicine, food or clean water. Ethnic cleansing and other acts of unspeakable violence have driven them into a vast and very dangerous no-man's land. Many of the survivors huddle in mosques, in abandoned buildings with no electricity, in tents or in one-room huts made of straw and mud. Fifty-eight percent of these internally displaced people are younger than 12 years old.

An additional 2.5 million Iraqis have sought refuge outside Iraq, mainly in Syria and Jordan. But those host countries have reached their limits. Overwhelmed by the refugees they already have, these countries have essentially closed their borders until the international community provides support.

I'm not a security expert, but it doesn't take one to see that Syria and Jordan are carrying an unsustainable burden. They have been excellent hosts, but we can't expect them to care for millions of poor Iraqis indefinitely and without assistance from the U.S. or others. One-sixth of Jordan's population today is Iraqi refugees. The large burden is already causing tension internally.

The Iraqi families I've met on my trips to the region are proud and resilient. They don't want anything from us other than the chance to return to their homes -- or, where those homes have been bombed to the ground or occupied by squatters, to build new ones and get back to their lives. One thing is certain: It will be quite a while before Iraq is ready to absorb more than 4 million refugees and displaced people. But it is not too early to start working on solutions. And last week, there were signs of progress.

In Baghdad, I spoke with Army Gen. David Petraeus about UNHCR's need for security information and protection for its staff as they re-enter Iraq, and I am pleased that he has offered that support. General Petraeus also told me he would support new efforts to address the humanitarian crisis "to the maximum extent possible" -- which leaves me hopeful that more progress can be made.

UNHCR is certainly committed to that. Last week while in Iraq, High Commissioner AntÃ³nio Guterres pledged to increase UNHCR's presence there and to work closely with the Iraqi government, both in assessing the conditions required for return and in providing humanitarian relief.

During my trip I also met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who has announced the creation of a new committee to oversee issues related to internally displaced people, and a pledge of $40 million to support the effort.

My visit left me even more deeply convinced that we not only have a moral obligation to help displaced Iraqi families, but also a serious, long-term, national security interest in ending this crisis.

Today's humanitarian crisis in Iraq -- and the potential consequences for our national security -- are great. Can the United States afford to gamble that 4 million or more poor and displaced people, in the heart of Middle East, won't explode in violent desperation, sending the whole region into further disorder?

What we cannot afford, in my view, is to squander the progress that has been made. In fact, we should step up our financial and material assistance. UNHCR has appealed for $261 million this year to provide for refugees and internally displaced persons. That is not a small amount of money -- but it is less than the U.S. spends each day to fight the war in Iraq. I would like to call on each of the presidential candidates and congressional leaders to announce a comprehensive refugee plan with a specific timeline and budget as part of their Iraq strategy.

As for the question of whether the surge is working, I can only state what I witnessed: U.N. staff and those of non-governmental organizations seem to feel they have the right set of circumstances to attempt to scale up their programs. And when I asked the troops if they wanted to go home as soon as possible, they said that they miss home but feel invested in Iraq. They have lost many friends and want to be a part of the humanitarian progress they now feel is possible.

It seems to me that now is the moment to address the humanitarian side of this situation. Without the right support, we could miss an opportunity to do some of the good we always stated we intended to do.

Angelina Jolie, an actor, is a UNHCR goodwill ambassador.

An update

2008-02-25T17:54:00.002-06:00

I have not posted recently and sadly I realize that I have no new pictures to post. However, new, great things have happened that I want to share. Due to my love of lists, I will use one :)

1) Chryslyn and Tavis are engaged and plan to marry in the summer! Take a look at Tavis' blog to see the engagement story and how the wedding planning is going. We are very excited for them and look forward to getting to know Tavis better.

2) My sister Allison is in Australia and having a great time! She is thre for 2 weeks and picture this...she is driving up the coast in a beat up van with friends, camping on the beach. When she returns there will be some definite prompting for picture posting.

3) I have officially been accepted into the Special Education PhD program. I am currently finishing my Masters and starting my PhD at the same time this semester. I am very excited about this.

I am off to WV next week so I will try to take some pictures this time. It is so beautiful there, especially if there is snow.

A Walk in the Woods

2008-02-04T14:16:00.000-06:00

Banana Pancakes, Friends, and B-Ball

2008-01-23T18:38:00.001-06:00

A huge part of our life is B-ball right now. Stephen and I are Hooisers in terms of rooting for our men's team. We absolutely love it. Now, we have student tickets and where we sit is determined randomly...we never know where we will end up. So, much to our surprise we had amazing tickets on Sunday...the best! We were in row 1 and I was right beside the trumpet player in the band. I thought I would take the opportunity to take some pictures.

This is the view of part of the stadium. Packed out and loud!

And us where we are sitting. Jenessa you will appreciate Stephen's expression, totally on purpose.

Here we are with some friends. We hang out with two couples a bit and really enjoy it. The two guys are in Stephen's department and so it is a great match.

This is me making something...in honor of Susan and Allison...

Yup, it is banana and chocolate chip pancakes. Susan made us these this Christmas, I believed inspired from a meal Allison and her friend Angela made when they were up previously. So good. I have even done the typical thing where I have blared Jack Johnson.

In Case You Are Wondering...

2008-01-17T17:46:00.000-06:00

This is the project that I do. I am called the assessment coordinator for West Virginia. My name is not on the site but at least you can see what it is all about.

Click here to see the CSS website

Cicadas by Sheldon and Chryslyn

2008-01-10T17:51:00.000-06:00

While in Paraguay, we were subject to the season of cicadas. A cicada is a fairly good size bug the breeds for a short amount of time and during this time is extremely loud. I think they sound like an electrical plant. We have them in Indiana as well. They have an interesting story that I do not know well...I believe the eggs are in the ground, they climb up trees when they have hatched, then shed a layer, and they can then fly around. I do not believe that they live for very long and Sheldon claims that if you clap loudly by one of the males making the loud sound that they will stop because they will think you are a female. Look it up if you want a more complete and accurate description.

Anyways, one night Sheldon and/or Chryslyn went out a captured the cicadas in action as they lost their skin. I though they were great pictures and want to share them.

Paraguay - So Beautiful

2008-01-09T19:11:00.000-06:00

Traveling For the Holidays

2007-12-07T18:17:00.000-06:00

We are off traveling for the holidays.

Merry Christmas!

Semester = Done

2007-11-29T12:04:00.000-06:00

I have just sent off my final paper of the semester. My hands are shaking (though probably not from excitement but from a caffeine overload). I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that I have easily wrote close to two hundred pages this semester. So, with that final email, I have completed four more classes in my Masters and am on track to finish in one more semester.

So as I sit here on my workout ball trying to improve my posture, I cannot help but let my mind race to what I need to do next. Yet, I am also trying to bask in the moment and realize I am done. Deep breath.

We are starting to become obsessed with thoughts of flying home. We are playing Monopoly late into the nights, listening to Christmas music. I have yet to win a game which is a bit sad. The list of things we need to do before leaving is slowly dwindling...shots for Paraguay, a haircut, contacts, babysitters for Sam, gift buying. It is exciting. The freakin' bureaucratic details for us to be here are sometimes overwhelming with yesterday being no exception as there was a panic our travel signatures were not being approved.

So I am now going to relax and try to watch the show Private Practice online as I eat my tuna/apples mixture on toast for lunch. I tutor later today for two hours but for now I am going to force myself to de-stress .

American Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T12:48:00.000-06:00

Our Thanksgiving day feast:

a roasted chicken bought from Butcher's Block
asparagus
stuffing
wine
whole wheat baguette
apple crisp, that I am making from scratch, with butter pecan ice cream

Let the holiday season begin! We have three holiday parties in the next couple weeks, some great ideas for Christmas gifts, and we are both getting a lot done this holiday week. Even better, we are flying home on the 8th where we will see family and we almost have Sam's care figured out while we are gone!

We have a lot to be thankful for.

Happy Birthday Dad!

2007-11-19T08:27:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Dad! I was flipping through the summer vacation photos and came across this one. We are sitting in Baltimore, at the Barnes and Noble, drinking a coffee. Later that day, we went to a baseball game. It was a great day.

I love you Dad and am so thankful for the relationship we have. Have a wonderful day. Thanks for your love and support.

Amber

Rent

2007-11-15T08:44:00.000-06:00

Last night, I went to Rent, the musical, all by myself. I got a last minute cheap ticket and decided to just go for it. The show as sold out and was fantastic. The guy who played Roger had an amazing voice and the soundtrack, as expected was fantastic.

I first watched the movie when Allison was here and she sent me the CD for it afterwards. Since then, I have listened to it repeatedly and so I found myself singing along and loving songs like "Will You Light My Candle," "I Should Tell You", and "Take Me For What I Am."I decided midway into the show that someday I will live in New York for a stint and go to real Broadway shows.

I am reliving this moment now as I sit in front of the computer and write a very boring paper. It is one of those assignments that there is no way that you can really "spark" it with creativity as you are simply summarizing. The saving grace of this moment...I am done writing a huge grant that has been successfully sent off and I am listening to the new Alison Krauss CD.

The Squirrels

2007-11-11T08:15:00.000-06:00

I think I may have blogged about this in the past but with no camera, a repeat is in order.

Cold weather prompts us to put out birdseed and corn in the backyard. Very quickly, our little backyard becomes a lively neighborhood of birds, squirrels and chipmunks. Last year we had one squirrel, which we named Mackenzie, come a lot! He would easily finish off a corn cob in an afternoon if hungry. This year, we probably have three or four squirrels. Somehow this situation seems to work alongside the birds. The greatest part is there is a small squirrel who will come right up to our window and peer in. To say the least, this has delighted Sam. They will play for quite a few minutes until is bolts off, only to return later.

It is definitely starting to feel like Christmas here. Cold wind, brown grass and trees, and Christmas decorations up everywhere. We started discussing our shopping list yesterday and I was oh, so tempted to pop in the Sarah CD but I will resist until after Thanksgiving here.

Have a great day!

I'm Not Crazy

2007-11-08T16:37:00.000-06:00

I'm Not Crazy

(Lori McKenna)

I can fall in love in the middle of the afternoon
With the TV blaring in the very next room
I fall in love again at the end of a raging fight
The kind that keeps us staying up all night

Chorus:
Baby, I'm not crazy
I just love the way you look at me
Baby, I'm not crazy
I just expect ecstasy
And I'm trying not to take everything to the extreme
I'm wide awake and you're still my dream
Baby, I'm not crazy

Sometimes I hear a voice telling me that you're the only one
And I'd be nothing but a fool if I let this all come undone
Every now and then I see the vision of a perfect man
When you turn around and smile like you understand that....

Chorus

Well, there's a dull sweetness in this life of ours pretty as graffiti
And I'm dancing without any music on but you're the only one that sees me, hey....

Chorus

Oh, no
Baby, I'm not crazy
I just love the way you look at me
I just love the way you look at me
I just love the way you look at me
I just love the way you look at me

I love this girl right now and I LOVE this song!

Happy Halloween

2007-11-01T17:56:00.000-05:00

No kids = eating candy you bought yourself and dressing your animal in a 50% off Halloween hat

Sam is now sulking.

Thank you

2007-10-19T16:01:00.000-05:00

I am 26 today.
Thank you for those of you who have called or wrote already. I know I will talk to more of you tonight and on the weekend.

I am grateful and feel blessed.
Love, Amber

A little birthday party!

2007-10-18T22:22:00.000-05:00

Tonight I came home after yoga and my wonderful husbby had planned a surprise birthday with four close friends. We had a great time.

Stephen, I love you and want to thank you! And the weekend is yet to come. Hello 26!

David Sedaris

2007-10-18T12:42:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, I went with a friend to see David Sedaris speak. Our book club has been reading one of his books,Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. It is an autobiographical book about the author's family. It is funny but pretty raw so I would not recommended it to everybody.

In any case, I had a wonderful night and appreciated the birthday gift immensely.

GRE Complete, Let Life Begin Again

2007-10-04T12:05:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to announce I took the GRE and did fine. It is definitely a test of endurance as I was in there for over 3 hours but alas, another thing off my list.

I am now starting to think of the real world again and have just discovered that Stephen has bought our IU basketball tickets and that I think we are going to a football game on Saturday (IU again.) Fun times.

Stephen has a big midterm in logic today and so we are a bit beat. Tonight we vowed to eat our homemade nachos (If I had a working camera I would take a picture of them...they are amazing) and watch Season 2 of the American Office. Yes, we who are so British Office, are attempting the second season. At one time we watched season 1 and hated it but we are trying it again due to the pressures of a co-worker.

As I write, I think of more. On Saturday I am doing a Breast Cancer walk with this very coworker. I have never been in one before but always felt they would be fun and inspirational. She is brining her two dogs so I can pretend to own one too.

And on a final note, is anyone watching Private Practice out there? The spin off show from Gray's? I have watched it the last two weeks and really like it...even cried. Perhaps even better then the first Gray's of the season?

GRE words I need to memorize still

2007-09-30T20:10:00.000-05:00

fulminate
ameliorate
impecunious
inveigle
penurious
torpid

And so many more

and I will learn them to a little K.D. Lang

West Virginia

2007-09-28T15:50:00.000-05:00

It is ironic that despite the facebook craze, I still love reading other people's blog, but then I fail to update my own.

This Fall I am doing my Masters full time (will complete it in April). One of the coolest parts to this is a research project that I am part of that has taken me to West Virginia twice already. Last time we were there for five days and we stayed in this great little motel on some farm land. The only picture that I can find if off their website.

My impressions of West Virginia include how beautiful it is, how calm and peaceful it can be (we were far from a big city and I honestly laid awake and listened to cows mooing), how friendly the people were, and how important family is to them. I think my thoughts of West Virginia before included the poverty and rural-ness of it, and it is, but that is not all. Since then, I have re-read two books, The Glass Castle and Missing May, which was both set in West Virginia and I felt like I could appreciate them even more. I also know that I would eat a lot of pie if I lived there. The restaurant by our hotel had great homemade pie that was huge, cheap, and amazing!

The study includes working in a preschool program and assessing the difference a certain curriculum is making. It is a huge longitudinal study and I am entering at the back end of it. I am hoping to do some of my own research, perhaps, in this setting as well.

So the weekend is here. I am going to pick up Stephen and then we are meeting two couples at the IU women's volleyball game. Very fun times...we have a new coach so perhaps IU will improve. However, some of the teams we play are amazing! I like to envision that I did some of the moves when we played in the league in Vancouver. I wish :)

Tomorrow we are celebrating a friend's birthday by going to a funky restaurant in Indy called the Jazz kitchen. We are seeing a musician by the name of Charlie Hunter perform. Have a great weekend!

Happy Birthday to my Mom!

2007-09-16T17:24:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Mom! Here is a picture from our travels in Memphis. We were so hot we needed to get into the fountain for relief! What a great trip!

