Lazy Saturday

Okay, it wasn't really all that lazy. I had a conference today, where I went to four different math workshops. They were awesome, and I'm looking forward to using some of the things I learned in the classroom. When I got home, we took Grace over to Longview Elementary and we played soccer in the courtyard and then on the playground. I think that's her favorite place to play around. Lisa put Grace's soccer ball on one of the swings, and Grace walked to the swing, got up on her hind legs, and literally punched the ball off the swing with one paw. She then continued to play soccer by herself while we just watched and laughed. That dog is just too much!

We're contemplating buying a Wii. Those things are just way too cool, and there are games for everyone (including uncomplicated ones that Grace's grandmas can even figure out!). There are a ton of other features on it that look really neat. The problem is, noplace can keep them in stock long enough for us to go and buy one! I'm sure once Christmastime rolls around, places will be stocking up on them, so we'll just have to wait for a few weeks.

Lisa's parents are driving down for Thanksgiving in a couple of weeks, and we're really looking forward to that. We want to go away for our anniversary, so they'll serve honorably in the roll of Gracie-sitters for a couple of days. They enjoy that, though. I'm hoping to get some Amish friendship bread from someone at school to make in time for Thanksgiving (if you've never had it, it's awesome, and very easy to make...I did it, after all!). I don't know what's going to be on the menu.

Our search for a house is about to come into full swing. I'm doing some research and educating myself on all the intricacies of buying a house and saving money doing so. There are a handful of houses in which we're very interested. We're going to start within the next couple of weeks with finding a good mortgage lender and realtor, then it'll feel more "for real." I'm so excited about this. Though it's very nice, I don't particularly care for the apartment, especially after living in a house for the last 4 years. We're also very excited for Grace, who will have her own backyard in which to run around and play soccer without us having to drive to elementary schools and other playgrounds (though we do it gladly).

Both of our jobs are going very well. I love teaching middle school so much more than I thought I would. There are things I miss about elementary school, but not enough to take me away from these sixth graders...they're awesome. Lisa's is enjoying her new career as a special education teacher. I'm sure she'll share some stories with you about her school and her drive to school, which are very entertaining.

Life in Tennessee is great. We love it here, and are unbelievably happy that we are here. I really believe that this is where God has wanted us to be all along, and He has blessed us incredibly. We love you all.