Gratitude

For my husband who worked his hardest to give me and my children the most amazing day today.  Thank you also to Walt and Mickey and the rest of the cast.

I feel satisfied at my life and wouldn't change a thing.  Even the stinky smell in the kitchen.

Dessert Contest?

So we finished our official dessert contest last year over 6 months ago and Steve has proposed that we start up again.

Here are our reasons for considering doing it again:

• The first place winner moved across the country freeing up her slot
• The second place winner is withdrawing from the competition
• There are a few families that moved in since our last competition who we think could bring it
• It is a good way to celebrate our last few months
• The trophy is so cute, really it is

What is your vote?

What you would have gotten tonight

If you lived next door...

Second runner-up

You may remember when I posted about the most inspiring keynote ever, Wynton Marsalis.

Well, I saw someone who matched him: Bill Strickland.  So many ways to improve urban education yet so few make it happen.  If you saw Waiting for Superman they show him (for like two seconds) driving by a prison and he talks about most of his peers from high school are there now.

Indiana Winter

I tried to capture the chill in my bones but it just looks normal.  But seriously, Midwestern winter is freeeeezing.

High Schooler Gratitude

Saw this on the tree of gratitude hanging in the hallway at a school today.  Take heart parents!

Joys of Unpacking

The last 24 hours...

Steve's advisor:   So... I think you should stay here until March.

Steve and Lee:  Uh.  We already have started planning our own going away party.

Steve's advisor:  Well, okay.  But I am making a case for you to stay, take this great job as a TA to enhance your resume and we can make sure you are really focused on your dissertation before we send you off into the wild yonder with all those Mormons.  Also, I think you should apply for this awesome fellowship that you don't actually quality for.

Steve and Lee:  uh....

Bridget:  No, I want to move!!!

Lee:  I want a washing machine

Steve:  I like the Mountains

Friends at dinner last night:  The most important thing for you is relationships with faculty, but if you feel like you have been around long enough to establish those relationships, then good for you.

Steve:  Uhhh....

This morning:

Lee:  I hate the cold. Plus Lisa Nicholes is awesome.

Steve:  I like to run here.  Plus I can make some money.

Bridget:  I better get some ballroom dance classes if we are staying here.

So friends... we are delaying our move to Utah until March.    Mainly because I want to hold an "Ides of March" going away party.