I just wanted to tell you that I love you! Thank you for being so supportive and and loving. I appreciate and admire you so much.

By this time, you will have probably already opened the real gift from all of us but know alittle something is coming up with Sheldon. I took a picture to give you a hint, well actually to tell you what it is.

Love you and have a great day!

Saturday Night and a Bird

2007-09-08T18:28:00.001-05:00

It is one of those really peaceful nights. It is sporadically raining, I have no lights on, and I am eating freshly baked cookies. We have a few more hours until we will leave to go pick up Sheldon from Indianapolis.

I am not writing about the time we had with Allison yet because there was pictures taken and I will post them once they are developed. Unfortunately her camera is also not working at the moment so we resorted to a disposable one again. Let your anticipation build, especially for the one Allison took of the Superman ride at Six Flags Louisville that horrible hurt that girl's feet.

One thing I can post is a YouTube video that Allison did show us. I am choosing one version amongst many, that has music and clear view despite the fact that a different language is written on it. Pretty amazing.

West Virginia and then Allison

2007-08-28T18:58:00.000-05:00

I am off to West Virginia tomorrow. I am packed and feel confident. I get to present at a small conference regarding early literacy, specifically reading aloud. It is tied into my work as a full time Masters students. It is going to be wonderful, to be a paid student. I am especially excited about a class that I just got into last night called Trade Books in Elementary Classroom. It is all online and lots of work but looks fantastic.

One of the best things of all though, is that when I get back, Allison will almost be here. I am getting in late Thursday night and we go to pick her up on Friday. Very exciting.

I am sorry for my lack of blogs. Our camera broke and it is hard to get motivated to blog without pictures, but I will try.

Mom and Dad

2007-08-17T17:56:00.000-05:00

My Mom and Dad have been here for the last two weeks. It was a wonderful time and we did so much! It is good that I am doing this post simply so I can look back at everything. We have so many great pictures but I have picked a few to show here. Hopefully it does the trip justice.

Mom, Dad, and I went on a two day trip to Nashville and Memphis while Stephen finished work. We walked downtown Nashville, toured the Rhyme Auditorium, saw the Grand Ol' Opery, toured Elvis' home, and went to the Museum of Civil Rights which is a museum actually created in the hotel that Martin Luther King Jr. died in. The above picture is of Dad at this neat island park in Memphis. They had made a huge sculpture/fountain of the Mississippi.

This in the beach in Maryland where we swam for the day. If you look closely, Stephen and I are riding the waves! This was one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever been at. We figured we all body surfed for about 5 hours.

We spent two days in Washington DC. This is Stephen and I in front of the White House.

Stephen and I in front of the Washington Memorial.

Stephen and I walking downtown Washington DC. We went to so many museums here including the Art museum, the Space and Air museum, the Holocaust museum, a Modern Art museum, and an amazing First Nations museum.

This is Dad and I having coffee on the harbor of Baltimore at the most amazing Barnes and Nobles that I have ever seen. I love this harbor and remembered it from a previous trip here. We ate fish and chips on it.

Stephen at one of the three baseball games that we went to. Notice the new hat. We saw Baltimore play the Boston Red Sox, Washington play Philly, and Pittsburg play the Mets.

Mom and I trying to cool off ( we have very hot weather!) in Pittsburg before the game.

A hot dog Stephen ate at the game. Notice the amazing amount of jalapeño peppers.

Dad and I in front of Graceland in Memphis.

In front of the Civil Rights Museum...this is the hotel Martin Luther King was shot and killed at.

In front of a Monet in Washington! It brought back memories of Paris.

We had a wonderful time and were sad to see them go. I am so thankful for the time we had and the relationship we have. Thanks and we are already looking forward to Christmas!

Self Portraits: Me Talking on Phone ( Skype)

2007-07-25T19:10:00.001-05:00

Perfect Things

2007-07-23T21:15:00.000-05:00

I have...
finished the last Harry Potter tonight...amazing.

I have...
finished a huge presentation that I needed to have done today...relief.

I have...
seven more days of work ( not counting the weekend) until I am done and my parents come.

I have...
discovered this wonder called Steve and Barry's and this great line of clothing called Bitten done by Sarah Jessica Parker. 14.95 jeans and I love them.

I have...
a cat that is addicted to the light of a flashlight.

I have...
a husband who has a much deserved day off tomorrow.

I have...
a really comfy bed.

Darcen and Sue

2007-07-08T09:33:00.000-05:00

I drove with Darcen and Sue to the airport this morning at 4am and successfully saw them off. I hate goodbyes.

We had an amazing time with them and unfortunately we do not have the pictures to prove it. The pictures I am posting are of our two first days. Then our camera stopped working and they realized they had no memory card in their camera. So you will have to believe it when I say we had fun.

Some adventures include a trip to Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and St, Louis, two major league baseball games, Susan's toe :), canoeing under covered bridges, camping, seeing Amish country, swimming in the lake, and making great food. Thanks for the great talks and laughs guys! We are going to miss you!

Eating Chocolate Bananas!

Coffee Drinking

Indianapolis

Some Indiana Summer Pictures

2007-06-23T07:46:00.000-05:00

We rollerblade by this creek frequently.

A farm that is in Bloomington and again on our rollerblade route.

The flowers are out and these specifically are great because Hummingbirds congregate to them. We have a place on the blade that we call Hummingbird Ally.

A tree in front of our house.

New Book For the Book Club

2007-06-11T19:15:00.000-05:00

Fantastic and I am only 20 chapters in.

Some news...

2007-06-08T07:37:00.000-05:00

I realized as I was trying to get my blog to go onto facebook the other night that I have not officially blogged about my plans for the Fall. Though some of you already know this, I am taking a year off of teaching and am going to pursue my Masters full time at IU. I have been doing courses part-time up to this point, which has been great. However, now I have received a grant that is allowing me to take the year off as they will cover my tuition and give me a living stipend to go hard for a year. After that time, I will re-evaluate and see if teaching or more schooling is in the cards for me.

So my Masters will be in Special Education with a focus on early literacy. I will be able to play off my current job and look at dyslexia as well. It is a great department, I have a very supportive advisor, and I feel excited to live the student life for a year. It will also be neat for both Stephen and I to be "schooling" together. Very telling of my current teaching job though, it was hard to leave. It is a nice feeling when you like going to work and feel both challenged and needed. I hope to continue in a small part next year with tutoring, etc. to keep in touch.

And this summer, I will be tutoring quite a bit and working a bit in our school's summer program. I am just finishing up the first week and it is going well. I enjoyed the relaxed feel of it all. This weekend we are doing double B-B-Q's so hopefully the weather will hold up.

So that's the news.

7 Random Things

2007-06-05T14:52:00.000-05:00

Since I was tagged by Susan, so it's now my turn to share 7 random facts.

Here are the rules… Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog.

1) I really like refried black beans. I mean, I really love them right now to the point that I would put them up there with my favorite foods.

2) I am teaching in a summer camp right now and the themes include Native Americans, the Oregon Trail, Cars, Chemistry, Author's camp, and Rockets. Can't get more exciting but random then that.

3) I really like Indiana which is random in a way because I didn't even know where Indiana really was before we started thinking about it and I definitely had preconceived ideas about it. To my delight, it has exceeded expectations.

4) My music tastes are diversifying, ranging from Fergie to Patty Griffin to ol' school bluegrass to a country radio station in the car. I am hearing good things about Amy Winehouse and so that is next on my list to check out.

5) I have started my first ever semi-successful flower attempt. Maybe because we will be around a bit more this summer, I have given it a tad more effort and I am loving it. I think we might have a small patio party on Friday, purely inspired by these pants. We had a hummingbird yesterday at our little feeder.

6) I love my cat...Sam is licking my fingers as I type right now. He has such a fun, great personality. These were just taken and he is loving the camera string and focus going in and out. I took 13 to get these three with him actually not moving.

7) I bowled a game of 82 today...sorely beat by another teacher and I am pumped to go swimming in an outdoor pool on Thursday for work as it is suppose to be 92 F.

I tag Jenessa, Allison, Chryslyn, Joanna, Christine, Crystal, and Kylie.

Summer Book Club

2007-05-30T15:41:00.001-05:00

So, I am in a small book club with friends and I thought I would keep you informed of the books we are reading. I just started our first book today called Into the Wild. All I can tell you at this point is that it is a true story about a twenty something old boy who goes on a road trip to find himself and 4 months later, his remains are found by a group of hunters in the Alaska backwoods. Sounds abit intense, I know. It is a short read and we will finish by next week Wednesday already. You will have to keep posted to find out what the next book will be....the next was my pick and I am excited.

If you have any suggestions on some books, let me know as well.

Chicago Trip

2007-05-28T08:05:00.000-05:00

We are back from Chicago. I went and joined Stephen on Friday and we spent an awesome few days there. My parents had given us a day pass to many of the sights and we stayed in an awesome hotel that overlooked Lake Michigan.

Chicago! We love this town.

This is Stephen and I getting ready to start a boat tour on the canals of Chicago. It was a tour that highlighted the architect of Chicago and it was fabulous. One of the highlights.

This one we might blow up. It was foggy yet warm. This is off the boat and I can see it on our wall.

On Saturday morning, all of the bridges open routinely to let other boats go down the canal. The sailboats were beautiful.

The Sears tower. We went up it and enjoyed it despite a bit of cloud cover.

Eating deep dish pizza.

Sue, the T-Rex at the Field Museum. This is the T-Rex that has the most bones that are real...over 90%. I guess that alot of dionsaurs have only 50% or so real bones and the rest are made of plaster.

The dolphin pool at the aquarium. This was beautiful as it looked like the pool was opened to the Lake Michigan.

Life

2007-05-18T18:15:00.000-05:00

Stephen is away in Chicago...only 8 more night until I join him for the weekend. He is training for his summer position. It is funny how I instantly miss him. I am watching him go through security and I feel such a loss. Anyways, I just talked to him and his first day went well and a group is going to Target and he is off with them. In response. I am off to Target after this...I am hearing cool summer clothes.

Perhaps part of the reason that I miss him so much is ex amplified in the incident that happened right before he left. I get a phone call from him at 10:50am yesterday morning and he asks if I have half an hour on my lunch. Ir respond yes, and he says good, because he is rescuing a fawn.

Stephen was running and found a few days old fawn which was barely moving. He hid it in a bush and ran home to find a wildlife recovery center here. They advised him to bring it in. So he went back with a box, took it in, they warmed him, and I joined the quest on the release. What broke my heart was how the fawn was trying to follow Stephen as he was putting him back in the wild. Rest assure folks though, I have gone back to check out the place and there is no fawn and lots of deer poop. We are believing that it is okay. Stephen rubbed the fawn down with leaves and supposedly the mom deer with easily accept it again. I love Stephen's heart.

Meanwhile, I am gearing up for a 10km walk tomorrow to raise awareness for Indiana's hiking trails/environment. Have a great weekend!

A little Weak On Blogging

2007-05-07T18:03:00.000-05:00

Sorry I have been little weak on the blogs. I wanted to let you know that I was still here. We are loving the summer. rollerblading, bbq's, running, loving it. This is Stephen and I on a little date on Saturday. We went to a new restaurant and had lamb kabobs. Then Spiderman 3. Fun and great if you loved the other two.

Chocolate Moose

2007-04-29T15:29:00.000-05:00

Summer is here in terms of weather this weekend. One of our new found favorite spots is a little local ice cream place called the Chocolate Moose that someone told us about. We tried it first when Jenessa was here and now we are hooked on the Moose Horn...a chocolate covered banana with nuts on it. Amazing!

Happy Birthday Susan!

2007-04-26T17:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my great sister in law Susan. Our family has been blessed with the addition Susan has been to our lives and it wouldn't seem right without her now. She is currently in the middle of a busy teaching practiculm ( many of you know the tiredness and all-consuming nature of these) so our hope is that you have a little time to relax and celebrate.

We love you and we are crossing our fingers that Darcen and you will be coming to Indiana July! ( We also need more pictures of just you or else I am going to have to keep bringing out the ol' wedding pics)

An Amazing Weekend

2007-04-25T18:32:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed a great weekend in Tennessee on the river, hanging out and going to a concert with new friends.

A great little place where we ate pulled pork. It was one of those places you would never stop at unless you had heard about.

Our friends Melanie and Chris

The lake house we all stayed at.

The view from the house...the Tennessee River

The scene of an amazing concert...Alison Krauss, Tony Rive, and the Union Station Band!

New Awesome Glasses!

2007-04-19T16:02:00.000-05:00

New awesome glasses, we are leaving for our big trip in an hour to see Alison Krauss, and this morning I started a facebook account. Things are happening people!

Happy Birthday to My Sister!

2007-04-14T15:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my beautiful sister Allison.

She is off on a spontaneous weekend adventure so I will get to talk to her tomorrow but just in case she checks that blog I want to tell her that I love her, that I appreciate her so much, and that I am proud to call her my sister and one of my best friends. The picture above is from her last visit to Indiana, on one of the many covered bridges here. She is beautiful.

Have a wonderful day sis aka Ally-shin- key-key!

A Few Thoughts On This Easter Weekend

2007-04-07T16:43:00.000-05:00

A few thoughts:

1) I really enjoy hanging out with Stephen. In fact, it is so natural and completely part of my life that I am taken off guard by the whole in my life when he is not here (gone to Duke for a conference this weekend). I am definitely missing him.

2) I miss being home with family over holidays.

3) I am getting geared up for our Alison Krauss weekend in two weeks. My Dad emailed me today and said he saw her interviewed and they talked about her song " When You Say Nothing At All." Alison stated it was a simple love song but as it grew in popularity, she begun to receive a lot of fan mail from parents with children who were autistic. It really makes you look at the song a bit differently....

It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word you can light up the dark
Try as I may I could never explain
What I hear when you don't say a thing

The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
You say it best when you say nothing at all

All day long I can hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me near, you drown out the crowd
Old Mr. Webster could never define
What's being said between your heart and mine

I watched a Larry King last weekend on autism and the stats are that 1 out of 166 children are diagnoses of autism right now....they predict more children will receive this diagnosis this year then the diagnosis of aids, cancer, and diabetes in the States. autismspeaks.org is a good site to check out.

4) I watched the movie the Break-Up with Vince and Jennifer and much to the horror of some I am sure, it has just reinforced my allegiance to the Angelina team.

5) I have been listening to the Madeline Peyroux, Half the Perfect World, a lot lately and loving it.

6) I should update my blog links to reflect the ones I really read....and to this point secretly go to through other blogs. Hmmm...

7) I am trying a new Rachel Ray recipe tonight...and timing to see if I can do it in 30 minutes. And tomorrow, after church, I am heading to my new favorite place The Noodle Co. for my Easter meal. I love the food there.

8) I feel content, blessed, healthy, cared for, and relaxed. Happy Easter everyone!

Mind Blowing

2007-04-05T18:40:00.000-05:00

KKK leader suggests possible rally in Bloomington
"Phil Lawson, the Imperial Wizard for the United Northern and Southern Knights of the KKK, wrote that the group has "hopes of clearing up some misunderstandings people may have in regards to our organization .."

This was in our paper today and yesterday. MInd blowing really, It makes a shiver go up my spine that an organization so based on hate can be thriving so close. Most days you want to believe that on a whole the world is becoming a better place but this makes you question it.

A Great Visit

2007-04-01T20:37:00.000-05:00

We have just concluded another great visit with Jenessa. I think she will blog as well so in hopes of not replicating too much, let me give you a tour of some of our activities.

Jenessa's painting that she did here and that we now have hanging on our living room wall. It is fantastic and this picture does not do it justice at all. However, I have tried with about 15 pictures and this is the best. You will have to come and visit if you want to see it in its true grandeur!

Jenessa teaching my class how to draw oil pastels. They turned out so well! I will try to take a picture of the finished product once they are all done so you can see for yourself!

We went out for a fantastic Mediterranean meal together. Lamb it was for all of us.

We went to St. Louis for two days. We were able to take in an Oilers vs. Blues game (see below), the zoo, the art gallery, and the arc. Here is Jenessa on top of the arch looking down.

This picture is to demonstrate our seats in the third period. We snuck down and ended up right behind the Oilers!

Despite the pictures, Stephen was there along with us at every step. However, all of his pictures are fantastically bad...on purpose. He is tough to get a serious picture out of.

It was definetely a sad good bye at the airport. We are truly blessed to know you Jenessa.

Happy ( A little Early) Birthday to My Brother Darcen

2007-03-28T19:30:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to say a happy birthday to my brother Darcen. He is one of the kindest, most hard working people I know. He has a knack for making people feel comfortable and has a really great sense of humor (some of which I have inherited like the Mr. Bean voice.) He has recently married a great girl named Susan and Stephen and I are pumped to get to know them as a couple for many years to come.

So Darcen, have a wonderful birthday. We are actually going to be in St. Louis on your big day. The activities include seeing the Blues play the Oilers, so we will do a special toast to you. Your present is travelling alongside Jenessa when she goes back to the E-town (is that cool to say?) We love you and are super proud to call you our brother!

Love, Stephen and Amber

Report Cards Done...

2007-03-24T10:20:00.000-05:00

The weekend is here and I have just finished report cards. In a few hours I am going to pick up Jenessa and I am so excited to see her.

Cue Daniel Powter

2007-03-21T20:56:00.000-05:00

Cue Daniel Powter's song "I Had a Bad Day" and add in the words long, overloaded, tiring, and sick.

Lucky it is time for bed.

Life

2007-03-19T20:35:00.000-05:00

Stephen's parents left this morning.
Sad but happy that we had such a good time.
Much work in Masters.
Much work to do with report cards.
However, relaxed because of Pilates and a bath with new bubble bath.
Procrastinating with a blog.
A great friend coming on Saturday, a great motivator to work now.
Life.

Pictures of Nashville and Caving...In No Particular Order

2007-03-15T21:43:00.000-05:00

Sitting at a famous pub called Tootsie (across from the Hockey Center on Broadway), listening to live country music.

At the Hockey Game...Nashville vs. Detroit.

Caving at Mammoth Caves National Park in Kentucky. This part was called Fat Man's Misery as it was quite tight and you had to duck...probably about a mile and a half under ground.

As you can see, some parts were not nearly as tight!

At the Country Music Hall of Fame.

On a tour with the Country Music Hall of Fame. This is Studio B where Elvis recorded half of all of his songs along with other famous singers like Dolly.

A really cool restaurant where you sat down with a group of people other then your family and shared a home cooked Southern meal.

Another supper was spent at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Nashville.

Stephen's great parents. It has been great having them visit.

And looking at cowboy boots...we didn't buy any if you are thinking we are changing our style.

Tomorrow...RV-ing and Amish Country!

Nashville So Far

2007-03-13T07:48:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post at the hotel in Nashville. Yesterday, we walked the downtown core and ate at the Hard Rock Cafe here. We picked up our tickets for the hockey game tonight and we today we are headed off to the Country Music Hall of Fame.

The highlight perhaps...while getting a picture in front of the CMT building, I ran into Kelly Pickler! So perfect...a rising country singer in Nashville coming out of the CMT building. I have her autograph....hee,hee.

Good pictures to come.

Friesen Surprise and Stephen's Birthday

2007-03-12T08:41:00.000-05:00

Stephen's parents are here...surprising him for his birthday and coming to spend a week with us over our Spring Break. We have been on the move and having a great time. As I type Stephen and his Dad are running and we are leaving for Nashville, TN once they are ready. We have got hockey tickets for tomorrow nights game for the Predators vs. the Red Wings. Here are a few pictures of our time so far, primarily of our birding trip on Saturday.

Thanks Allison!

2007-03-06T19:28:00.000-06:00

...and please notice the shiny lips...Thanks Mom!

KFC Advertisment

2007-03-05T19:39:00.000-06:00

Our nearest KFC states proudly on their sign:

"Livers and Gizzards are back"

What? Were they ever here? Do people go to KFC to eat this? Is this only a Midwest USA thing? Weird.

New Bird Feeders for Valentine's Day

2007-02-23T16:58:00.000-06:00

For Valentine's Day, Stephen got a very artsy bird feeder. I wanted to document the production of getting it up and then also, our new squirrel feeder. I (and Sam) am loving this as we have two fat squirrels who are often in our backyard. Stephen is saying we are attracting about a dozen different birds to our little yard.

Allison Krauss

2007-02-21T20:45:00.000-06:00

In some exciting and spontaneous news, we have officially booked tickets to see Allison Krauss with Tim Rice play in Chattanooga, Tennessee in April. To make it even more fun, we are going with a colleague of mine and her husband. She grew up there so she knows some cool places to check out including their aquarium. And her in-laws own a retirement house there so we can stay on a lake for free! So I am blaring the Krauss as I am on my ball and loving every moment of her. Fun time ahead.

Allison = New York

2007-02-18T15:44:00.000-06:00

My sister Allison is off with a friend to New York for her Spring Break today. I am so excited for her and can't wait to see pictures when she gets back.

Our Ice Storm - Pictures By Stephen

2007-02-15T17:20:00.000-06:00

My Valentine

2007-02-14T18:25:00.000-06:00

Happy 7th Valentine's Day.
I am looking forward to celabrating this weekend.
I love you.

Exciting Times

2007-02-13T14:42:00.000-06:00

A Snapshot of My Mind

2007-02-09T15:59:00.000-06:00

Right now...

I am waiting to pick up Stephen at 6:00 for a Philosophy Colloquium.
I am listening to a Carole King album I got from the library and liking it
I have rehashed the parent conferences that I have done the last two days and feel good about them.
I am also thinking about the Oprah I just watched on child slavery in Ghana.
I am sitting on our exercising ball as a type and realize I sit straighter when I use it.
We are thinking of going to a movie tonight and I am thinking about what kind of movie would fit us tonight. I wish basketball was tonight but we have to wait until tomorrow.
I am also wanting to go scan the recipes at Rachael Ray as we have been really happy with some we have tried including a taco bowl meal with avacados which we loved.
I thought about the visitors we are getting in March and am excited.
I feel content and happy.

There is a snapshot.

Curry Recipe with Pictures

2007-02-05T19:00:00.000-06:00

Ingredients

1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large onion, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
2 teaspoons finely chopped ginger
4 teaspoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon cumin

1/8 teaspoon turmeric
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon s salt
1 medium tomato, chopped
1/2 cup water

2 pounds boneless chicken, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)
steamed basmati rice, for serving

1) In a saucepan, heat the oil, then add the onion and cook until nicely browned around the edges, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute. Add the coriander, cumin, turmeric, cayenne and black pepper and stir for one minute. Add the salt, tomato, and water and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the tomato is softened. Add the chicken and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally for 15 minutes.

2)Add the coconut milk and simmer, partially covered, for another 15 minutes, or until the gravy thickens and the chicken is cooked. Add the cinnamon and cloves and simmer for another minute.

3) Remove the chicken from the heat and garnish with the cilantro. Serve with steamed basmati rice.

Rachel Ray and a day off

2007-02-02T20:50:00.000-06:00

What is Amber doing at home on a Friday? Is she sick? Has she been fired?

Oh no, dear friends. She has the day off unexpectedly because of a leaking water pipe. I am now leading you in a cheer where I go "Yo" and then you repeat and then I go "Hey" and you repeat and so on. Love my job but love the break as well.

In all honesty I have had a really busy week but blogger will not let me post the pictures to prove it. At school I lead the first ever Poetry Coffee House and it was one of the greatest things I have done in my four years of teaching but it also required a lot of work. Bloomington is also having their annual Chocolate Fest this weekend and so all three of my cooking classes are entering which also is great fun but a lot of work. The cutest creation was the youngest classes version of chocolate turtles, which were mouth watering and looked very cute. Last year one of the classes won third so we will see how we do this year.

This weekend is the Superbowl and Colts fever is alive and well here. We have having some couples over and are going to host our first ever official Superbowl party. I myself will watch and cheer for the Colts but be especially attentive to the million dollar commercials.

I have also had a music revitalization this week with the discovery of Norah's new album and two new artists to me, Jesse Harris and Richard Julian. Notice how I say to me as I have been burned in the past with thinking I “discovered” someone ( i.e. Michael Buble) only to find that he actually was a best seller already. They are actually both affiliated with Norah in some way ( guitar player for her and singer in Little Willies, respectively) and both have come out with their own work. Just loving it.

The only other thing of some importance is that we have purchased an exercise ball. I have been obsessed with them with my class and we needed a new reasonably price chair for the desk and so presto, we bought one. I am engaging my abdomen as we speak and have terrific posture. We will see how it goes.

Oh, and as I just reread the post I realized that my title does not match yet. I love Rachael Ray now. That is why I put her name up there. I am cooking only her recipes at this time and just loving it. I took a cookbook along with us to grocery shop and have found some great recipes to say the least. I will post a curry recipe soon but for now just check out her site and look at 30 minute meals. I really can do them in 30 minutes.

Weekend, here we come.

Miss Indiana

2007-01-28T17:08:00.000-06:00

The Miss USA contest is on Monday night on CMT. My interest has come from knowing the guy who is engaged to Miss Indiana (fellow teacher.) Miss Indiana, Betsy, is doing her Masters in Opera at IU right now. We went to see her perform in an Opera called Manon this Fall. She has also been extremely generous with her time at our school with events and signing countless autographs to students.

So here's rooting for Miss Indiana!

Pilates on the ball

2007-01-22T19:17:00.000-06:00

I have come back from week 2 of Pilates on the ball. I have little experience working with an exercise ball and so I feel like this is going to be a good challenge and again help me with my balance. Taking my camera in this would be awkward and so I will highlight a few poses.

The following pose is something we are supposed to do when we stretch out after doing sit-ups, etc. I find this pose unstable at this time.

The next shows a plank position push up. I do not believe that my body line is near as straight as this yet plus my entire body is shaking throughout this procedure. However, it really works me and even today, round 2 of the class, I felt it was a bit easier.

And finally, this next pose is what I will eventually be. Just kidding. It is kind of neat to see what is top performance. I saw one picture of a woman sitting cross legged on top of the ball. That requires some serious balance.

Snowy Morning

2007-01-21T08:56:00.000-06:00

This is our first real snow of the year. We have had a few days before Christmas where it snowed in the night only to melt before noon the following day. It is suppose to snow throughout the night and into the night. Am I hearing the possibility of a Snow Day tomorrow...?

This picture is taken out our window of our study.

This is the field by our house.

American Idol Gone Too Far?

2007-01-18T18:35:00.000-06:00

Has anybody watched any of the new American Idol season this week? I am interested in thoughts.

We happened to catch the end of yesterday's show from Seattle and I was left a bit stunned. I had heard media reports that the show was being "extra mean" this season and I quickly came to agree. They are so obviously making fun of people and setting them up for disaster.

I was torn, as I know people go and audition and sign a wavier and need to prepare for editing and jokes. However, I was left in wonder at how popular the show is and all it really is doing at this stage is making fun of people...harshly.

I spend all day working with kids, trying to teach them to get along, make friends, accept other people, and so on. But then we go home and laugh our heads off at other people because they look different, are naive, or gullible.

So I am left to wonder if I am having an intense teacher moment and being too sensitive or if I have a point?

A bit of a lull

2007-01-16T16:05:00.000-06:00

I have been in a bit of a lull with blogging...I guess it is a combination of busyness and things happening at work that I can not blog about openly.

Not to say that life has not had it up moments since the last entry. These include but are not limited to my first experience with Tibetan food, the watching of Season 5 of 24 in anticipation for the new season starting, some fun times with friends, an amazing meal where we used the gift certificate that I received for eating raw chicken there last time ( could of blogged about that), and some great basketball.

I have also started my grad class on teaching social skills, which looks great so far. I am getting to know some of the people and many took the lasst class I was in which is fun. I also feel like this is an area I really need to learn more about. I am reading a book right now for fun called. "It Is So Much Work To Be Your Friend." Really interesting if you want a nonfiction read.

But atlas, the reason that I have officially been pulled from my blogging lull is that facts that my beautiful sister in law and her very nice boyfriend had posted pictures of themselves on his blog. It made me Chryslyn and I want to keep in contact better. So, I am stealing a photo and will write again soon.

A Few Things New

2007-01-06T07:35:00.000-06:00

A few things that are new with us...

We had our mail held when we were gone and so when we got back, we had a huge amount of mail to open including some great Christmas cards. We know have a picture of Jen and Kevin, Christine and Brad, Joanna and Kevin, and Jill and Luke on our fridge. We heard from great friends and even my beloved teacher mentor from BC. I did not send out anything this year but this outpouring of love may motivate me for next year...or maybe a spontaneous letter...does this really only need to happen at Christmas?

I am in the middle of a great book right now that I got from Chryslyn for my birthday. It is called Bloodletting and Miraculous Cures and I am really enjoying it so far. It is Canadian, which is great, and I also think of Chryslyn in the nursing program so that is cool. The chapters are all connected somehow but it sometimes takes you a few chapters after to realize how.

Other items of enjoyment include two pieces of clothing I received over the holiday that are from the Gap Red line. This is a line of products that promise to give 50% of the purchase price to AIDS in Africa. The clothing is really good plus it gives wearing it an extra bonus. Enjoying clothing with a message.

Lastly, we have started to watch the seventh season of West Wing. It has been out for a while but we have not had the time so we are excited to be able to slowly get into it. I always want to be CJ after seeing this season.

No Difference

2007-01-02T18:43:00.000-06:00

Small as a peanut,
Big as a giant,
We’re all the same size
When we turn off the light.

Rich as a sultan,
Poor as a mite,
We’re all worth the same
when we turn off the light.

Red, black, or orange,
Yellow or white,
We all look the same
When we turn off the light.

So maybe the way
To make everything right
Is for God to just reach out
And turn off the light

Written by Shel Silverstein

We are back

2007-01-01T20:45:00.000-06:00

After a great two weeks in Lethbridge, we are back.

Great times with both families and friends that included:

Christmas light tour competitions ( how many deer/snowman?)
Gray's Anatomy and Arrested Development reruns
A 50th Birthday party for Stephen's Dad
many a coffee and thankfully one expresso shake from the Penny
2 turkey dinners and a ham dinner
great gifts given and received
cross country skiing in Waterton
hikes in the fields and coulees
an intense ping pong tournament between Allison and Stephen
great cheese and chocolate foundues
a fun wedding for Sharon and Chad
the meeting of a new boyfriend
the first annual PJ exchange
many a movie at the theatre
a trip to Calgary to shop
Chinese food and Osho's
good flights
And so much more...

We took no pictures on our camera which is sad for the blog. You can check out Chryslyn's and Allison's for a few picture moments.

Happy New Year to you all!

Let the holidays begin...

2006-12-18T23:49:00.000-06:00

What's your reaction....

2006-12-13T18:14:00.000-06:00

I had read on Marc and Kylie's blog awhile ago about this big Christmas peace wreath controversy in Colorado
(see http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15912456/).

My Dad has crafted his own rendition and so far no public reaction. Any thoughts?

Picture of this weekend

2006-12-10T22:15:00.000-06:00

Stephen is 40 pages into a paper and Sam has patiently supported him. He loves the heat from the lamp and will spend hours with Stephen.

If you came over to our house tonight...

2006-12-09T20:33:00.000-06:00

If you came over to our house tonight...

* I would make you lasanga because I can make this amazing lasanga. It has been a process of just adding things at whim but I have the simplest, best recipe. We made it tonight and I would give you some.

* You would hear Christmas music blaring upstairs because despite our busy working ( in fact, we really couldn't talk to you a lot because we both have papers to write), we have the Christmas music blaring and are getting extremely pumped for the holidays to begin. Downstairs you could watch Lord of the Rings as Stephen has it playing continuously while he writes.

* I would tell you this story about how we went to see a basketball game on Wednesday night and the atmosphere was electric and our team won by 52 points and it was amazing. However, then we got back into the car and started listening to the radio broadcast of the highlights. The broadcaster ended his show by saying..."And that is another night of basketball folks. Remember, keep your head up, be vigilant, and God bless America." To this, Stephen and I burst into laughter as we tried to figure out why we were being vigilant.

* I would tell you that my eyes are almost completely healed and that I feel extremely blessed by how that situation turned out

* I would show you how Sam is really into this game called "Wild Cat" where he madly chases you up the stairs and tries to bite your heals. I would get you to try it in the pitch black as this is what often happens at night.

I really do wish that some of you could come over tonight.

My Eyes

2006-12-04T17:00:00.001-06:00

This weekend has been a good reminder of blessings I have and how I take my eye sight for granted.

On Friday, my eyes started to tear up and become extremely light sensitive. By Friday evening, I could not open my left eye and barely open my right. I was in extreme pain and extremely light sensitive. My eyes were flowing with liquid. The best way I can describe it is that my eyes felt raw. I thought that the lens or something had come out, leaving my eyeball exposed and in pain.

Stephen found me in this state when he returned home from work and immediately went to work to find out what was wrong. He was diligent and caring, exactly what I needed as I panicked and tried to deal with pain that my extra strength tylonel would not remedy. He was able to get me into a emergency eye clinic place within the hour.

Since that time, I have spent over 3 and half hours with eye doctors at three different times, taken five different kinds of medication, become dehydrated and extremely nausea, and slept a huge amount. It appears that I got some kind of base solution or perhaps an alcohol based solution in my eyes which literally burned my eyes.

The great news is that I had another visit today to the doctors and they are in awe of how fast I am healing. I will be able to go back to work tomorrow and have been even allowed to drive during the day. My right eye is almost hundred percent and my left eye is lagging just slightly. I am being switched to different drops again and it is predicted that I will be 100 percent by the weekend.

Because I had so much time just lying there, thinking, it has been a good time to put things in perspective and realize how lucky and blessed I am. I have a husband who watched me through the worst panicking and pain I have been in for a long time just care for me and take charge. I have had amazing family support including these amazing flowers that were just delivered to me from my family. They caused me to cry which concerned the flower delivery man. In honesty, I was just glad that I could cry without severe pain. ( The kind of burn in my eyes made crying extremely painful.)

I feel blessed that our prayers were answered. I feel thankful for my eyes and the great care I received, including a cornea specialist that just happened to be available. I am so happy that I can go back to work and even more happy that Christmas and going home to Canada is so close. A traumatizing weekend to say the least but also miraculous.

Random Association

2006-11-28T17:59:00.000-06:00

good day
tired
holiday?
like teaching
but Christmas
gifts to get
snow
suppose to come on Thursday or Friday
day we go climbing with school
a bit scared of climbing wall
tired
headache
relax
bath
Chistmas songs ( really tempted with endorse a certain album here but I won't)
Stephen
smile
my day

The Holiday Celebrations Begin...

2006-11-24T21:31:00.000-06:00

Celebrations are in high gear here. We got up at 5:45am and went through some stores for Black Friday ( very similar to Canada's Boxing Day). Target especially was crazy. You can tell people are doing a lot of their Christmas shopping today. This evening, was the official light up of downtown. We again bustled with the crowds and heard caroling, a brass band, and saw Santa. Below is the best picture that I can find on the web of the lights but I do not think it does justice to how pretty it is. Lights extend from the top of the courthouse which is in the center of a square to the bordering streets. Then the trees are all lit as well. It is quite magical.

Yesterday we made ourselves an American Thanksgiving feast. By following Rachel Ray recipes, we both would agree that this was our best turkey yet. I even enjoyed the mashed potatoes which is a stretch for me. At first we were not going to go turkey, but is the fun of shopping, everyone around us was getting a turkey and we just caught the spirit of it. It was a good choice.

Finally, a shot of the outside of our house taken just moments ago. We put up our snowflake lights and presto, the count down to Christmas is upon us.

Making Our Christmas Tree

2006-11-22T14:15:00.000-06:00

The drive to find branches. It is a beautiful Fall/Winter day

Our trunk full of branches for all sorts of trees. I should note that the gathering was fun but a bit stressful as we heard many a gunshot go off in the area. It is hunting season...

The finished product. A new kind of Christmas tree.

The Christmas tree in our living room. Thought they looked alittle planned, those Starbuck mugs were really there as we were drinking coffee. We got them for our anniversary...thanks again guys.

Sam wanted one of him with the tree. He loved the whole making of the tree project and has yet to pull it all down which has been surprising but good. Stephen is taking a work break in a few minutes and then we are off to get groceries for our big Thanksgiving feast tomorrow.

First Two Days of Holidays

2006-11-21T18:54:00.000-06:00

Loving the holidays so far. I feel relaxed and yet efficient and that is when I do best. I have been reading quite a few blogs and the craze is to do 100 things about yourself and so I am going to try 50.

1) Love being on a week holiday right now
2) Excited because Stephen also does not have to go to school for the rest of the week
3) Really getting into the festive feeling of thanksgiving here
4) Will try to make with Stephen a cool meal of ham or chicken
5) We are both not really into making a turkey form scratched ( a bit gross)
6) We will get our fill at Christmas
7) We will be in Canada for 2 weeks at Christmas...yeah!
8) You really do appreciate and long for people when you are away...we are excited
9) We are going to get up at 5:00am in the morning and shop. It is kind of like Boxing Day in Canada on that day
10) Last year I got great deals at Bath and Body Works
11) We have not started Christmas shopping but we will soon...alot of people start on Friday here
12) On the weekend we are going to put up our Christmas lights outside
13) We are also going to make a tree...I will post pictures
14) We hope to hike a bit in the next few days
15) We don't have a dog to hike with but we really like love our cat Sam
16) I also love Gray's Anatomy right now...suppose to be extra good this Thursday
17) I am totally burned out of Gilmore Girl's with the Christopher story line
18) We have started to experiment with different music from the library lately...listening to Nutcracker to go to sleep
19) We will go to the Nutcracker ballet in a few weekends...tradition
20) I am loving the new Sara M Christmas CD...thanks Dad
21) I really like coffee and Stephen does now too
22) We have bought the Christmas Blend from Starbucks
23) And the Caramel Pecan cream
24) Holidays make me realize how luckily I am to have a job I love
25) Stephen loves what he does too
26) We are really fortunate for this
27) A week break from my course also makes me realize again how much I love school
28) And how much I have learned this semester
29) Families are so important in education
30) More important then I sometimes realize
31) This is my favorite time of year
32) Half Fall/Half Christmas
33) I can't let myself start counting down to the holidays yet or I will obsess about it
34) I really enjoy the blogging world
35) Good way to stay connected and keep in touch with people I might not usually
36) My three "sister" all have blogs which I really like...Allison, Susan ,and Chryslyn
37) I am really lucky to have them
38) I know my two brother also read them...Darcen and Sheldon
39) A few things I love
40) Stephen...five and half years...can't believe how awesome and how blessed I am
41) Long baths
42) Reading. I have just read a cool series for kids called the Alex Rider series ( 5 books)
43) May try another kid's series abut cat wars and one called Charlie Bone
44) I switch between kid and adult book reading
45) The Tuesday's With Morrie author has a new book which I want to try
46) I love orange juice in the morning with coffee
47) not mixed
48) I am also going to start reading a kid's book called The Family Under the Bridge with my class. Excellent.
49) This thanksgiving I am so thankful, as always, for good friends
50) And a wonderful family

There is a little bit about me. I don't know if I could do a full 100 so here is a toast to those of you who are. Maybe I'll do another 50 another time.

Happy Birthday Dad!

2006-11-19T08:23:00.000-06:00

It is my Dad's birthday today and I wanted to send out a post of love and gratitude to him. The older I get, the more I realized how blessed I am to have the relationship I do with my parents. I am excited to call home, excited to go home, and miss being home because of them. I especially miss home on days like this when we miss celebrations.

My Dad has been a constant source of love and support in my life. We share a love of coffee which is the joining link of some of my favorite times with my Dad...Meeting him for coffee or picking up a coffee on the way to do something. My Dad is a great example of a hard working, life long learner who never is too busy for his kids. One of the greatest acts of love that he could and continues to do is the love and acceptance that he has always shown to Stephen.

So Dad, I am toasting the coffee that I am drinking right now to you and thank you for the role you have in my life.

Happy Birthday! Can't wait to see you at Christmas!
Love, Amber

History and Philosophy of Science Humor

2006-11-17T16:57:00.000-06:00

To give you a little taste of History and Philosophy of Science History, check out this picture that is making the email rounds. The question is, can you see Darwin's face in it. Stephen claims the resemblance is uncanny...

A Great But Busy Week

2006-11-16T20:07:00.000-06:00

It is funny when you know that you have a week off coming up, that you start to look forawrd to it. Then suddenly, your mentality changes and you begin to believe that you wouldn't make it without that week off. I am definitely at that point. I have the entire week off next week as an ode to American Thanksgiving. After the week we have had in regards to business though, I feel like it is justifiable. I attended the International Dyslexia Conference for four great, long days. I learned an incredible amount and felt a sense of confirmation that this is where I should be right now with my job. There is an incredible amount of work being done in this field but still so much more to do. I was challenged to teach more fluency development to my students and was very interested on the sessions relating to the trifold Dyslexia, ADHD, and Executive Dysfunction make. The conference also left me feeling proud to teach at the school I do. The vision of the school seems so in-sync with current research and then more.

Perhaps the one aspect that it was missing at times was the amazingness of a dyslexic mind. The majority of the sessions did focus on the deficits instead of viewing certain areas like reading and writing weaknesses as parallel to amazing strengths. Talking purely in stereotypes, many dyslexics are amazingly artistic, intuitive, adaptable, creative, and tactile learners. The way that my students think challenge me. I have often prescribed to the most common way of doing something until they think or come at with a different way. This is not a disability but a difference.

I am thankful for what I do and the opportunities that I have through my job and schooling. My great husband, Stephen is marking papers beside me, the new Sara McLachlan CD from my parents is on, I just did yoga with a friend, Gray's Anatomy is on in 45 minutes, and I have nothing to do to get ready for tomorrow. I have a beautiful good life.

Basketball and a Conference

2006-11-06T17:07:00.000-06:00

We went to the first exhibition basketball game at IU this weekend. We are the proud owners of student season passes this year. Despite it being just an exhibition game, there was tons of people, the band was out, fans on their feet doing this cheers that we are slowly learning, and the cheerleaders were performing. We get different seats each time. We had pretty good ones for this game and once this season we are really close to the floor!

The Cheerleaders
The Band
The Game

We have tickets for 13 more games so we are bound to get to know the players and feel the "Team Red" spirit!

An exciting thing this week is that I get to attend the International Dyslexia Conference. It is four days jammed packed with sessions, exhibitions, luncheons, etc. I am exited for the professional development and break from teaching. If you want to check out the website, go to http://www.interdys.org/ One added bonus is that there will be some presenters from BC there. One of them will present on a program that I use now.

Ferrets

2006-11-02T17:16:00.000-06:00

Some close family members of ours are currently residing in a place where there are ferrets. I do not know alot about these creatures but today with my class, we visited a Pet Store where there was a huge cage with at least five ferrets in it. I immediately think of these particular family members and ask many questions to find out more about these little mousy-weasel looking animals. Some keypoints:

- Ferrets have a scent gland in them that makes them smell like a skunk. This is usually removed when they are to be pets but they will always have a slight scent of a skunk on them.

- Ferrets can live up to 10 years

- They do bite, especially if they have be abused or mistreated. However the lady was quick to note that especially young ferrets have sore gums so what may feel like a bite to people, may actually be a nibble on their part. You need to do what is called "nibble training" or "gentle mouthing" training with them. This is basically to say "no" and maybe use some kind of bitter bite deterrent liquid with them

- It is encouraged to let a ferret out of their cage for at least 3 hours a day

-They were domesticated long ago to kill smaller rodents

-Ferrets eat meat exclusively

-They are highly susceptible to rabies and definitely need to have constant shots

- 70% of all ferrets will need a surgery in their lives

I have honestly not known anyone before this current situation who owns a ferret but according to the Pet Store lady, they are quite a popular pet. Who knew?

Pumpkin Carving

2006-10-30T16:11:00.000-06:00

The traditional carving of the pumpkin begins...
Sam gets involved...more interested in the twirly piece on the top then anything else.

Stephen carving. Sorry he is sideways and blurry but you get the idea.

I am attempting the carve. Stephen drew the picture...two artsy people holding hands under the starts and crescent shaped moon with their cat.

The finished project that I love. There are stars on the top that shoot onto the ceiling when lit.